For over 20 years, the Eric Byrd Trio (EBT) has traveled the world as enthusiastic jazz ambassadors. Rooted in swing and be-bop, The Trio also embraces gospel and the blues as core elements of their expansive performance style. Their body of work spans seven unique studio and live recordings on which they shine as a Trio and as collaborators with an expanded 8-piece ensemble they call The Eric Byrd Trio: Brother Ray Band, in tribute to The Genius of Soul icon Ray Charles.
Handel Messiah
This video is selected works from the 2019 performance of the Messiah at Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts in Columbia, MD. CPC bass and former Board president, Scott Harman, interviews conductor Frances Dawson, and the soloists (in order of appearance) Charles Reid, tenor; MaryAnn McCormick, mezzo; Amy van Roekel, soprano; and Lester Lynch, baritone. Other performers are the Festival Orchestra and Henry Lowe, organ.
Year: 2019
Durufle Requiem
This video is from the March 2016 live performance recorded by Alan Wonneberger Music at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ellicott City, MD. It features the chorus; CPC Chamber Singers; Howard County Concert Orchestra; Donald Fries, organ; Jacqueline Pollauf, harp; Laura Whittenberger, soprano; Rob McGinness, baritone; under the direction of Frances M. Dawson. A pre-concert lecture is presented by Barbara Renton, Ph.D.
Teaser for Alice in Wonderland
National Players commissioned an original and unique adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, conceived and directed by Natsu Onada Power.
Year: 2017-2018
Tour 71 Players Talk About National Players
Tour 71 members CJ Riggs and Saira Grewal introduce which characters they played on tour and what their technical roles were within the company. They also talk about how National Players reimagines classics for contemporary audiences.
Year: 2019-2020