Interview with Nicholas McGegan: Henry Purcell
November 21, 2003
by John Birge, Minnesota Public Radio
Listen (5:39s)

	Nicholas McGegan

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and conductor Nicholas McGegan pay tribute to the great English composer Henry Purcell. November 22 is the Feast Day of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and the SPCO will perform Ode to St. Cecilia Purcell composed in celebration of that day.

Minnesota Public Radio's John Birge spoke with Nicholas McGegan about Purcell's life (and two amazing theories about his death), the tradition of St. Cecilia, and how to mix bowl of traditional St. Cecilia's Day punch that Nic says "could kill a donkey!"

The SPCO performs Saturday, November 22, 2003 8 pm at St. Paul's UCC
This Concert will be broadcast on January 11, 2004. See SPCO regional broadcast schedule

Charleston St. Cecilia Punch
6 lemons
1 quart brandy
1 pineapple
1-1/2 pounds sugar
1 quart green tea
1 pint heavy rum
1 quart peach brandy
1 gallon champagne
2 quarts carbonated water

Slice lemons thin and cover with brandy. Allow to steep for 24 hours. Several hours before ready to serve, slice the pineapple into the bowl with the lemon slices, then add the sugar, tea, rum, and peach brandy. Stir well. When ready to serve, add the champagne and water. 80-90 servings.