Come to know and love the opulent glory of the Baroque era as world-renowned performer and lecturer Michael Ballam introduces you and your family to the masterworks of the Golden Age in music. Learn why scientists of today consider Baroque music to be a definite aid to learning, retention, and clarity of thought. In this first in a series of User Friendly Classics, you will discover the majesty of Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Pachelbel through the wealth of knowledge and special insight of Dr. Ballam. Holding a PhD in music history, Michael Ballam has an effervescent love and excitement for music that is contagious to listeners of all ages.

Includes musical examples from:

• Bach’s St. Matthew Passion
• Organ Toccata in D minor
• Brandenberg Concerti
• Handel’s Watermusic, and Messiah
• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
• Pachelbel’s Cannon in D

Michael Ballam is a nationally acclaimed opera singer, a sought-after lecturer, and a professor of music at Utah State University.

In an amazing repertoire that includes over 80 major roles, his voice has been described as “splendid” by the Washington Post, “commanding” by the Chicago Tribune, and “superb” by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

An insatiable musician, he is an extraordinary pianist and accomplished oboist. Today Dr. Ballam has already participated in three operatic world premieres, including Krysztof Penderecki’s Paradise Lost, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Dr. Ballam made his debut with the San Francisco Opera in Elektra, sharing the stage with Monserrat Cabelle, Kiri Te Kanawa, and Brigit Nilsson. He also appeared in the international telecast of Samson and Delilah with Shirley Verret.

He has performe regularly with the Pennsylvania Opera Theatre, Kentucky Opera, Philadelphia Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Michigan Opera Theatre, and the Mississippi Opera.