Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Admission: Free | Open to the Public
(no tickets required)
Watch: Livestream in Harkness Chapel
About The Program
Cecilia Young, Hester Santlow, and the Making of English Opera and Dance in Eighteenth-Century London
This lecture-recital traces the careers of soprano, Cecilia Young, and dancer, Hester Santlow: two British women performing at the highest caliber in their respective fields on London’s most competitive stages. The roles created for these women reveal the specific changes happening in theatrical dance and opera genres that eventually defined “English style” in the eighteenth century.
Since so few secondary sources regarding the contributions of these women exist, this presentation brings to light the contemporary public reception of these women performers, and the composers who helped give them a platform. The music and choreographies performed today showcase the diverse skills of Young and Santlow that inspired composers and choreographers to create specific roles, rather than giving composers and choreographers complete artistic credit.
Performed with:
- Julie Andrijeski, dancer
- Naomi McMahon, soprano
- Jane Leggiero, cello
- Jonathan Milord, viola
- Parastoo Heidarinejad, violin
- Liz Loayza, violin
- QinYing Tan, harpsichord
- Danur Kvilhaug, lute
- Ellen Sauer Tanyeri, flute
- Anna O'Connell, harp
About The Artist
Sophia Duray is equally dedicated to teaching and performing. As an active soloist and ensemble musician from Indianapolis, Indiana, Sophia performs with organizations including Apollo’s Fire, Leipzig Baroque Orchestra, Valparaiso University Bach Institute, and the Indianapolis Early Music Festival. After graduating, she will move to Chicago to pursue performance and teaching full time, and collaborate with Bella Voce ensemble, the William Ferris Chorale, Sphere Born, and Cut Circle. Sophia also specializes in performing Baroque dance choreographies written in Feuillet-Beauchamp notation, and plans on incorporating more dances in future collaborative programs throughout the United States.
CWRU Music 2025–26 Concert Season
The Case Western Reserve University Department of Music presents a dynamic season of concerts, recitals, and special events featuring students, faculty, and guest artists. From classical masterworks to contemporary works, the series highlights the creativity and excellence of CWRU’s vibrant music community. All events are open to the public.
During the 2025–26 season, CWRU celebrates its Bicentennial—200 years of academic excellence, innovation, and impact—honoring the generations who have shaped the performing arts at CWRU while looking ahead to the future.
Venue Information
Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel (est. 1902) offers a warm, intimate, and acoustically resonant setting on the Mather Quad. This neo-Gothic landmark commemorates the brief life of Florence Harkness Severance and reflects Cleveland’s rich cultural and philanthropic history. Designed by architect Charles F. Schweinfurth, the chapel is renowned for its soaring arches, exquisite woodwork, and luminous Tiffany stained-glass windows.
Health + Safety
The health and well-being of our community is important to us as we gather for campus events. University Health and Counseling Services provides up-to-date guidance and resources to help support a safe campus experience. For life-threatening emergencies, please call CWRU Public Safety immediately at 216.368.3333.