This week, between planning two lectures on modern song and Britten's War Requiem for Lasell Village, practicing voice, and keeping up with teaching lessons and rehearsals (and a recording session on Sunday that I have to sign a NDA for!) I'm also immersed in planning Cantilena's season. The programs are due next week, so I'm kind of cutting it down to the wire, as usual. Current sadness is that I found a wonderful difficult Persichetti piece that I just think won't fit into the program - Winter Cantata, op. 97. Well, there's always next year!
In other news, trying to actually cook and eat all of my CSA farm share takes an enormous amount of time and effort.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday links
Jan Swafford has a great article on contemporary music in Slate. Couldn't agree more with the dictum "Make it new, or make it old, but make it good."
I mentioned Amelia's blog in my last post; well, I really particularly love this recent entry. Favorite quotes: "Dictatorships have a lot less paperwork than democracies." And "They make us better–not just because they make us better, but because they make us comfortable being better." SO TRUE.
Also, check out this essay by a trans woman about her baritone voice. People who are trans and singers have some really tough issues to get around; I had a tenor in one of my choruses who was a trans man going through the transition while singing, and it was very complicated for him to figure out what his range was (which was also continually changing) and how to healthily navigate it. At the time I tried to locate a voice teacher for him in the Boston area who specialized in helping trans people sing with their new voices, but didn't find anyone; if you know of someone, let me know, as it would be helpful information for the future!
I mentioned Amelia's blog in my last post; well, I really particularly love this recent entry. Favorite quotes: "Dictatorships have a lot less paperwork than democracies." And "They make us better–not just because they make us better, but because they make us comfortable being better." SO TRUE.
Also, check out this essay by a trans woman about her baritone voice. People who are trans and singers have some really tough issues to get around; I had a tenor in one of my choruses who was a trans man going through the transition while singing, and it was very complicated for him to figure out what his range was (which was also continually changing) and how to healthily navigate it. At the time I tried to locate a voice teacher for him in the Boston area who specialized in helping trans people sing with their new voices, but didn't find anyone; if you know of someone, let me know, as it would be helpful information for the future!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
MA ACDA convention and a RESOLUTION
This past week I attended the MA ACDA convention in Wenham. I feel sort of obligated to blog about it, and besides I've had a number of people ask me how it went, so here goes. The short answer is that I'm glad I went. Next year I will make an effort to attend every day; this year I had to miss Monday because I was teaching at Lasell Village, and I wish I hadn't had to miss the Monday sessions. The clinicians, Dr. Judy Bowers and Dr. Kenneth Fulton, were excellent; Dr. Bowers is a powerhouse, and you have to just hang onto your hat and go with the flow! And I enjoyed watching Dr. Fulton conduct, and discuss gesture; I wish there had been more time for gesture-work. I really liked the way he used his arms.
But it was a little dispiriting that the conference seemed geared towards music in schools, and didn't really focus on any higher levels, not even community choruses. And, of course, most of the people there were music teachers; I didn't see any of the conductors of Boston's many excellent choruses there. I suppose it's a chicken-and-the-egg problem, but I would have loved for every GBCC and university conductor in MA to have gone, and I also would have loved for at least some of the conference to be pitched toward conductors of higher-level groups.
I was also disappointed with the music in some of the reading packets. (Reading packets are the highlight of most choral conferences - you get a big stack of new music and you all read through it together so you can figure out what you like.) But this too is a complex problem - the conductors can only choose from what the publishers are willing to give them for free for these conferences, and the publishers who are happy to give out free music tend to be the ones who are trying to push schlocky stuff, and good luck getting Universal Edition to give you copies of an Arvo Pärt piece to read through at a convention b/c that's just not going to happen. There was, of course, some new stuff I was happy to be introduced to in the reading packets, such as Shvedov, Trotta, Guillaume, some nice works and arrangements by Andrea Ramsey, and I was glad there was a good scattering of world music. But on the whole there were a lot of major seconds, and while major seconds can be done beautifully, they are currently the scourge of schlocky new choral music (this is an example.)
The thing that got me thinking most was a comment one of the attendees made during the very last Q&A before we all went home. I don't remember who it was, but someone raised a hand and made a sad comment about how all the "real composers" (not my words!) were not writing for chorus nowadays. Well! This stirred up a lot of thoughts in me, as you might imagine.
On the one hand, he had a point. If you look at the list of Pulitzers won in the last 10 years or so in music, half were awarded to symphonic works. The others were awarded to an opera, 2 chamber works, 1 jazz album, and 2 choral works. The argument that symphonic music is still (sadly) considered more serious than choral music is valid, and although the times are changing, there is still a feeling that if you want to be considered among the greatest composers you have to write something symphonic.
On the other hand, I had just presented two lectures on contemporary choral music at Lasell Village, and the notion that we are not getting great new top-notch choral music is ludicrous. But there is this sad divide between the professional classical/new music circles and the choral director circles, and I don't think choral conductors really realize what is going on out there. I mean, if you are a choral conductor and you haven't heard David Lang's Little Match Girl Passion yet, then that's too bad. And I get it why it's hard - I'm a fan of new music, and yet I still hadn't heard Lang's piece until this summer when I listened to it during my lecture prep. With the amount of work we have to do to make a living, it's no wonder there is no time to pay attention to what is going on in the wider world of music. 5th graders WEAR YOU OUT, man, and don't I know it, and trying to keep up with what's on the cutting edge of choral music is close to impossible if you are a teacher, or trying to hustle and make your living as a musician.
But despite the nigh-impossibility, it is still important to do. It is not acceptable to me that choral conductors think new music means Whitacre and Z. Randall Stroope, and don't know the works of Wheeler, Betinis, Lang, Reed Thomas, Sametz, Argento, Bolcom, Ashalomov, Finney, Stucky, Rands, Long, Tann, Harbison, Pinkham, Sierra, O'Regan, Paulus, Walker (which one?), Hawley, Yi. There is so much out there and we have to bridge the divide.
My good friend Amelia Nagoski was also at this conference, and she has developed an interest and expertise in mind-body work, and how it relates to conductors. (I highly recommend her blog Thoughtful Gestures.) She will be presenting tai chi workshops at the Eastern Division Conference next March, and I mentioned that I was still trying to figure out if I had a niche or specialty that I could present at conferences. "Well," she said, "I think you should do modern music. Unlike a lot of other people, you really love it, and we all need some help figuring out what's out there." And I think she's right. It's intimidating, because there is so much out there and it's hard to be dive in without the judgement of history; with new music one must rely exclusively on one's own taste! But doing research on new music would be right in line with the original purpose of this blog, which was to force me to engage with the wider choral and musical world. Amelia's blog is there because she has passion for her ideas and needs to express them; my blog is here because I needed an impetus to focus my gaze out beyond next week's rehearsal.
So, I hereby announce a new feature on this blog. One to two times a month, I will feature a piece of new choral music that I think everyone should be aware of. It will be music I consider fresh and fulfilling and worth performing. And hopefully it will be a tool to help me find all kinds of great new choral stuff. We are going to bridge the new music/choral divide! Are you with me?
But it was a little dispiriting that the conference seemed geared towards music in schools, and didn't really focus on any higher levels, not even community choruses. And, of course, most of the people there were music teachers; I didn't see any of the conductors of Boston's many excellent choruses there. I suppose it's a chicken-and-the-egg problem, but I would have loved for every GBCC and university conductor in MA to have gone, and I also would have loved for at least some of the conference to be pitched toward conductors of higher-level groups.
I was also disappointed with the music in some of the reading packets. (Reading packets are the highlight of most choral conferences - you get a big stack of new music and you all read through it together so you can figure out what you like.) But this too is a complex problem - the conductors can only choose from what the publishers are willing to give them for free for these conferences, and the publishers who are happy to give out free music tend to be the ones who are trying to push schlocky stuff, and good luck getting Universal Edition to give you copies of an Arvo Pärt piece to read through at a convention b/c that's just not going to happen. There was, of course, some new stuff I was happy to be introduced to in the reading packets, such as Shvedov, Trotta, Guillaume, some nice works and arrangements by Andrea Ramsey, and I was glad there was a good scattering of world music. But on the whole there were a lot of major seconds, and while major seconds can be done beautifully, they are currently the scourge of schlocky new choral music (this is an example.)
The thing that got me thinking most was a comment one of the attendees made during the very last Q&A before we all went home. I don't remember who it was, but someone raised a hand and made a sad comment about how all the "real composers" (not my words!) were not writing for chorus nowadays. Well! This stirred up a lot of thoughts in me, as you might imagine.
On the one hand, he had a point. If you look at the list of Pulitzers won in the last 10 years or so in music, half were awarded to symphonic works. The others were awarded to an opera, 2 chamber works, 1 jazz album, and 2 choral works. The argument that symphonic music is still (sadly) considered more serious than choral music is valid, and although the times are changing, there is still a feeling that if you want to be considered among the greatest composers you have to write something symphonic.
On the other hand, I had just presented two lectures on contemporary choral music at Lasell Village, and the notion that we are not getting great new top-notch choral music is ludicrous. But there is this sad divide between the professional classical/new music circles and the choral director circles, and I don't think choral conductors really realize what is going on out there. I mean, if you are a choral conductor and you haven't heard David Lang's Little Match Girl Passion yet, then that's too bad. And I get it why it's hard - I'm a fan of new music, and yet I still hadn't heard Lang's piece until this summer when I listened to it during my lecture prep. With the amount of work we have to do to make a living, it's no wonder there is no time to pay attention to what is going on in the wider world of music. 5th graders WEAR YOU OUT, man, and don't I know it, and trying to keep up with what's on the cutting edge of choral music is close to impossible if you are a teacher, or trying to hustle and make your living as a musician.
But despite the nigh-impossibility, it is still important to do. It is not acceptable to me that choral conductors think new music means Whitacre and Z. Randall Stroope, and don't know the works of Wheeler, Betinis, Lang, Reed Thomas, Sametz, Argento, Bolcom, Ashalomov, Finney, Stucky, Rands, Long, Tann, Harbison, Pinkham, Sierra, O'Regan, Paulus, Walker (which one?), Hawley, Yi. There is so much out there and we have to bridge the divide.
My good friend Amelia Nagoski was also at this conference, and she has developed an interest and expertise in mind-body work, and how it relates to conductors. (I highly recommend her blog Thoughtful Gestures.) She will be presenting tai chi workshops at the Eastern Division Conference next March, and I mentioned that I was still trying to figure out if I had a niche or specialty that I could present at conferences. "Well," she said, "I think you should do modern music. Unlike a lot of other people, you really love it, and we all need some help figuring out what's out there." And I think she's right. It's intimidating, because there is so much out there and it's hard to be dive in without the judgement of history; with new music one must rely exclusively on one's own taste! But doing research on new music would be right in line with the original purpose of this blog, which was to force me to engage with the wider choral and musical world. Amelia's blog is there because she has passion for her ideas and needs to express them; my blog is here because I needed an impetus to focus my gaze out beyond next week's rehearsal.
So, I hereby announce a new feature on this blog. One to two times a month, I will feature a piece of new choral music that I think everyone should be aware of. It will be music I consider fresh and fulfilling and worth performing. And hopefully it will be a tool to help me find all kinds of great new choral stuff. We are going to bridge the new music/choral divide! Are you with me?
Friday, July 08, 2011
Friday cat post!
Someday soon you will all get to see Samson again. I am camera-less at the moment, but a friend is bringing over a camera tomorrow, and we will have a little photo shoot! He is well and cuddly and fascinated by the road work going on outside. (Dogs are no big deal but trucks are Cause For Possible Alarm.)
Also, I would love to feature other musicians' cats on this blog. Any musicians want to share a few cute photos of your cat?
In the meantime, let's check in with one of the most famous cats on the internet, Maru! I thought I had linked to him before, but am not sure, so in case you need an introduction, here it is. (Maru loves boxes.) And here's some of the things he's been up to lately (including playing the tamborine!)
Also, I would love to feature other musicians' cats on this blog. Any musicians want to share a few cute photos of your cat?
In the meantime, let's check in with one of the most famous cats on the internet, Maru! I thought I had linked to him before, but am not sure, so in case you need an introduction, here it is. (Maru loves boxes.) And here's some of the things he's been up to lately (including playing the tamborine!)
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Wednesday update - on Thursday
Mid-week update!
I took a stay-cation during the July 4 weekend. I hung out with friends and did no work, and it was good for the soul.
Current projects on the plate include continuing to prepare for my lectures at Lasell Village; this means that currently I am swimming in modern opera, since Monday's "Modern Music" lecture is on operas of the past three decades. I've been watching Nixon in China for the past few days, and finding it quite engaging (and sometimes very catchy.) The "Choral Works" lecture is going to be on Elijah, but since I took a workshop on that piece last summer at Eastman, it's not taking up gobs of prep time the way opera is.
I've also started teaching some sight-reading lessons this summer. A singer from Cantilena asked me to give her lessons, and we are slowly working our way through various concepts and practice melodies twice a week. I'm very much enjoying teaching sight-reading, so if you know of anyone who would enjoy sight-singing or theory lessons, please send them my way!
I took a stay-cation during the July 4 weekend. I hung out with friends and did no work, and it was good for the soul.
Current projects on the plate include continuing to prepare for my lectures at Lasell Village; this means that currently I am swimming in modern opera, since Monday's "Modern Music" lecture is on operas of the past three decades. I've been watching Nixon in China for the past few days, and finding it quite engaging (and sometimes very catchy.) The "Choral Works" lecture is going to be on Elijah, but since I took a workshop on that piece last summer at Eastman, it's not taking up gobs of prep time the way opera is.
I've also started teaching some sight-reading lessons this summer. A singer from Cantilena asked me to give her lessons, and we are slowly working our way through various concepts and practice melodies twice a week. I'm very much enjoying teaching sight-reading, so if you know of anyone who would enjoy sight-singing or theory lessons, please send them my way!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday link
Well, forgot to post a Monday link, but here, have a Tuesday link! It's not really about choruses. Or singing. It's about dinosaurs? But they mention music? Whatever, it's summer, cut me some slack!
Hat-tip to my brother.
Hat-tip to my brother.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Summer Sings post
Finally, the moment we have all been waiting for. Here it is, your annual listing of Summer Sings in the greater Boston area! For details on whether scores are provided, whether or not the sings are free, etc., please follow the links included in each listing. This post will be updated as I get more information, so please check back, and feel free to send me updates or new postings.
Tuesday, June 14 at 8 pm (passed)
Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem
Conducted by Steven Karidoyanes, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Tuesday, June 21 at 8 pm (passed)
Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass
Conducted by Amy Lieberman, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Tuesday, June 28 at 8 pm
Vivaldi's Gloria
Conducted by Michael Turner, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday, July 11 at 6:30 pm
Community sing and potluck
Hosted by Three Rivers Chorus
14 Lincoln Street, Maynard, MA
RSVP required; please bring a dish
Monday, July 11 at 8:00 pm
Mozart's Requiem
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Tuesday, July 12 at 8 pm
Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem
Conducted by Anne Watson Born, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Wednesday, July 13 at 7:30 pm
Mozart's Requiem
Hosted by the South Coast Community Chorale
At the Good Shepherd Parish
1598 South Main St, Fall River
Monday, July 18 at 7 pm
Mozart's Requiem
Conducted by Danica Buckley, hosted by the Choral Art Society of the South Shore
St. Mary of the Nativity Parish Hall
1 Kent Street, Scituate Harbor
Monday, July 18 at 8:00 pm
Manzoni's Requiem
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Tuesday, July 19 at 8 pm
Faure's Requiem
Conducted by Steven Karidoyanes, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday, July 25 at 8:00 pm
Faure's Requiem and Vivaldi's Gloria
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Tuesday, July 26 at 8 pm
Bach's Magnificat
Conducted by Steven Karidoyanes, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday, August 1 at 7:30 pm
Fauré's Requiem
Conducted by Betsy Burleigh, hosted by Chorus pro Musica
At Old South Church, Copley Square
645 Boylston St., Boston
Monday, August 1 at 8:00 pm
Brahms' Requiem
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Tuesday, August 2 at 8 pm
Mozart's Requiem
Conducted by Steven Karidoyanes, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday, August 8 at 7:30 pm
Haydn's Creation
Conducted by Betsy Burleigh, hosted by Chorus pro Musica
At Old South Church, Copley Square
645 Boylston St., Boston
Monday, August 8 at 8:00 pm
Orff's Carmina Burana
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Tuesday, August 9 at 8 pm
Poulenc's Gloria
Conducted by Katherine FitzGibbon, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday, August 15 at 6:30 pm
Community sing and potluck
Hosted by Three Rivers Chorus
14 Lincoln Street, Maynard, MA
RSVP required; please bring a dish
Monday, August 15 at 8:00 pm
Selections from Handel's Messiah
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Monday, August 15 at 7:30 pm
Bach's Magnificat
Conducted by Betsy Burleigh, hosted by Chorus pro Musica
At Old South Church, Copley Square
645 Boylston St., Boston
Monday, August 22 at 7 pm
Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem
Conducted by Danica Buckley, hosted by the Choral Art Society of the South Shore
Derby Academy Larson Hall
56 Burditt Avenue, Hingham
Monday, August 22 at 7:30 pm
Brahms' Neues Liebeslieder Waltzes
Conducted by Betsy Burleigh, hosted by Chorus pro Musica
At Old South Church, Copley Square
645 Boylston St., Boston
Monday, August 22 at 8:00 pm
Selections from Haydn's Creation
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Monday, August 29 at 8:00 pm
Beethoven's Choral Fantasy and Ninth Symphony (4th movement only)
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Corrections? Updates? Leave me a comment; and leave a comment as well if you go to one of these!
Tuesday, June 14 at 8 pm (passed)
Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem
Conducted by Steven Karidoyanes, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Tuesday, June 21 at 8 pm (passed)
Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass
Conducted by Amy Lieberman, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Tuesday, June 28 at 8 pm
Vivaldi's Gloria
Conducted by Michael Turner, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday, July 11 at 6:30 pm
Community sing and potluck
Hosted by Three Rivers Chorus
14 Lincoln Street, Maynard, MA
RSVP required; please bring a dish
Monday, July 11 at 8:00 pm
Mozart's Requiem
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Tuesday, July 12 at 8 pm
Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem
Conducted by Anne Watson Born, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Wednesday, July 13 at 7:30 pm
Mozart's Requiem
Hosted by the South Coast Community Chorale
At the Good Shepherd Parish
1598 South Main St, Fall River
Monday, July 18 at 7 pm
Mozart's Requiem
Conducted by Danica Buckley, hosted by the Choral Art Society of the South Shore
St. Mary of the Nativity Parish Hall
1 Kent Street, Scituate Harbor
Monday, July 18 at 8:00 pm
Manzoni's Requiem
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Tuesday, July 19 at 8 pm
Faure's Requiem
Conducted by Steven Karidoyanes, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday, July 25 at 8:00 pm
Faure's Requiem and Vivaldi's Gloria
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Tuesday, July 26 at 8 pm
Bach's Magnificat
Conducted by Steven Karidoyanes, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday, August 1 at 7:30 pm
Fauré's Requiem
Conducted by Betsy Burleigh, hosted by Chorus pro Musica
At Old South Church, Copley Square
645 Boylston St., Boston
Monday, August 1 at 8:00 pm
Brahms' Requiem
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Tuesday, August 2 at 8 pm
Mozart's Requiem
Conducted by Steven Karidoyanes, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday, August 8 at 7:30 pm
Haydn's Creation
Conducted by Betsy Burleigh, hosted by Chorus pro Musica
At Old South Church, Copley Square
645 Boylston St., Boston
Monday, August 8 at 8:00 pm
Orff's Carmina Burana
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Tuesday, August 9 at 8 pm
Poulenc's Gloria
Conducted by Katherine FitzGibbon, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday, August 15 at 6:30 pm
Community sing and potluck
Hosted by Three Rivers Chorus
14 Lincoln Street, Maynard, MA
RSVP required; please bring a dish
Monday, August 15 at 8:00 pm
Selections from Handel's Messiah
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Monday, August 15 at 7:30 pm
Bach's Magnificat
Conducted by Betsy Burleigh, hosted by Chorus pro Musica
At Old South Church, Copley Square
645 Boylston St., Boston
Monday, August 22 at 7 pm
Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem
Conducted by Danica Buckley, hosted by the Choral Art Society of the South Shore
Derby Academy Larson Hall
56 Burditt Avenue, Hingham
Monday, August 22 at 7:30 pm
Brahms' Neues Liebeslieder Waltzes
Conducted by Betsy Burleigh, hosted by Chorus pro Musica
At Old South Church, Copley Square
645 Boylston St., Boston
Monday, August 22 at 8:00 pm
Selections from Haydn's Creation
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Monday, August 29 at 8:00 pm
Beethoven's Choral Fantasy and Ninth Symphony (4th movement only)
Hosted by The Paul Madore Chorale
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
Corrections? Updates? Leave me a comment; and leave a comment as well if you go to one of these!
Wednesday update
Not too much to report this week. The last official Sunday of church was this past Sunday, and now we are into summer services, for which the services of the organist and music director are not required, so I have two months to recharge. The activities of the academic year are now complete, and I am fully into my summer activities, which include voice lessons (both teaching and taking) and repertoire preparation and rehearsals for Anthology and other things.
The most time-consuming of my summer activities is proving to be giving a series of lectures at Lasell Village. Never having lectured before, I had NO idea how time-consuming it is to prepare for lectures! I am spending at least 3 hours outside the classroom for every hour inside it, and while it's nice to have an opportunity to do research on some of these topics, it's also a little overwhelming!
But maybe you can help. :) I'm teaching two lectures (8 meetings each, and 3 are already past, so I only have 5 to go). One is called "The Ten Greatest Choral Works" and that one is pretty much under control, although if anyone has a recording of Britten's War Requiem I sure would love to borrow it. I will let you in on my list of what the ten greatest works are in the coming weeks.
The other is called "Modern Music: Why It's Not That Horrible" and I'm really grateful for the excuse to force myself to learn more about what's going on right now. Here are some outstanding questions.
We'll be doing a class on opera. What are the most important operas of the last 30 years? Do you have a CD or DVD of your recommendation? (DVDs of recent operas are proving hard to come by.) Anyone have a DVD of Nixon in China?
We'll also be doing a class on symphonic works. Right now I'm thinking Schnittke, Sandstrom's Motorbike Concerto, Higdon (either Percussion or Violin Concerto), Stucky, Rautavaara, Peter Maxwell Davies, Ades, possibly Tan Dun or Corigliano or Gubaidulina. But of course I can't do all of those people, so who should I choose; and maybe I missed your favorite? (I suppose maybe Elliott Carter should be in there too, but listening to his music always seems more of a chore than a joy.)
For the class on modern song, I am shorter on ideas, but still probably have too many. Argento, Lieberson, Hundley, Cipullo, Harbison, Kernis, and...?
And we are ending with a lecture on local Bostonian composers. Harbison, Wheeler, Pinkham, Gandalfi - any other Boston Brahmins I should include?
Help me brainstorm! Free association welcome.
The most time-consuming of my summer activities is proving to be giving a series of lectures at Lasell Village. Never having lectured before, I had NO idea how time-consuming it is to prepare for lectures! I am spending at least 3 hours outside the classroom for every hour inside it, and while it's nice to have an opportunity to do research on some of these topics, it's also a little overwhelming!
But maybe you can help. :) I'm teaching two lectures (8 meetings each, and 3 are already past, so I only have 5 to go). One is called "The Ten Greatest Choral Works" and that one is pretty much under control, although if anyone has a recording of Britten's War Requiem I sure would love to borrow it. I will let you in on my list of what the ten greatest works are in the coming weeks.
The other is called "Modern Music: Why It's Not That Horrible" and I'm really grateful for the excuse to force myself to learn more about what's going on right now. Here are some outstanding questions.
We'll be doing a class on opera. What are the most important operas of the last 30 years? Do you have a CD or DVD of your recommendation? (DVDs of recent operas are proving hard to come by.) Anyone have a DVD of Nixon in China?
We'll also be doing a class on symphonic works. Right now I'm thinking Schnittke, Sandstrom's Motorbike Concerto, Higdon (either Percussion or Violin Concerto), Stucky, Rautavaara, Peter Maxwell Davies, Ades, possibly Tan Dun or Corigliano or Gubaidulina. But of course I can't do all of those people, so who should I choose; and maybe I missed your favorite? (I suppose maybe Elliott Carter should be in there too, but listening to his music always seems more of a chore than a joy.)
For the class on modern song, I am shorter on ideas, but still probably have too many. Argento, Lieberson, Hundley, Cipullo, Harbison, Kernis, and...?
And we are ending with a lecture on local Bostonian composers. Harbison, Wheeler, Pinkham, Gandalfi - any other Boston Brahmins I should include?
Help me brainstorm! Free association welcome.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday link
Via Aaron Larget-Caplan, a hilarious xtranormal video about commissioning new music from composers. (I am allowed to make fun since I commission and perform a lot of new music!)
I have to say that xtranormal is proving an extremely valuable tool for musicians to relay stereotypical and hilarious conversations that they have! We all remember the organist-bride conversation, right?
I have to say that xtranormal is proving an extremely valuable tool for musicians to relay stereotypical and hilarious conversations that they have! We all remember the organist-bride conversation, right?
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar, 6/16/11
The main event of the week and weekend is BEMF, the Boston Early Music Festival! We are lucky to have this in our town, so I encourage you to take advantage of it, and don't forget to check the Fringe schedule! Feel free to leave a comment to highlight your own Fringe event.
Tonight (Thursday) Koleinu is giving a concert of Jewish choral music, including Rosenthal's Voices of Terazin. 8 pm at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline.
On Friday at 8 pm, check out the Slava Chorale at Old South Church at 8 pm.
Saturday, the Boston Pops is having Gospel Night! Featuring the Boston Pops Gospel Choir and the Voices of Renaissance choir.
And that pretty much does it for choral music this season. Weekend Concert Calendar is going on hiatus for the summer, as usual; I will start doing it again in September. In the meantime, keep your eye on Tanglewood's schedule if you need a choral fix, and I will continue blogging over the summer (I am hoping to bring back the Conductor Interview Feature) so visit often!
Tonight (Thursday) Koleinu is giving a concert of Jewish choral music, including Rosenthal's Voices of Terazin. 8 pm at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline.
On Friday at 8 pm, check out the Slava Chorale at Old South Church at 8 pm.
Saturday, the Boston Pops is having Gospel Night! Featuring the Boston Pops Gospel Choir and the Voices of Renaissance choir.
And that pretty much does it for choral music this season. Weekend Concert Calendar is going on hiatus for the summer, as usual; I will start doing it again in September. In the meantime, keep your eye on Tanglewood's schedule if you need a choral fix, and I will continue blogging over the summer (I am hoping to bring back the Conductor Interview Feature) so visit often!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday update
In bullet form; stuff that has happened.
- Saw the Steffani opera Niobe last night at BEMF. Due to a ticket confusion, me and my companion ended up in a box! About 30 feet from the stage! (We were supposed to be in the back of the second balcony, nosebleed seats.) It was awesome. The sets and the costumes and the singers and the bear were amazing. And special kudos to star Phillipe Jaroussky, who was totally fantastic - his aria about the spheres (I wish I knew the official title) was the musical high point of the opera for me. Also, someday I hope to see Amanda Forsythe play Poppea.
- Forgot to mention previously, but the Cohasset Mariner ran a very nice article about me a few weeks ago! I don't know if it went up online, but you can read it here. (AND I am next to a cute cat!)
- Just heard many cars honking outside. Assumed Bruins just won; the internet tells me I am correct. Congrats to them!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Summer sings - send me info!
So, I was going to do my annual Summer Sings post this evening, but there are quite a few groups who have not publicized their information yet. Masterworks Chorale is the only group for which I can find all the information. Everyone else - comment on this post and leave me links to the relevant information on your websites, please!
And in the meantime, the first summer sing is tomorrow night!
Tuesday, June 14 at 8 pm
Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem
Conducted by Steven Karidoyanes, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
And in the meantime, the first summer sing is tomorrow night!
Tuesday, June 14 at 8 pm
Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem
Conducted by Steven Karidoyanes, hosted by Masterworks Chorale
At the Lawrence Auditorium in the Wheeler Music Center
Noble and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive, Dedham
Monday link - BEMF!
I mentioned this on the most recent Weekend Concert Calendar, but it bears repeating:
This week is the Boston Early Music Festival (also known as BEMF!)
Go see the King's Singers!
Go see Les Voix Baroques!
Go see the Tallis Scholars!
Go see the opera, Niobe!
Go see my my friend and colleague, the vibrant fortepianist Sylvia Berry, in concert with the exquisite soprano Clara Rottsolk!
And leave a comment advertising your own Fringe event on this post!
This week is the Boston Early Music Festival (also known as BEMF!)
Go see the King's Singers!
Go see Les Voix Baroques!
Go see the Tallis Scholars!
Go see the opera, Niobe!
Go see my my friend and colleague, the vibrant fortepianist Sylvia Berry, in concert with the exquisite soprano Clara Rottsolk!
And leave a comment advertising your own Fringe event on this post!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar, 6/9/11
Even as summer approaches, there are still plenty of fine choral concerts to attend!
Friday: Check out the Arlington-Belmont Chorale, which together with the Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra will present a spring Pops! concert. 7:45 pm (yes, you read that right!) at the Arlington Town Hall.
Also on Friday: Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Swingle Singers with the Boston Pops, Three Rivers Chorus.
Saturday: The only choral concert I can find on Saturday is the Three Rivers Chorus, which will perform at the Old Manse in Concord from 1-2:30 pm. I don't know a lot about them, so if you go, do tell me about it!
Sunday: The Boston Gay Men's Chorus' annual Pride concert will be all-Beatles! 7 pm at John Hancock Hall in Boston.
Also on Sunday: French Choir of Boston, Oriana Consort.
The Boston Early Music Festival starts on Sunday! There will be many fine choral concerts; check the schedule for listings, and don't forget to also check the Fringe schedule. The King's Singers will be at BEMF on Tuesday!
Also, Summer Sings start next Tuesday, with the Masterworks Chorale leading a sing of the Brahms' Requiem. The Summer Sings post should be coming soon!
Friday: Check out the Arlington-Belmont Chorale, which together with the Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra will present a spring Pops! concert. 7:45 pm (yes, you read that right!) at the Arlington Town Hall.
Also on Friday: Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Swingle Singers with the Boston Pops, Three Rivers Chorus.
Saturday: The only choral concert I can find on Saturday is the Three Rivers Chorus, which will perform at the Old Manse in Concord from 1-2:30 pm. I don't know a lot about them, so if you go, do tell me about it!
Sunday: The Boston Gay Men's Chorus' annual Pride concert will be all-Beatles! 7 pm at John Hancock Hall in Boston.
Also on Sunday: French Choir of Boston, Oriana Consort.
The Boston Early Music Festival starts on Sunday! There will be many fine choral concerts; check the schedule for listings, and don't forget to also check the Fringe schedule. The King's Singers will be at BEMF on Tuesday!
Also, Summer Sings start next Tuesday, with the Masterworks Chorale leading a sing of the Brahms' Requiem. The Summer Sings post should be coming soon!
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Wednesday update
Whoops, I forgot to do a Wednesday update last week; that is because I have so much to update about! The irony of the musician's life; the less you know about what we are doing, the busier we probably are, and the more concerts we ought to be telling you about.
It's a busy week, so how about a bulleted list?
It's a busy week, so how about a bulleted list?
- Anthology is singing at Gore Place in Waltham tonight at 7:30 pm! This is a really beautiful historic Massachusetts estate, and it's a good concert series that we are honored to be on.
- Therefore, too bad that I woke up with a bad stomach-ache! Anyone have any remedies? Ginger-ale is in the fridge.
- I'm giving some music history lectures at Lasell Village this summer; the first lectures were Monday, so last week was a flurry of preparation. My students are extremely engaged with the material, so I think this will be fun! I'll be posting more about the lecture topics soon.
- I want to post about this in more detail, but in case I don't get the chance; I saw the Chorus pro Musica concert last Sunday, which had a premiere of Abbie Betinis' new work "Expectans Expectavi." It was very personal, very angry, and very wonderful. And hallelujah, the concert got a Globe review!
Friday, June 03, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar, 6/2/11
I can think of no pithy little intro this week. On to the concerts!
Friday: The Voices of Metrowest will present a "Best of the Beatles" concert. At 7 pm at First Congregational Church in Natick.
Saturday: Go see Voices Rising present a concert called "All the Wild Wonders" at 7:30 pm at First Church in Boston.
Also on Saturday: Chorus North Shore, Coolidge Corner Community Chorus, Polymnia.
Sunday: I'll be heading to Chorus pro Musica's final concert of the season, where in addition to presenting Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms they will be presenting a new commission by the young American composer Abbie Betinis. 3 pm at NEC's Jordan Hall!
Also on Sunday: Sharing a New Song, Voices Rising.
Next Tuesday, check out the Spivery Hall Children's Chorus at the King's Chapel Noon Concert Series. And next Wednesday, check out the first annual Somerville Public Schools Choral Festival. It will be from 1:00-2:30 pm in the Somerville High School Auditorium at 81 Highland Ave, Somerville. And in addition to the All City Elementary Choir and the Somerville High School Chorus, the Swingle Singers will be there! The Swingle Singers will also be singing with the Boston Pops on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Friday: The Voices of Metrowest will present a "Best of the Beatles" concert. At 7 pm at First Congregational Church in Natick.
Saturday: Go see Voices Rising present a concert called "All the Wild Wonders" at 7:30 pm at First Church in Boston.
Also on Saturday: Chorus North Shore, Coolidge Corner Community Chorus, Polymnia.
Sunday: I'll be heading to Chorus pro Musica's final concert of the season, where in addition to presenting Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms they will be presenting a new commission by the young American composer Abbie Betinis. 3 pm at NEC's Jordan Hall!
Also on Sunday: Sharing a New Song, Voices Rising.
Next Tuesday, check out the Spivery Hall Children's Chorus at the King's Chapel Noon Concert Series. And next Wednesday, check out the first annual Somerville Public Schools Choral Festival. It will be from 1:00-2:30 pm in the Somerville High School Auditorium at 81 Highland Ave, Somerville. And in addition to the All City Elementary Choir and the Somerville High School Chorus, the Swingle Singers will be there! The Swingle Singers will also be singing with the Boston Pops on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Linked on Local Pigeon!
Check it out - I have been linked on this nifty site called Local Pigeon, which links to a different neat site every day. Especially cool to be up there since the blog Already Pretty is also linked this month. I discovered that blog a few months back and have been reading it avidly ever since, so it's kind of exciting to be up there at the same time!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Oops
So, the discerning Gentle Reader may have noticed a discrepancy this past week in this blog. On Wednesday I told you that I was singing in a choral benefit concert for Haiti on Saturday, and on Thursday I told you there were no choral concerts this weekend.
Wednesday I was right, and Thursday I was forgetful! There is ONE choral concert this weekend, and since I am singing in it, you might have thought I would remember to mention it, but apparently summer-brain has already set in. It is TONIGHT, at 8 pm at St. John the Evangelist near Government Center, and I hope you can all come!
Wednesday I was right, and Thursday I was forgetful! There is ONE choral concert this weekend, and since I am singing in it, you might have thought I would remember to mention it, but apparently summer-brain has already set in. It is TONIGHT, at 8 pm at St. John the Evangelist near Government Center, and I hope you can all come!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar, 5/26/11
Well, it's Memorial Day Weekend...and folks, I got nuthin'! Wisely, all the local choruses avoided scheduling concerts or performances for a weekend when many people would be out of town. Enjoy the (finally) lovely weather!
Next Tuesday, check out the Newton Singers. That's all, folks!
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Next Tuesday, check out the Newton Singers. That's all, folks!
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Benefit Concert for Haiti
I have been thinking recently that I should post more often about what I am actually doing in my life, so I think I may try to do that every Wednesday. Recently, this means fund-raising activities. Last week, I posted about my participation in the Walk for Music on behalf of Cantilena (and I raised almost double my goal, which was awesome!) This week, I want to let you know that this Saturday I will be singing in a benefit concert for Haiti.
Local conductor Michael Barrett (who happens to conduct Convivium Musicum, the group I talked about yesterday!) has put together a benefit concert to raise money for Haiti, which is still dealing with the devastating results of the 2010 earthquake a year and a half later. He has assembled an impressive roster of professional early musicians from the greater Boston area, and also me. ;) We will be performing polychoral works by Praetorius and Gabrieli, and we will be assembling this complex music the same day of the concert. That's right, this bunch of hotshots is going to rehearse for the first time at 3 pm and perform the concert that evening. The concert will be at 8 pm at St. John the Evangelist on Bowdoin St. in downtown Boston on this coming Saturday, May 28.
There will be cornettos. And sackbuts. Multiple choirs singing from all the balconies. And Frances Fitch on continuo. Be there or be sad!
Local conductor Michael Barrett (who happens to conduct Convivium Musicum, the group I talked about yesterday!) has put together a benefit concert to raise money for Haiti, which is still dealing with the devastating results of the 2010 earthquake a year and a half later. He has assembled an impressive roster of professional early musicians from the greater Boston area, and also me. ;) We will be performing polychoral works by Praetorius and Gabrieli, and we will be assembling this complex music the same day of the concert. That's right, this bunch of hotshots is going to rehearse for the first time at 3 pm and perform the concert that evening. The concert will be at 8 pm at St. John the Evangelist on Bowdoin St. in downtown Boston on this coming Saturday, May 28.
There will be cornettos. And sackbuts. Multiple choirs singing from all the balconies. And Frances Fitch on continuo. Be there or be sad!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Convivium Musicum review
This past Sunday I went to go hear Convivium Musicum perform their program "Armada," and since they gave me a comp, they get a review!*
I was hardly an objective observer of this group; I got to substitute-direct a rehearsal for them towards the end of April. But it was very pleasant indeed to be able to sit back and enjoy the skill of this admirable ensemble.
The programming was very strong; it was all music on the subject of war that would have been performed around the time of the Spanish Armada. One detail that warmed this music geek's heart was the fact that four of the five mass movements they performed were based on the Janequin chanson "La Guerre," something that was very interesting to listen for. I also especially enjoyed the music of Guerrero, who is a composer I was unfamiliar with and whose work is surprisingly beautiful. But what really made this program extraordinary was the use of text in between each musical number. Anney Gillotte, a former member of the group (full disclosure: also a close friend! told you I wasn't objective) put together a really remarkable story-telling of the Spanish Armada, complete with fascinating source texts. Conductor Michael Barrett read the connecting storyline of the historical event, but various chorus members stepped out to read letters and speeches from the major players, which added a real level of drama to the proceedings. Normally I am not that interested in lecture-concerts, but this worked terrifically; partly perhaps I didn't know any of the details of this particular historical episode, and the plot was really quite gripping! The music worked extremely well to tell the story as well, especially in the second half of the concert, when the dramatic tension ramped up. So bravo to everyone for creating such a notably fascinating concert.
Technically, of course, one is always in good hands with Convivium Musicum. The balance was very good, although I could wish for a more robust sound from the sopranos; it's very clean, but I would love to hear them feel free to soar a little more. My major issue with this concert was the acoustics - Grace Episcopal Church in Salem is extremely dry, and it would have been much more satisfying to hear the concert in a wetter room. Luckily, Convivium did not need a forgiving space; there were only a few tuning mistakes, quickly resolved, and their solidity of tempo and rhythm was really excellent. I am always telling my choirs that they must take responsibility for the rhythmic integrity of the piece themselves; hearing Convivium nail every tempo together was a joy. They clearly were all moving together as one, and had the same ideas about their momentum with director Michael Barrett never needing to dictate anything, only to shape. I remember the point at which I was listening to an old choral recording of myself, and realized that although the tuning was solid, the performance was second-rate because the choir was not moving crisply in rhythm together. That was when I realized that all first-rate choirs have excellent rhythm; and this is particularly true of Convivium.
But technical aspects are not why we go to concerts. We want things to be interesting! And between good programming, and wonderful texts, and every singer's face up and out and communicating, this was absolutely a very interesting and enjoyable concert. Kudos to Convivium!
*peers over the rim of my glasses at Cantata Singers, BEMF, Celebrity Series Boston...hint, hint!
I was hardly an objective observer of this group; I got to substitute-direct a rehearsal for them towards the end of April. But it was very pleasant indeed to be able to sit back and enjoy the skill of this admirable ensemble.
The programming was very strong; it was all music on the subject of war that would have been performed around the time of the Spanish Armada. One detail that warmed this music geek's heart was the fact that four of the five mass movements they performed were based on the Janequin chanson "La Guerre," something that was very interesting to listen for. I also especially enjoyed the music of Guerrero, who is a composer I was unfamiliar with and whose work is surprisingly beautiful. But what really made this program extraordinary was the use of text in between each musical number. Anney Gillotte, a former member of the group (full disclosure: also a close friend! told you I wasn't objective) put together a really remarkable story-telling of the Spanish Armada, complete with fascinating source texts. Conductor Michael Barrett read the connecting storyline of the historical event, but various chorus members stepped out to read letters and speeches from the major players, which added a real level of drama to the proceedings. Normally I am not that interested in lecture-concerts, but this worked terrifically; partly perhaps I didn't know any of the details of this particular historical episode, and the plot was really quite gripping! The music worked extremely well to tell the story as well, especially in the second half of the concert, when the dramatic tension ramped up. So bravo to everyone for creating such a notably fascinating concert.
Technically, of course, one is always in good hands with Convivium Musicum. The balance was very good, although I could wish for a more robust sound from the sopranos; it's very clean, but I would love to hear them feel free to soar a little more. My major issue with this concert was the acoustics - Grace Episcopal Church in Salem is extremely dry, and it would have been much more satisfying to hear the concert in a wetter room. Luckily, Convivium did not need a forgiving space; there were only a few tuning mistakes, quickly resolved, and their solidity of tempo and rhythm was really excellent. I am always telling my choirs that they must take responsibility for the rhythmic integrity of the piece themselves; hearing Convivium nail every tempo together was a joy. They clearly were all moving together as one, and had the same ideas about their momentum with director Michael Barrett never needing to dictate anything, only to shape. I remember the point at which I was listening to an old choral recording of myself, and realized that although the tuning was solid, the performance was second-rate because the choir was not moving crisply in rhythm together. That was when I realized that all first-rate choirs have excellent rhythm; and this is particularly true of Convivium.
But technical aspects are not why we go to concerts. We want things to be interesting! And between good programming, and wonderful texts, and every singer's face up and out and communicating, this was absolutely a very interesting and enjoyable concert. Kudos to Convivium!
*peers over the rim of my glasses at Cantata Singers, BEMF, Celebrity Series Boston...hint, hint!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday link
A wonderful article from NPR on not underestimating younger audiences, by soprano Christine Brewer.
Audition notice
I usually don't post audition notices, but because it's not the usual audition time I'm going to make an exception. The Orpheus Singers are auditioning for singers with fine voices and excellent sight-reading skills from May 20 through May 27.
From the notice: "The Orpheus Singers is a chamber choir of skilled volunteers and paid professionals of 24 - 28 singers. We sing two concerts per season with rehearsals twice a week (Tu and Th evenings) for the three weeks leading up to the concert. Then we go "fallow" until the next concert preparation. We sing concerts of classical repertory from the 15th century to recently composed music, often on the same program, and often a cappella. Please call James Olesen, the music director, directly at (617) 666-4617 for an appointment."
From the notice: "The Orpheus Singers is a chamber choir of skilled volunteers and paid professionals of 24 - 28 singers. We sing two concerts per season with rehearsals twice a week (Tu and Th evenings) for the three weeks leading up to the concert. Then we go "fallow" until the next concert preparation. We sing concerts of classical repertory from the 15th century to recently composed music, often on the same program, and often a cappella. Please call James Olesen, the music director, directly at (617) 666-4617 for an appointment."
Friday, May 20, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar, 5/19/11
Folks, I think that the world IS in fact ending tomorrow; as evidence I submit that there is a giant ball of fire in the sky! I certainly cannot remember the last time I saw such a thing. At least you know that if you are not taken up on Saturday, you can go hear some good choral music on Sunday.
Friday: Go hear the Choir of the Church of the Advent! They are known for being hot stuff, AND they are singing Victoria. 8 pm at (surprise!) the Church of the Advent in Boston.
Also on Friday: Christ Church Evensong Choir, Lexington Pops Chorus.
Saturday: Go hear the Seraphim Singers and the Boston New Music Initiative present some new choral music! 8 pm at St. John's Episcopal Church in Jamaica Plain.
Also on Saturday: Convivium Musicum, Lexington Pops Chorus, Mystic Chorale, Newton Community Chorus, Stämbandet.
Sunday: Go hear the Mystic Chorale; they are always an energetic good time. 3:30 pm at Tremont Temple in Boston.
Also on Sunday: Brookline Chorus, Convivium Musicum, Paul Madore Chorale.
And on Tuesday, check out the Greater Boston Intergenerational Chorus concert at 7 pm in First Parish Church in Watertown. This group is directed by Joanne Hammil, who writes the best music for kids that I have ever come across.
Friday: Go hear the Choir of the Church of the Advent! They are known for being hot stuff, AND they are singing Victoria. 8 pm at (surprise!) the Church of the Advent in Boston.
Also on Friday: Christ Church Evensong Choir, Lexington Pops Chorus.
Saturday: Go hear the Seraphim Singers and the Boston New Music Initiative present some new choral music! 8 pm at St. John's Episcopal Church in Jamaica Plain.
Also on Saturday: Convivium Musicum, Lexington Pops Chorus, Mystic Chorale, Newton Community Chorus, Stämbandet.
Sunday: Go hear the Mystic Chorale; they are always an energetic good time. 3:30 pm at Tremont Temple in Boston.
Also on Sunday: Brookline Chorus, Convivium Musicum, Paul Madore Chorale.
And on Tuesday, check out the Greater Boston Intergenerational Chorus concert at 7 pm in First Parish Church in Watertown. This group is directed by Joanne Hammil, who writes the best music for kids that I have ever come across.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Musica Sacra review
Musica Sacra gave me comps to their concert last Saturday, and that means I feel somewhat obligated to post a review here!
The concert was titled "Love, Lust and Laudations" and it was an exploration of Flemish choral music during the High Renaissance. It was a highly enjoyable concert; Musica Sacra is a sharp outfit, so what is there to say, really? Positive reviews are boring, but there it is. Tuning and expressiveness were impressive as always. And the diction! During much of the concert, I found myself profoundly glad that somebody had done the important and dedicated work of figuring out how to pronounce Renaissance Flemish French (or whatever that linguistic variation is called) and then practicing it enough to do it solidly and well. I also found myself profoundly glad that that person was not me, because wow, working that language into your mouth is hard and they had a lot of it! My one quibble might be that I felt some of the tempos were a bit too brisk, but on the other hand who can argue with excitement?
To make this more interesting, I will share with you my rips from the concert. During a lot of choral concerts I take the program and I make a little rip next to any piece that I especially like. The idea is that when I am doing my own programming I can go back to old programs I've saved and research pieces that have a little rip next to them (though to date I have always had enough program ideas that I've never actually done this.) Here's what I ripped from the Musica Sacra concert. If I remember why I ripped it, I will mention that!
En ce gracieulx mois de may, by Jean Courtois: This was the first chanson on the concert, and I ripped it b/c it was just pretty. Many of the chanson were charming, but this was the prettiest!
Elle n'eust sçeu la chaleur esprouver, by Claude Le Jeune: This chanson ended the first half; I don't remember it as well as the first (see, this is why I do the rips!) but I think I ripped it b/c it was also pretty and romantic and had a slightly grand ending.
O Maria Vernans Rosa, and also Adesto Dolori Meo, both by Clemens Non Papa: Wow, I don't know Clemens all that well, which is probably why the serene beauty of both of these motets caught me a little off guard. No wonder people still sing this guy's music!
Cum Essem Parvulus, by Orlandus Lassus (we're in a French mode, here!): I chose this as much for the text as the music. This is a setting of 1 Corinthians 13:11-13, and I have not found many (any?) settings of that text before, much less a beautiful one by Lassus.
Naturally if you wish to hear any of these pieces you can go and buy Musica Sacra's CD of this music. ;)
The concert was titled "Love, Lust and Laudations" and it was an exploration of Flemish choral music during the High Renaissance. It was a highly enjoyable concert; Musica Sacra is a sharp outfit, so what is there to say, really? Positive reviews are boring, but there it is. Tuning and expressiveness were impressive as always. And the diction! During much of the concert, I found myself profoundly glad that somebody had done the important and dedicated work of figuring out how to pronounce Renaissance Flemish French (or whatever that linguistic variation is called) and then practicing it enough to do it solidly and well. I also found myself profoundly glad that that person was not me, because wow, working that language into your mouth is hard and they had a lot of it! My one quibble might be that I felt some of the tempos were a bit too brisk, but on the other hand who can argue with excitement?
To make this more interesting, I will share with you my rips from the concert. During a lot of choral concerts I take the program and I make a little rip next to any piece that I especially like. The idea is that when I am doing my own programming I can go back to old programs I've saved and research pieces that have a little rip next to them (though to date I have always had enough program ideas that I've never actually done this.) Here's what I ripped from the Musica Sacra concert. If I remember why I ripped it, I will mention that!
En ce gracieulx mois de may, by Jean Courtois: This was the first chanson on the concert, and I ripped it b/c it was just pretty. Many of the chanson were charming, but this was the prettiest!
Elle n'eust sçeu la chaleur esprouver, by Claude Le Jeune: This chanson ended the first half; I don't remember it as well as the first (see, this is why I do the rips!) but I think I ripped it b/c it was also pretty and romantic and had a slightly grand ending.
O Maria Vernans Rosa, and also Adesto Dolori Meo, both by Clemens Non Papa: Wow, I don't know Clemens all that well, which is probably why the serene beauty of both of these motets caught me a little off guard. No wonder people still sing this guy's music!
Cum Essem Parvulus, by Orlandus Lassus (we're in a French mode, here!): I chose this as much for the text as the music. This is a setting of 1 Corinthians 13:11-13, and I have not found many (any?) settings of that text before, much less a beautiful one by Lassus.
Naturally if you wish to hear any of these pieces you can go and buy Musica Sacra's CD of this music. ;)
Support me in the Walk for Music!
This coming Sunday is the Boston's Walk For Music, and I will be participating! This fundraiser supports all types of music programs in Boston's neighborhoods and surrounding communities. 100% of the pledges raised will go straight to these music programs, and all donations are tax-deductible. (None of the pledges go to the Walk, which is staffed by volunteers.) I will be part of the Cantilena team, and my personal goal is to raise $250.
This may seem like a lot to raise in 5 days, but all I really need is 25 people to pledge me $10! (Larger amounts would naturally be gratefully accepted!) I know not everyone can afford $10 right now, but if you can, I really hope you'll consider pledging to support me. Any money you donate goes straight to Cantilena's budget, and will be directly responsible for hiring soloists, paying for sheet music, or paying for our upcoming CD recording (we are recording in January
2012). Tickets do not nearly cover Cantilena's budget; we are very dependent on donations and fund-raisers, and the Walk for Music will be an important part of our budget for the upcoming year. (I have sat through the board meetings, and I know!)
I hope that you are able to support me with a pledge for Cantilena toward the Walk for Music. You can donate directly to Cantilena online - just go to cantilena.org and click on the Donate button at the bottom. (And then be sure to comment and let me know you did so!)
I'm really looking forward to participating in the Walk for Music, and I welcome your pledge to "keep music alive in our community." Thanks for your support! (And if you are part of a chorus or musical organization, consider walking yourself! It's easy to sign up!)
This may seem like a lot to raise in 5 days, but all I really need is 25 people to pledge me $10! (Larger amounts would naturally be gratefully accepted!) I know not everyone can afford $10 right now, but if you can, I really hope you'll consider pledging to support me. Any money you donate goes straight to Cantilena's budget, and will be directly responsible for hiring soloists, paying for sheet music, or paying for our upcoming CD recording (we are recording in January
2012). Tickets do not nearly cover Cantilena's budget; we are very dependent on donations and fund-raisers, and the Walk for Music will be an important part of our budget for the upcoming year. (I have sat through the board meetings, and I know!)
I hope that you are able to support me with a pledge for Cantilena toward the Walk for Music. You can donate directly to Cantilena online - just go to cantilena.org and click on the Donate button at the bottom. (And then be sure to comment and let me know you did so!)
I'm really looking forward to participating in the Walk for Music, and I welcome your pledge to "keep music alive in our community." Thanks for your support! (And if you are part of a chorus or musical organization, consider walking yourself! It's easy to sign up!)
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday link
A few weeks ago, Terry Gross interviewed James Levine for the NPR show Fresh Air. I didn't catch the whole thing, maybe 2/3 of it, but it's definitely very interesting. I was most intrigued by his thoughts on conducting style, which came in the first half of the interview.
If you don't feel like listening, there is also an attached article that summarizes the interview.
If you don't feel like listening, there is also an attached article that summarizes the interview.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday cat post! Oomi edition!
When was the last time we checked in with Oomi, my brother's cat?
Good to know she is looking as picture-perfect as ever!
Good to know she is looking as picture-perfect as ever!
Weekend Concert Calendar, 5/12/11
I apologize for the lateness of this post; Blogger was down for more than 24 hours (which is something that is going to make me think hard about where I am posting this blog - opinions on good platforms welcome.) But here we are, finally!
We're at that point in the semester where the choices are tough, tough, tough! Everybody and their cousin has a concert this weekend! Break a leg, everyone!
Friday: If you enjoyed the Back Bay Chorale's performance of Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil earlier this year, why not check out Masterworks Chorale's performance of Tchaikovsky's All-Night Vigil, a precursor to Rachmaninoff's more well-known piece? 8 pm at Sanders Theatre.
Also on Friday: Arlington-Belmont Chamber Chorus, Boston Archdiocesan Choir School & St. Paul Men's Schola, Cantata Singers.
Saturday: I myself will be going to the Musica Sacra concert at 8 pm at First Church Congregational in Cambridge! I was lucky enough to sub for director Mary Beekman at one of their rehearsals earlier this semester, so I can't wait to hear how they sound. The program is called "Love, Lust, and Laudations: Flemish Choral Music of the High Renaissance" and there is a pretty wide range from beautiful sacred music to extremely raunchy secular songs!
Also on Saturday: Back Bay Chorale, Braintree Choral Society, Cambridge Chamber Singers, Choral Art Society of the South Shore, Convivium Musicum, Exsultemus, Heritage Chorale, Lorelei Ensemble, Newburyport Choral Society, Somerville Community Chorus, Treble Chorus of New England.
Sunday: Check out Convivium Musicum's martial program "Armada!" including war-inspired works by Victoria, Francisco Guerrero, Rogier, and Byrd. I was also lucky enough to sub for a rehearsal for director Michael Barrett earlier this semester (by the way, I'm happy to substitute-direct for anybody's rehearsal whenever needed!) and there is some beautiful music on this program (especially the Guerrero, a piece I didn't know and which was a delightful surprise.) 7 pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Brookline.
Also on Sunday: Andover Choral Society, Cambridge Chamber Singers, Cappella Clausura, Coro Allegro, Exsultemus, Quincy Choral Society, Wellesley Choral Society, Youth Pro Musica.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
We're at that point in the semester where the choices are tough, tough, tough! Everybody and their cousin has a concert this weekend! Break a leg, everyone!
Friday: If you enjoyed the Back Bay Chorale's performance of Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil earlier this year, why not check out Masterworks Chorale's performance of Tchaikovsky's All-Night Vigil, a precursor to Rachmaninoff's more well-known piece? 8 pm at Sanders Theatre.
Also on Friday: Arlington-Belmont Chamber Chorus, Boston Archdiocesan Choir School & St. Paul Men's Schola, Cantata Singers.
Saturday: I myself will be going to the Musica Sacra concert at 8 pm at First Church Congregational in Cambridge! I was lucky enough to sub for director Mary Beekman at one of their rehearsals earlier this semester, so I can't wait to hear how they sound. The program is called "Love, Lust, and Laudations: Flemish Choral Music of the High Renaissance" and there is a pretty wide range from beautiful sacred music to extremely raunchy secular songs!
Also on Saturday: Back Bay Chorale, Braintree Choral Society, Cambridge Chamber Singers, Choral Art Society of the South Shore, Convivium Musicum, Exsultemus, Heritage Chorale, Lorelei Ensemble, Newburyport Choral Society, Somerville Community Chorus, Treble Chorus of New England.
Sunday: Check out Convivium Musicum's martial program "Armada!" including war-inspired works by Victoria, Francisco Guerrero, Rogier, and Byrd. I was also lucky enough to sub for a rehearsal for director Michael Barrett earlier this semester (by the way, I'm happy to substitute-direct for anybody's rehearsal whenever needed!) and there is some beautiful music on this program (especially the Guerrero, a piece I didn't know and which was a delightful surprise.) 7 pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Brookline.
Also on Sunday: Andover Choral Society, Cambridge Chamber Singers, Cappella Clausura, Coro Allegro, Exsultemus, Quincy Choral Society, Wellesley Choral Society, Youth Pro Musica.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Friday, May 06, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar, 5/5/11
This is going up a little later than usual, but hopefully this will still be of use!
Friday: Celebrity Series Boston is bringing Sweet Honey in the Rock! Wooo! 8 pm, Symphony Hall. They are AWESOME and that is all there is to say about that.
Also on Friday: MIT Concert Choir.
Saturday: For Saturday, I recommend a town: Concord. The Concord Women's Chorus is doing one fascinating program at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord. It will feature Andrew Carter's Missa Brevis, Michael Isaacson's Cradle of Fire, and Gregg Smith's Latin Madrigals. Then at 7 pm the Concord Chorus (a mixed group) will be doing an excellent program featuring Barber's Reincarnations and selections from Argento's Walden Pond at 8 pm at the New Church in Concord. (And in between Concord features plenty of places for pretty walks and delicious dinners!)
Also on Saturday: A Cappella Singers, Assabet Valley Mastersingers, Capriccio Children's Chorus, Harvard Pro Musica, Jubilate Chorale, Master Singers of Lexington, Newton Choral Society, Simmons College Concert Choir.
Sunday: How appropriate that on Mother's Day the MIT Concert Choir should be singing Haydn's Creation! 4 pm, Kresge Auditorium on the MIT campus in Cambridge.
Also on Sunday: The deVaronistas.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Friday: Celebrity Series Boston is bringing Sweet Honey in the Rock! Wooo! 8 pm, Symphony Hall. They are AWESOME and that is all there is to say about that.
Also on Friday: MIT Concert Choir.
Saturday: For Saturday, I recommend a town: Concord. The Concord Women's Chorus is doing one fascinating program at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord. It will feature Andrew Carter's Missa Brevis, Michael Isaacson's Cradle of Fire, and Gregg Smith's Latin Madrigals. Then at 7 pm the Concord Chorus (a mixed group) will be doing an excellent program featuring Barber's Reincarnations and selections from Argento's Walden Pond at 8 pm at the New Church in Concord. (And in between Concord features plenty of places for pretty walks and delicious dinners!)
Also on Saturday: A Cappella Singers, Assabet Valley Mastersingers, Capriccio Children's Chorus, Harvard Pro Musica, Jubilate Chorale, Master Singers of Lexington, Newton Choral Society, Simmons College Concert Choir.
Sunday: How appropriate that on Mother's Day the MIT Concert Choir should be singing Haydn's Creation! 4 pm, Kresge Auditorium on the MIT campus in Cambridge.
Also on Sunday: The deVaronistas.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Monday, May 02, 2011
Monday link
Well, there has been a lot of news since then, but there was some very nice choral music at the Royal Wedding last Friday. You can hear it here.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Friday cat post
Boston Globe reports cat might break records with loudness of purr. See said cat's website here.
Weekend Concert Calendar, 4/28/11
This weekend is a big one - it is Cantilena's spring concert on Sunday! We are doing a program called May Days & Wild Nights: Madrigal Mayhem, which will feature some traditional English madrigals by Morley and Weelkes, some Italian madrigals by Kodaly (I know, right? You have to hear them) and two sets of modern madrigals by Roger Bourland, setting the texts of Dickinson and Francisco X. Alarcon. 7 pm, First Parish Arlington! Be there!
And, if you are free on Friday evening, there is going to be a fantastic organ concert by Christa Rakich at my church, First Parish Cohasset, at 7:30 pm. (That's tonight!)
Also, Harvard University is having their Arts First weekend right now as we speak, and boy, there is a lot of singing!
Friday: Handel & Haydn is performing Mozart's Requiem, and Handel's Dixit Dominus. Classics for a reason! 8 pm, Symphony Hall - let the good times roll.
Also on Friday: Harvard University Holden choruses.
Saturday: Tough choice. But I might recommend you go see the combined Holden choruses at Harvard University, who will be performing not only Beethoven's 9th Symphony but also the Boston premiere of John Adams' On the Transmigration of Souls. An amazing program, and with amazing musicians. 8 pm at Sanders Theatre.
Also on Saturday: Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Boston Harmony World Music Choir, Cantemus, Exsultemus, Fine Arts Chorale, Halalisa Singers, Harvard University Holden choruses, Nashoba Valley Chorale, Oriana Consort, Voices of Imani (BC).
Sunday: Come see me conduct Cantilena! Woooohooo! You did not know that madrigals came in such a variety, I promise you. One of them is about washing dishes.
Also on Sunday: Arlington-Belmont Chorale, Boston Saengerfest Men's Chorus, Cantemus, Halalisa Singers, Handel & Haydn Society, Harvard University Choir, New England Classical Singers, Treble Chorus of New England.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
And, if you are free on Friday evening, there is going to be a fantastic organ concert by Christa Rakich at my church, First Parish Cohasset, at 7:30 pm. (That's tonight!)
Also, Harvard University is having their Arts First weekend right now as we speak, and boy, there is a lot of singing!
Friday: Handel & Haydn is performing Mozart's Requiem, and Handel's Dixit Dominus. Classics for a reason! 8 pm, Symphony Hall - let the good times roll.
Also on Friday: Harvard University Holden choruses.
Saturday: Tough choice. But I might recommend you go see the combined Holden choruses at Harvard University, who will be performing not only Beethoven's 9th Symphony but also the Boston premiere of John Adams' On the Transmigration of Souls. An amazing program, and with amazing musicians. 8 pm at Sanders Theatre.
Also on Saturday: Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Boston Harmony World Music Choir, Cantemus, Exsultemus, Fine Arts Chorale, Halalisa Singers, Harvard University Holden choruses, Nashoba Valley Chorale, Oriana Consort, Voices of Imani (BC).
Sunday: Come see me conduct Cantilena! Woooohooo! You did not know that madrigals came in such a variety, I promise you. One of them is about washing dishes.
Also on Sunday: Arlington-Belmont Chorale, Boston Saengerfest Men's Chorus, Cantemus, Halalisa Singers, Handel & Haydn Society, Harvard University Choir, New England Classical Singers, Treble Chorus of New England.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Another Monday link
Boo - the IMSLP (aka the Petrucci Music Library, wonderful source of free scores that are in the public domain) is under attack. Hat tip to ChoralNet's Choral Blog, which has a summary.
Monday link
I hope everyone survived Holy Week!
For this week, your link is the Breaking Winds bassoon quartet from Eastman. Here they are playing a Disney Princess medley!
(While we're talking about princesses, how can I resist giving a shout-out to Advice from a Cartoon Princess? Choose Snow White, Ariel, or Belle! Not remotely safe for work! Ahem.)
For this week, your link is the Breaking Winds bassoon quartet from Eastman. Here they are playing a Disney Princess medley!
(While we're talking about princesses, how can I resist giving a shout-out to Advice from a Cartoon Princess? Choose Snow White, Ariel, or Belle! Not remotely safe for work! Ahem.)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday cat post!
Well, Samson is fine, and cuddly, but the camera is still lost, so you may not see him for a while. I tried to take a video of him, but black cats are hard to video, it turns out.
In the meantime, some kitty links!
A cat makes friends with some dolphins. Hat tip to SB.
A man creates a truly incredible homeless shelter for cats. (Check out the buildings.)
Japan's "Cat Island" doing OK after the quake, but in need of aid.
Cats in libraries. Quite a lot of them, it turns out! Check out the map. Hat tip to my dad.
In the meantime, some kitty links!
A cat makes friends with some dolphins. Hat tip to SB.
A man creates a truly incredible homeless shelter for cats. (Check out the buildings.)
Japan's "Cat Island" doing OK after the quake, but in need of aid.
Cats in libraries. Quite a lot of them, it turns out! Check out the map. Hat tip to my dad.
Weekend Concert Calendar, 4/14/11
I am singing myself this weekend, and you should come and hear me! Schola Cantorum is going to be performing Dufay's Missa Ecce Ancilla Domini, as well as motets by Victoria, Lassus, and Josquin. We will be singing at St. John's in Boston at 8 pm on Saturday, and at my own church, First Parish Cohasset, at 3 pm on Sunday. Please come!
Friday: Go check out the Oriana Consort, which will be singing a program called "The Austria/Brooklyn Connection." Among many other exciting pieces, they will be performing Copland's In The Beginning, which is a really fantastic work if you have never heard it. At 8 pm at the First Lutheran Church of Boston.
Saturday: Wow, Saturday is BUSY! There is a lot of crazy-awesome stuff going on. Naturally you should come and hear me sing with Schola Cantorum. But earlier in the afternoon, you should also to go the Boston Cecilia benefit concert for Japan featuring Fauré Requiem. That will be at 3 pm at Trinity Church in Copley Square, Boston, and all proceeds will go to survivors of the Japan earthquake. They are also having a raffle featuring some very cool prizes. (You could win an Anthology CD, for one, but I am really coveting the "17-course Chef's Tasting menu with sake pairings for two, at Boston's o ya." Holy wow.)
Also on Saturday: Blue Heron singing workshop, Boston Children's Chorus, Boston College University Chorale, Boston College's Voices of Imani, Boston Conservatory Chorale, Emmanuel Music and the Spectrum Singers (Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress), Exsultemus, Harvard Chamber Singers, Marsh Chapel Choir and Collegium (Bach's St. Matthew Passion).
Sunday: I rarely mention pop a cappella on this blog, not because I don't thoroughly enjoy it, but because there's so much of it in Boston that I can't do it justice. However, this Sunday is the 27th Annual Boston Harmony Sweepstakes at Tufts, one of the major a cappella events of the year and sure to be a good time. 2 pm on the Tufts campus - sure to sell out, so you might want to call ahead!
Also on Sunday: Boston Conservatory Women's Chorus.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Friday: Go check out the Oriana Consort, which will be singing a program called "The Austria/Brooklyn Connection." Among many other exciting pieces, they will be performing Copland's In The Beginning, which is a really fantastic work if you have never heard it. At 8 pm at the First Lutheran Church of Boston.
Saturday: Wow, Saturday is BUSY! There is a lot of crazy-awesome stuff going on. Naturally you should come and hear me sing with Schola Cantorum. But earlier in the afternoon, you should also to go the Boston Cecilia benefit concert for Japan featuring Fauré Requiem. That will be at 3 pm at Trinity Church in Copley Square, Boston, and all proceeds will go to survivors of the Japan earthquake. They are also having a raffle featuring some very cool prizes. (You could win an Anthology CD, for one, but I am really coveting the "17-course Chef's Tasting menu with sake pairings for two, at Boston's o ya." Holy wow.)
Also on Saturday: Blue Heron singing workshop, Boston Children's Chorus, Boston College University Chorale, Boston College's Voices of Imani, Boston Conservatory Chorale, Emmanuel Music and the Spectrum Singers (Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress), Exsultemus, Harvard Chamber Singers, Marsh Chapel Choir and Collegium (Bach's St. Matthew Passion).
Sunday: I rarely mention pop a cappella on this blog, not because I don't thoroughly enjoy it, but because there's so much of it in Boston that I can't do it justice. However, this Sunday is the 27th Annual Boston Harmony Sweepstakes at Tufts, one of the major a cappella events of the year and sure to be a good time. 2 pm on the Tufts campus - sure to sell out, so you might want to call ahead!
Also on Sunday: Boston Conservatory Women's Chorus.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar, 4/7/11
Yours truly will be singing this weekend, down in Providence at the RISD Museum with Schola Cantorum. If you want to come to this concert on Saturday night (in the museum's newly opened Renaissance gallery, with a wine and cheese reception to follow) you should reserve a space by e-mailing Pam Kimel (first initial, last name at risd.edu). Or you can just wait until next weekend, when we will be singing this program in Boston on Saturday and Cohasset on Sunday! Check us out in the Providence Journal.
Friday: Boy, I can't find any choral music for Friday night! It's OK, though, I know how you can get your fix. Longy grads Michelle Vachon and Rachael Chagat are performing Pergolesi's Stabat Mater at St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge at 7 pm. And it's free! Here's the Facebook event.
Saturday: How about some more free music? The Harvard Early Music Society is presenting "Voices and Viols: Music of Schütz and Buxtehude." The program will include selections from Buxtehude's masterpiece Membra Jesu Nostri. This concert is free, at 8 pm at the Holden Chapel in Harvard Yard (next to Harvard Square, Cambridge.)
Also on Saturday: Boston Children's Chorus, Neponset Choral Society, WomenSong.
Sunday: On Sunday, in addition to a whole plethora of other delightful options, we have one concert that I am really sad to be missing. I hope someone goes and tells me about it, please? At Sanders Theatre at 2 pm, there will be a concert called "Middle East Harmonies: A Musical Dialogue Between Arab and Israeli Cultures." The program will feature the Zamir Chorale, and original members of Bustan Abraham, the famed Arab-Jewish Israeli ensemble. The program also includes performances by the Boston City Singers, an inner-city youth chorus, renowned Turkish musician Mehmet Ali Sanlikol, and Lebanese vocalist Mireille Tannous. For more information, go here.
Also on Sunday: Dedham Choral Society, Exsultemus, Harvard University Choir, Jameson Singers, Libana, Neponset Choral Society, Oriana Consort, WomenSong.
This weekend, and on Tuesday, the Massachusetts branch of the ACDA is hosting 3 meetings of "The Big Sing" at various places around the state; all children and youth choirs are invited to participate.
On Monday, the BU Symphony and Chorus will perform Mendelssohn's Elijah.
And on Tuesday, Tufts Early Music Ensemble will perform a free concert at 8 pm, and the Children's Choir of the Paris National Opera will be at King's Chapel.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Friday: Boy, I can't find any choral music for Friday night! It's OK, though, I know how you can get your fix. Longy grads Michelle Vachon and Rachael Chagat are performing Pergolesi's Stabat Mater at St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge at 7 pm. And it's free! Here's the Facebook event.
Saturday: How about some more free music? The Harvard Early Music Society is presenting "Voices and Viols: Music of Schütz and Buxtehude." The program will include selections from Buxtehude's masterpiece Membra Jesu Nostri. This concert is free, at 8 pm at the Holden Chapel in Harvard Yard (next to Harvard Square, Cambridge.)
Also on Saturday: Boston Children's Chorus, Neponset Choral Society, WomenSong.
Sunday: On Sunday, in addition to a whole plethora of other delightful options, we have one concert that I am really sad to be missing. I hope someone goes and tells me about it, please? At Sanders Theatre at 2 pm, there will be a concert called "Middle East Harmonies: A Musical Dialogue Between Arab and Israeli Cultures." The program will feature the Zamir Chorale, and original members of Bustan Abraham, the famed Arab-Jewish Israeli ensemble. The program also includes performances by the Boston City Singers, an inner-city youth chorus, renowned Turkish musician Mehmet Ali Sanlikol, and Lebanese vocalist Mireille Tannous. For more information, go here.
Also on Sunday: Dedham Choral Society, Exsultemus, Harvard University Choir, Jameson Singers, Libana, Neponset Choral Society, Oriana Consort, WomenSong.
This weekend, and on Tuesday, the Massachusetts branch of the ACDA is hosting 3 meetings of "The Big Sing" at various places around the state; all children and youth choirs are invited to participate.
On Monday, the BU Symphony and Chorus will perform Mendelssohn's Elijah.
And on Tuesday, Tufts Early Music Ensemble will perform a free concert at 8 pm, and the Children's Choir of the Paris National Opera will be at King's Chapel.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Tuesday link
For early music choral singers, Amherst Early Music is going to be offering an Ensemble Singing intensive workshop this summer! Looks pretty cool (check out the faculty, especially.) More info here.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar, 3/31/11
Hm, snow. Might as well stay inside and listen to some music, right?
Friday: Harry Christophers and Handel & Haydn have put together a very interesting program called "Harry's Vocal Voyage" contrasting Victoria and Poulenc. The full program is here. On Friday they will be at the Saint Cecilia Church in Boston at 8 pm (the program repeats on Saturday and Sunday.)
Also on Friday: Tallis Scholars, Unicorn Singers.
Saturday: Cappella Clausura is presenting a program featuring works of Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, and also a premiere by local composer Dorothy Crawford on the papers of America's first poet, Anne Bradstreet. At the Episcopal Parish of the Messiah in Newton at 8 pm. (The program repeats on Sunday.)
Also on Saturday: Boston Saengerfest Men's Chorus and the Boston City Singers, Boston University Choral Ensembles.
Sunday: The Seraphim Singers, with the Saint Paul Choir and the Orchestra of Emmanuel Music, will present Bach's St. John Passion. At 3 pm at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Harvard Square, Cambridge.
Also on Sunday: Belmont Open Sings (Fauré Requiem), Cappella Clausura, Concordia Consort, Family Folk Chorale, Unicorn Singers, Vox Lucens.
And on Tuesday, the Bridgewater State College Chamber Singers will be at King's Chapel.
P.S. If you are in Providence this Sunday, check out this concert by Boston Hausmusik, featuring a newly restored Broadwood English grand piano from 1806 and the organist at my church, Sylvia Berry!
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Friday: Harry Christophers and Handel & Haydn have put together a very interesting program called "Harry's Vocal Voyage" contrasting Victoria and Poulenc. The full program is here. On Friday they will be at the Saint Cecilia Church in Boston at 8 pm (the program repeats on Saturday and Sunday.)
Also on Friday: Tallis Scholars, Unicorn Singers.
Saturday: Cappella Clausura is presenting a program featuring works of Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, and also a premiere by local composer Dorothy Crawford on the papers of America's first poet, Anne Bradstreet. At the Episcopal Parish of the Messiah in Newton at 8 pm. (The program repeats on Sunday.)
Also on Saturday: Boston Saengerfest Men's Chorus and the Boston City Singers, Boston University Choral Ensembles.
Sunday: The Seraphim Singers, with the Saint Paul Choir and the Orchestra of Emmanuel Music, will present Bach's St. John Passion. At 3 pm at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Harvard Square, Cambridge.
Also on Sunday: Belmont Open Sings (Fauré Requiem), Cappella Clausura, Concordia Consort, Family Folk Chorale, Unicorn Singers, Vox Lucens.
And on Tuesday, the Bridgewater State College Chamber Singers will be at King's Chapel.
P.S. If you are in Providence this Sunday, check out this concert by Boston Hausmusik, featuring a newly restored Broadwood English grand piano from 1806 and the organist at my church, Sylvia Berry!
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday link
The Boston Children's Chorus is bringing the highly successful Venezuelan conductor Maria Guinand to town in early April. There will be a number of events open to the public; check out the schedule and consider going!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar - not
Sorry folks, too swamped to put together a Weekend Concert Calendar this week. On Sunday, check out the King's Chapel Choir doing a program called "Sound Architecture" that reflects the architecture of King's Chapel. And for some virtuoso solo singing, please check out La Donna Musicale's production of Sophonisba. Otherwise, if you are performing this week, please leave a comment!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday link
Goofy link today. A few comics about Chopin and Liszt! I had no idea they had a friendship or a rivalry (neither being most famous for their choral music, I have not exactly concentrated on them) but some brief Googling (e.g. read the fourth paragraph here) seems to indicate they had both.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Friday cat post - Guest Edition!
We have something very exciting today - another Guest edition of the usual Friday cat post! Without further ado, may I introduce Eden Casteel and her cats Boo-Boo and Cecilia!
Eden says:
I'm an adjunct voice teacher at Salve Regina U. in Newport RI, just moved here in summer from Michigan. I'm trying to start a small Schola down here south of Providence -- there are lots of opportunities north of the city, but very little for those of us near the coast, except for the Chorus of Westerly. I'm interested in starting a group that can be itinerant -- sing at parishes that might be welcoming, but not be attached to any particular place. If you hear of any one down this way who is looking for some low-commitment choral fun, give 'em my email. I also started a Meetup group -- "Chants Occurrence" -- and have a few members.
Cecilia Cat, age 6, dwelling among my hymnals. Guess I made it easy for her with the stepstool!
Boo-Boo Kitty, my step-cat, age 6, enjoying a sunbath on top of his scratching box. Multitasker. He also loves to sit in when I teach at home -- sitting on the piano bench with me, or purring loudly nearby. He is very social!
Aw, look at that furry belly. Thanks, Eden! And if anyone wants your kitty to star in a guest edition of Friday Cat Post, let me know!
(Samson sends his greetings to all, by the way, but wants you to know that he has hidden my camera, so not only is it broken, I couldn't find it to take it to the shop to get fixed. His prettiness will have to go unadmired for another week!)
Eden says:
I'm an adjunct voice teacher at Salve Regina U. in Newport RI, just moved here in summer from Michigan. I'm trying to start a small Schola down here south of Providence -- there are lots of opportunities north of the city, but very little for those of us near the coast, except for the Chorus of Westerly. I'm interested in starting a group that can be itinerant -- sing at parishes that might be welcoming, but not be attached to any particular place. If you hear of any one down this way who is looking for some low-commitment choral fun, give 'em my email. I also started a Meetup group -- "Chants Occurrence" -- and have a few members.
Cecilia Cat, age 6, dwelling among my hymnals. Guess I made it easy for her with the stepstool!
Boo-Boo Kitty, my step-cat, age 6, enjoying a sunbath on top of his scratching box. Multitasker. He also loves to sit in when I teach at home -- sitting on the piano bench with me, or purring loudly nearby. He is very social!
Aw, look at that furry belly. Thanks, Eden! And if anyone wants your kitty to star in a guest edition of Friday Cat Post, let me know!
(Samson sends his greetings to all, by the way, but wants you to know that he has hidden my camera, so not only is it broken, I couldn't find it to take it to the shop to get fixed. His prettiness will have to go unadmired for another week!)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar, 3/17/11
It's a good weekend! Tough choices.
Friday: On Friday, there is really only one choice. The Cantata Singers will be presenting Bach's Mass in B Minor. I have no doubt that they will hit it out of the park. At NEC's Jordan Hall at 8 pm. They will also perform it at 3 pm on Sunday, and in fact, put together with the Freisinger Chamber Orchestra's performance on Saturday, you could hear Bach's Mass in B Minor every single day this weekend! What a city!
Saturday: On Saturday, Blue Heron will be presenting the music of Tomás Luis de Victoria. He is one of my favorite composers, they are one of my favorite groups, and this concert is sure to be exquisitely beautiful. The concert is at 8 pm at First Church Congregational, Cambridge, and there is a pre-concert lecture at 7:15 pm.
Also on Saturday: Boston Camerata, Freisinger Chamber Orchestra (Bach's Mass in B Minor).
Sunday: Oh gosh, Sunday. A hard day to decide! On the one hand, you should go see my friend up-and-coming mezzo-soprano Eileen Christiansen sing with the Polymnia Choral Society, which will perform Michael Haydn's rarely-heard and excellent Requiem at 4 pm at St. Mary's Church in Melrose. On the other hand, how can I not recommend Rossini's utterly charming and also rarely-performed Petite Messe Solenelle, performed by Chorus Pro Musica at 3 pm at Old South Church in Boston? And on the third hand...Ladysmith Black Mambazo! EEEEEEEEE! Whatever you do, don't let indecision paralyze you!
Also on Sunday: Assabet Valley Mastersingers, Cantata Singers, Chorus Pro Musica, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Polymnia Choral Society.
Friday: On Friday, there is really only one choice. The Cantata Singers will be presenting Bach's Mass in B Minor. I have no doubt that they will hit it out of the park. At NEC's Jordan Hall at 8 pm. They will also perform it at 3 pm on Sunday, and in fact, put together with the Freisinger Chamber Orchestra's performance on Saturday, you could hear Bach's Mass in B Minor every single day this weekend! What a city!
Saturday: On Saturday, Blue Heron will be presenting the music of Tomás Luis de Victoria. He is one of my favorite composers, they are one of my favorite groups, and this concert is sure to be exquisitely beautiful. The concert is at 8 pm at First Church Congregational, Cambridge, and there is a pre-concert lecture at 7:15 pm.
Also on Saturday: Boston Camerata, Freisinger Chamber Orchestra (Bach's Mass in B Minor).
Sunday: Oh gosh, Sunday. A hard day to decide! On the one hand, you should go see my friend up-and-coming mezzo-soprano Eileen Christiansen sing with the Polymnia Choral Society, which will perform Michael Haydn's rarely-heard and excellent Requiem at 4 pm at St. Mary's Church in Melrose. On the other hand, how can I not recommend Rossini's utterly charming and also rarely-performed Petite Messe Solenelle, performed by Chorus Pro Musica at 3 pm at Old South Church in Boston? And on the third hand...Ladysmith Black Mambazo! EEEEEEEEE! Whatever you do, don't let indecision paralyze you!
Also on Sunday: Assabet Valley Mastersingers, Cantata Singers, Chorus Pro Musica, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Polymnia Choral Society.
Musica Sacra tallies
I mentioned that Musica Sacra handed out ballots in their concert this past weekend, and the votes are in!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Boston Cecilia review
The second great concert I saw last weekend (the first being the Musica Sacra concert which I talked about Monday) was the Boston Cecilia's performance of Handel's Jephtha.
Warning: gushing ahead! I know that makes for the less interesting reviews, but I loved it!
First off, the line-ups of soloists was very impressive. I especially loved both the women soloists. Teresa Wakim was the soprano, and her voice was absolutely clear and delightful the whole way through. All her arias were wonderful, but I especially enjoyed "The smiling dawn of happy days." And Deborah Rentz-Moore as the mezzo-soprano was a happy surprise; I had never heard of her, or heard her perform before, but she was great, with a wonderful rich tone that easily carried over the orchestra, and good emotional intensity.
But the hero of the hour (well, three hours) was definitely Aaron Sheehan, who totally knocked it out of the park. I really cannot say enough nice things about him. His tone was both heroic and vulnerable; his diction and tuning exquisite, and he nailed every note, no matter how small or fast. You could hear people gasp after some of his more virtuosic runs. I am more impressed every time I hear him (last time was also with the Boston Cecilia, when he performed Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings.) Someone should snap him up to record this role right away so I can put "Waft her gently" on my ITunes and listen to it on repeat.
Finally, one can't talk about the soloists without mentioning boy soprano Ryan Williams as the Angel in Act III. He was extremely impressive; perfectly dead-on pitch, and carried well over the orchestra, and in general nailed his performance. Everyone had to stop and give him an extra bow in the middle of the performance. He is also the son of Ron Williams, the baritone soloist, so he comes from an excellent family line!
Of course, I went to hear not the soloists but the chorus. And the chorus was excellent! Many people were talking about the choral movement at the end of Act II, "How dark, O Lord, are thy decrees," which was definitely one of the emotional climaxes of the whole piece, and very intense. But I was even more blown away by the chorus at the end of Act I, "When his loud voice in thunder spoke," which although not as deep was very virtuosic. The chorus was nimble, accurate, and their rhythm and tempo was perfect; they were never behind the conductor. Also, I could hear their ending consonants, even the "k" on "broke," which kind of blew me away. Throughout the entire performance they had a strong full sound that was extremely well-balanced and well-tuned.
I expected this plus-three-hour performance to occasionally lag in dramatic drive, and thought that my energy would flag during the listening, especially in light of Daylight Savings that morning. But Jephtha struck me as one of the more dramatically well-balanced oratorios that I have heard, and Don Teeters kept things rolling along at a good clip. It's sad that this was the last Handel oratorio we will hear him conduct with the Boston Cecilia, but it was the perfect way to go out!
The next Cecilia concert is Bach's St. Matthew Passion on Nov. 6, when they will be joined by Musica Sacra! It's already on my calendar; I expect it to be great.
For another review of Cecilia's performance last Sunday, you can read Jeremy Eichler in the Globe. Much as I loved the performance, I do think his comment about "more pointed emotional specificity" is well-taken.
Warning: gushing ahead! I know that makes for the less interesting reviews, but I loved it!
First off, the line-ups of soloists was very impressive. I especially loved both the women soloists. Teresa Wakim was the soprano, and her voice was absolutely clear and delightful the whole way through. All her arias were wonderful, but I especially enjoyed "The smiling dawn of happy days." And Deborah Rentz-Moore as the mezzo-soprano was a happy surprise; I had never heard of her, or heard her perform before, but she was great, with a wonderful rich tone that easily carried over the orchestra, and good emotional intensity.
But the hero of the hour (well, three hours) was definitely Aaron Sheehan, who totally knocked it out of the park. I really cannot say enough nice things about him. His tone was both heroic and vulnerable; his diction and tuning exquisite, and he nailed every note, no matter how small or fast. You could hear people gasp after some of his more virtuosic runs. I am more impressed every time I hear him (last time was also with the Boston Cecilia, when he performed Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings.) Someone should snap him up to record this role right away so I can put "Waft her gently" on my ITunes and listen to it on repeat.
Finally, one can't talk about the soloists without mentioning boy soprano Ryan Williams as the Angel in Act III. He was extremely impressive; perfectly dead-on pitch, and carried well over the orchestra, and in general nailed his performance. Everyone had to stop and give him an extra bow in the middle of the performance. He is also the son of Ron Williams, the baritone soloist, so he comes from an excellent family line!
Of course, I went to hear not the soloists but the chorus. And the chorus was excellent! Many people were talking about the choral movement at the end of Act II, "How dark, O Lord, are thy decrees," which was definitely one of the emotional climaxes of the whole piece, and very intense. But I was even more blown away by the chorus at the end of Act I, "When his loud voice in thunder spoke," which although not as deep was very virtuosic. The chorus was nimble, accurate, and their rhythm and tempo was perfect; they were never behind the conductor. Also, I could hear their ending consonants, even the "k" on "broke," which kind of blew me away. Throughout the entire performance they had a strong full sound that was extremely well-balanced and well-tuned.
I expected this plus-three-hour performance to occasionally lag in dramatic drive, and thought that my energy would flag during the listening, especially in light of Daylight Savings that morning. But Jephtha struck me as one of the more dramatically well-balanced oratorios that I have heard, and Don Teeters kept things rolling along at a good clip. It's sad that this was the last Handel oratorio we will hear him conduct with the Boston Cecilia, but it was the perfect way to go out!
The next Cecilia concert is Bach's St. Matthew Passion on Nov. 6, when they will be joined by Musica Sacra! It's already on my calendar; I expect it to be great.
For another review of Cecilia's performance last Sunday, you can read Jeremy Eichler in the Globe. Much as I loved the performance, I do think his comment about "more pointed emotional specificity" is well-taken.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Audition heads-up
Feel like you missed audition season? You're in luck! Calliope, a collaborative choral and orchestral ensemble, will be auditioning in early April (4/9 and 4/10, or by appointment) for a concert that will be rehearsed over the summer and performed in September. I know very little about this group, but you can get more information here. (It looks like they have not updated their audition page, but get in touch with them for details.)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Musica Sacra review
I saw two great choral concerts this past weekend! The first was by Musica Sacra. Full disclosure; they offered me a pair of comps, which I was delighted to accept.
Musica Sacra did a program called "Double-Takes: One Text, Two Perspectives," and it was highly enjoyable. The star of the program was, well, the program. I just love the way director Mary Beekman programs all her concerts; they are always interesting and clever, but every piece is also programmed out of love. It always makes for a great mix.
In this case we had two composers each setting one text. For example, there was an Ave Maria by Josquin, and the Ave Maria by Biebl. Musica Sacra did something very smart, which was to hand out ballots in the program, and have everyone vote for their favorite setting of a given text. This meant that everyone in the audience ended up extremely invested in the concert. Results have not been tallied yet, but I am keeping an eye on their Facebook page for the results! For the record, my choices were:
I preferred the Ginastera "O Vos Omnes" over the Correa.
I preferred the Josquin "Ave Maria" over the Biebl (but that's a hard call.)
I preferred the Allegri "Miserere Mei" over the Brahms' "Schaffe in Mir, Gott."
I preferred the Tomkins "When David Heard" over the Whitacre.
I preferred the Bach "Lobet den Herrn" over the Monteverdi "Laudate Dominum" (another tough call.)
See? I am still invested! They had great audience turnout, a fun reception with a raffle; that group is just doing everything right, in my opinion. The energy in the room was high and positive.
And the music? Extremely well-done! The sound was very clean and well-blended; everything was strong, and there were no pieces that sounded unsteady. Particularly impressive was the soprano section. Beekman has some very strong sopranos, and chose a program that showed them off well, with lots of different solos that were all excellently sung. Particular kudos to the high soprano soloist in the Allegri "Miserere Mei," whose high notes were always dead-on, every time. Their next concert is called "Love, Lust and Laudations: Flemish Choral Music of the High Renaissance" on May 14, and based on this last concert, I definitely recommend going.
Musica Sacra did a program called "Double-Takes: One Text, Two Perspectives," and it was highly enjoyable. The star of the program was, well, the program. I just love the way director Mary Beekman programs all her concerts; they are always interesting and clever, but every piece is also programmed out of love. It always makes for a great mix.
In this case we had two composers each setting one text. For example, there was an Ave Maria by Josquin, and the Ave Maria by Biebl. Musica Sacra did something very smart, which was to hand out ballots in the program, and have everyone vote for their favorite setting of a given text. This meant that everyone in the audience ended up extremely invested in the concert. Results have not been tallied yet, but I am keeping an eye on their Facebook page for the results! For the record, my choices were:
I preferred the Ginastera "O Vos Omnes" over the Correa.
I preferred the Josquin "Ave Maria" over the Biebl (but that's a hard call.)
I preferred the Allegri "Miserere Mei" over the Brahms' "Schaffe in Mir, Gott."
I preferred the Tomkins "When David Heard" over the Whitacre.
I preferred the Bach "Lobet den Herrn" over the Monteverdi "Laudate Dominum" (another tough call.)
See? I am still invested! They had great audience turnout, a fun reception with a raffle; that group is just doing everything right, in my opinion. The energy in the room was high and positive.
And the music? Extremely well-done! The sound was very clean and well-blended; everything was strong, and there were no pieces that sounded unsteady. Particularly impressive was the soprano section. Beekman has some very strong sopranos, and chose a program that showed them off well, with lots of different solos that were all excellently sung. Particular kudos to the high soprano soloist in the Allegri "Miserere Mei," whose high notes were always dead-on, every time. Their next concert is called "Love, Lust and Laudations: Flemish Choral Music of the High Renaissance" on May 14, and based on this last concert, I definitely recommend going.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Weekend Concert Calendar, 3/10/11 (well, 3/11/11)
This weekend I am actually getting out of the house and seeing some of the choral concerts I am always telling you about! See you at the Musica Sacra concert on Saturday, and the Boston Cecilia concert on Sunday!
Friday: Masterworks Chorale is presenting Dvorak's beautiful Stabat Mater. Steven Karidoyanes will be conducting, and this concert is a tribute to Allen Lannom, who led the Masterworks Chorale for 53 years. Richard Dyer, formerly critic for the Boston Globe, will present the opening remarks. This will be at 8 pm at Sanders Theatre at Harvard University.
Also on Friday: Worcester Chorus.
Saturday: Musica Sacra presents "Double-Takes: One Text, Two Perspectives." They have chosen five texts, and will present two settings of each by two different composers. Included on the program are Ave Maria by Josquin and Biebl; When David Heard by Whitacre and Tomkins; and Psalm 51 by Brahms (Schaffe in mir, Gott) and Allegri (Miserere).
Check out this very cute video of chorus members talking about their favorite pieces!
Sunday: The Boston Cecilia will present Handel's Jephtha. This was Handel's final oratorio, and it will be Cecilia's final Handel oratorio under the baton of Donald Teeters. (Teeters is retiring at the end of next year.) Don Teeters is a Handel specialist, and over the years has led many acclaimed Handel oratorio performances; all the stops have been pulled out for this last one, so don't miss it! It will be at 2:30 pm (note the start time) at NEC's Jordan Hall in Boston. This should definitely be one of the most talked-about choral performances of the year.
Also on Sunday: Arlington-Belmont Chorale, the Brookline Chorus, Newton Choral Society, Quincy Choral Society, Sorellanza, Sounds of Stow.
On Tuesday, Blue Heron will be singing a FREE concert at St. Mary's Chapel on the BC Chestnut Hill campus.
And next Thursday, check out the University of Wisconsin-Madison Concert Choir at First Church Congregational, Cambridge at 8 pm. They are directed by Beverly Taylor (a familiar name in these parts) and have all kinds of goodies lined up, from Hogan to Howells.
Friday: Masterworks Chorale is presenting Dvorak's beautiful Stabat Mater. Steven Karidoyanes will be conducting, and this concert is a tribute to Allen Lannom, who led the Masterworks Chorale for 53 years. Richard Dyer, formerly critic for the Boston Globe, will present the opening remarks. This will be at 8 pm at Sanders Theatre at Harvard University.
Also on Friday: Worcester Chorus.
Saturday: Musica Sacra presents "Double-Takes: One Text, Two Perspectives." They have chosen five texts, and will present two settings of each by two different composers. Included on the program are Ave Maria by Josquin and Biebl; When David Heard by Whitacre and Tomkins; and Psalm 51 by Brahms (Schaffe in mir, Gott) and Allegri (Miserere).
Check out this very cute video of chorus members talking about their favorite pieces!
Sunday: The Boston Cecilia will present Handel's Jephtha. This was Handel's final oratorio, and it will be Cecilia's final Handel oratorio under the baton of Donald Teeters. (Teeters is retiring at the end of next year.) Don Teeters is a Handel specialist, and over the years has led many acclaimed Handel oratorio performances; all the stops have been pulled out for this last one, so don't miss it! It will be at 2:30 pm (note the start time) at NEC's Jordan Hall in Boston. This should definitely be one of the most talked-about choral performances of the year.
Also on Sunday: Arlington-Belmont Chorale, the Brookline Chorus, Newton Choral Society, Quincy Choral Society, Sorellanza, Sounds of Stow.
On Tuesday, Blue Heron will be singing a FREE concert at St. Mary's Chapel on the BC Chestnut Hill campus.
And next Thursday, check out the University of Wisconsin-Madison Concert Choir at First Church Congregational, Cambridge at 8 pm. They are directed by Beverly Taylor (a familiar name in these parts) and have all kinds of goodies lined up, from Hogan to Howells.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Choral workshop ahoy
If you are free this coming Saturday (it's a pretty crazy weekend) you might consider checking out this choral workshop, offered by R/EMM, which in addition to doing lots of work with recorders offers several choral workshops a year.
R/EMM is offering a choral morning with Jay Lane, director of Vox Lucens, focussing on works in 4-8 parts by Guerrero, Morales and Victoria.
R/EMM is offering a choral morning with Jay Lane, director of Vox Lucens, focussing on works in 4-8 parts by Guerrero, Morales and Victoria.
* Saturday, March 12, 2011 from 9:30-12:15
Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street in Concord MA
directions here: http://www.trinityconcord.org/directions.shtml
Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 9 if you plan to attend.
PDF files of the music will be sent out on Wednesday evening.
Registration fee: $18, $12 for R/EMM Members; R/EMM Choral Affiliates FREE. (Note: I don't know what the fee is for non-R/EMM members, but I do know this is open to the general public. I went to one led by Scott Metcalfe of Blue Heron a few years ago, and it was a lot of fun.)
Monday, March 07, 2011
Monday links
A couple of conductor links for you today! Don Teeters of the Boston Cecilia is interviewed by the Musical Intelligencer, and David Hoose of the Cantata Singers is interviewed by The Arts Fuse.
Both groups have major concerts coming up this month. The Boston Cecilia is performing Handel's Jephtha on March 13 at 2:30 pm at NEC's Jordan Hall; and the Cantata Singers is performing Bach's Mass in B Minor on March 18 and 20, at 8 pm and 3 pm respectively, also at NEC's Jordan Hall.
Both groups have major concerts coming up this month. The Boston Cecilia is performing Handel's Jephtha on March 13 at 2:30 pm at NEC's Jordan Hall; and the Cantata Singers is performing Bach's Mass in B Minor on March 18 and 20, at 8 pm and 3 pm respectively, also at NEC's Jordan Hall.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Friday cat post! Oomi edition
My camera is broke, so until I get it fixed, I'm afraid you will have to do without pictures of Samson! I can assure you he is well, currently sprawled out beside me taking a nap in the sun.
In the meantime, here is Oomi posing for the camera.
In the meantime, here is Oomi posing for the camera.
Weekend Concert Calendar, 3/3/11
March is here! Be a concert-going lion!
Friday: The Lorelei Ensemble, a group of professional female singers, will be presenting a program called "By Women, For Women," directed by Beth Willer and featuring new music by Abbie Betinis, Erin Huelskamp, Mary Montgomery Koppel and Libby Larsen, as well as old favorites by Hildegard and Strozzi, among others. I've heard this group in performance, and they are hot stuff. On Friday night at 8 they will be at the Emmanuel College Chapel in Boston; they'll also be performing on Sunday in Wenham.
Also on Friday: Boston Baroque, Boston Choral Ensemble, Braintree Choral Society.
Saturday: The Back Bay Chorale is performing Rachmaninoff's Vespers. One of the town's best choruses; one of the world's most beloved beautiful choral pieces. What more need be said? At Emmanuel Church in Boston at 8 pm.
Also on Saturday: Boston Baroque, Choral Art Society, Harvard Glee Club and Radcliffe Choral Society, Spectrum Singers.
Sunday: Check out the Boston Choral Ensemble and their program "The Door to Paradise," exploring 20th-century British choral music. Get your Howells fix here! 2:30 pm (notice the start time) at Old South Church in Boston. Also on Friday night in Cambridge.
Also on Sunday: Choirs of First Parish Westwood and United Church Walpole, Concordia Concert, Coro Allegro, Lorelei Ensemble.
Later this week, the Kenyon College Chamber Singers will be in Needham on Tuesday during their spring tour.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
Friday: The Lorelei Ensemble, a group of professional female singers, will be presenting a program called "By Women, For Women," directed by Beth Willer and featuring new music by Abbie Betinis, Erin Huelskamp, Mary Montgomery Koppel and Libby Larsen, as well as old favorites by Hildegard and Strozzi, among others. I've heard this group in performance, and they are hot stuff. On Friday night at 8 they will be at the Emmanuel College Chapel in Boston; they'll also be performing on Sunday in Wenham.
Also on Friday: Boston Baroque, Boston Choral Ensemble, Braintree Choral Society.
Saturday: The Back Bay Chorale is performing Rachmaninoff's Vespers. One of the town's best choruses; one of the world's most beloved beautiful choral pieces. What more need be said? At Emmanuel Church in Boston at 8 pm.
Also on Saturday: Boston Baroque, Choral Art Society, Harvard Glee Club and Radcliffe Choral Society, Spectrum Singers.
Sunday: Check out the Boston Choral Ensemble and their program "The Door to Paradise," exploring 20th-century British choral music. Get your Howells fix here! 2:30 pm (notice the start time) at Old South Church in Boston. Also on Friday night in Cambridge.
Also on Sunday: Choirs of First Parish Westwood and United Church Walpole, Concordia Concert, Coro Allegro, Lorelei Ensemble.
Later this week, the Kenyon College Chamber Singers will be in Needham on Tuesday during their spring tour.
Did I miss anything? Leave it in the comments!
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