Kimball Jenkin’s Presents:

A Spooky Sérénade: Art Songs Arias and Ghostly Stories

Come join Melissa Elsman, Contralto and Kathryn Southworth for A Spooky Sérénade, an enchanting evening of art songs, arias and ghostly tales that will get you in the Halloween spirit. Featuring music by Clara Schumann, Gilbert and Sullivan, Saint-Säens, Purcell, Vaughn Williams, Richard Hundley, Mendelssohn, Irving Fine Lee Hoiby and Humperdinck. This family-friendly concert is recommended for ages 10 and up, and is free and open to the public. Come in costume if you dare!

This event will be taking place at Kimball Jenkins.

Join contralto Melissa Elsman and pianist Kathryn Southworth for Part Two of this lecture–recital exploring the life and music of nineteenth-century Parisian composer Augusta Holmès. Denied access to the Paris Conservatory like her male peers, Holmès persuaded César Franck to take her on as a private student. “She arouses in me the most unspiritual desires,” her composition instructor is famously quoted as saying. Yet Holmès’s brilliance extended far beyond her presence: during her studies with Franck, she began composing large-scale works—an endeavor considered forbidden for women of her time.

The program examines the height of her fame, including the commission of her monumental Ode Triumphale to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution, which premiered in 1889 at the Palais de l’Industrie with 1,200 musicians. This is followed by the profound hardships she faced, both professionally and personally, which left her financially strained. Despite these challenges, Holmès remained resilient, turning toward spirituality and maintaining hope and optimism. Selected songs from her Twenty Melodies will be performed to reflect the struggles she endured, alongside selections from her Divine Tales, which showcase her enduring strength and devotion to the divine.

Bach’s Lunches are free and open to the public. They are made possible in part through the generosity of the Walker Fund. Click here for more information on this Concord Community Music School Event.

Join contralto Melissa Elsman and pianist Kathryn Southworth for Part One of this lecture–recital exploring the early life and music of nineteenth-century Parisian composer Augusta Holmès. Celebrated in her lifetime yet seldom remembered today, Holmès defied societal expectations by composing on a grand scale—an endeavor deemed “masculine” and inappropriate for women of her era.

Renowned not only for her music but also for her poetry, voice, and striking presence, Holmès captivated many of the leading artists of her day. Camille Saint- Saëns is quoted as saying “We were all in love with her— literary men, savants, painters, musi­cians; any one of us would have been proud to make her his wife.”

This program highlights her early years, a period marked by passion, romance, and artistic inspiration. A selection of musical works and poetry written by Augusta Holmès that reflect this season of her life will be performed, including her ardent song set Les Sérénades and her fiery song cycle Les Heures.

The Bach's Lunch series is made possible in part through the generosity of the Walker Lecture Fund. Click here for more information on this Concord Community Music School Event.

The Concord Community Music School and Baker Free Library - Bow Present:

Forgotten Voices: The Courageous Women Behind the Music
Join contralto Melissa Elsman and pianist Kathryn Southworth in celebrating the remarkable contributions of three extraordinary women composers of the 19th and 20th centuries: Clara Schumann, Pauline Viardot, and Amy Beach. During their lifetimes, these women made a profound impact on the musical world, earning admiration for their artistry and innovation. However, despite their achievements, their works have often been unfairly overlooked in the canon of classical music. Through captivating songs and compelling stories about their lives, this program sheds light on the challenges these women faced, the courage it took to create music in an era that often silenced their voices, and the lasting legacy they left behind.

This event will take place at the Baker Free Library in Bow, NH. This free concert was made possible by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Ellen Downing Waite and Edward Osgood Waite Fund. Click here for more information on this event.

Melissa Elsman will be making an appearance at the Concord Community Music School Faculty Recital Showcase.

Join us for our Annual Faculty Showcase Recital and learn about the musical passions of our acclaimed teaching artists, who frequently perform on local, regional, and national stages.

The Faculty Showcase Recital is free of charge and open to the public, thanks to the support of the Ellen Downing Waite and Edward Osgood Waite Fund.

Click here for event details.

The Concord Community Music School Presents:

Forgotten Voices: The Courageous Women Behind the Music
Join contralto Melissa Elsman and pianist Kathryn Southworth in celebrating the remarkable contributions of three extraordinary women composers of the 19th and 20th centuries: Clara Schumann, Pauline Viardot, and Amy Beach. During their lifetimes, these women made a profound impact on the musical world, earning admiration for their artistry and innovation. However, despite their achievements, their works have often been unfairly overlooked in the canon of classical music. Through captivating songs and compelling stories about their lives, this program sheds light on the challenges these women faced, the courage it took to create music in an era that often silenced their voices, and the lasting legacy they left behind.

This event will take place on June 29th, 2025 at Canterbury Parish House Community Center at 7pm. All are welcome to attend. This concert was made possible by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Ellen Downing Waite and Edward Osgood Waite Fund.

Melissa will be performing in the professional ensemble of Carmen in Concert with Opera del West and Brockton Symphony Orchestra at Buckley Performing Arts Center. https://www.operadelwest.org/

Melissa will be singing the National Anthem for the NH State House of Representatives. The recording can be viewed live and after the event here: House Session (02/06/2025).

Due to limited seating registration is required. Please register here.

This event will take place at: Penacook Library and Activity Center, 76 Community Drive, Penacook, NH 03303.

 Join contralto Melissa Elsman during Intown Concord’s “Midnight Merriment” for Melodies of Joy: Holiday and Timeless Classics, a festive program featuring a delightful selection of holiday favorites and classic songs. This event promises to uplift and inspire, capturing the joy of the season through the magic of live music. Perfect for audiences of all ages! Taking place from 7-8 pm at Firefly Crystal & Tarot.

Firefly Crystal & Tarot is a BIPOC - woman - owned small business, run by two unique best friends. Specializing in providing the finest quality metaphysical supplies, crystals/gems, jewelry, artisan and handmade crafts/gifts and various divination readings.

A soirée featuring songs of love and gratitude in celebration of Thanksgiving, followed by light refreshments. This event is currently at capacity and by invite only, to inquire about joining future soirées email Melissa at melissatelsman@gmail.com.

"A Spooky Serenade: Art Songs and Ghostly Stories"
Join contralto and music educator Melissa Elsman for A Spooky Serenade, a fun-filled evening of spooky art songs and ghostly stories that will get you in the Halloween spirit.

This performance will take place during Intown Concord’s event Halloween Howl outdoors in Eagle Square from 7-7:30pm, downtown Concord, NH.

Come join Melissa Elsman, Contralto and Kathryn Southworth for A Spooky Sérénade, an enchanting evening of art songs, arias and ghostly tales that will get you in the Halloween spirit. Featuring music by Clara Schumann, Gilbert and Sullivan, Saint-Säens, Purcell, Vaughn Williams, Richard Hundley, Mendelssohn, Irving Fine Lee Hoiby and Humperdinck. This family-friendly concert is recommended for ages 10 and up, and is free and open to the public. A reception with light refreshments follows. Come in costume if you dare!

Greater Nashua’s Habitat for Humanity will be hosting “Home for the Holidays”, a cocktail party and silent auction as a fundraiser to provide safe and affordable housing to local families. Melissa Elsman, Contralto will be entertaining guests and singing holiday classics during the event from 7:00-8:30pm.

See link below for more information:

https://www.nashuahabitat.org/cocktail-party-tickets