ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PREVIEWS 2009-2010 SEASON

Here we go again…in more ways than one!  With 2009-2010 fast approaching, and a fantastic season prepared, we began learning of impending cuts from some of our major funding sources, both locally and the state.  Reading of huge deficits being incurred by some of central Ohio’s finest arts organizations, some into six and seven figures, and being aware of the economic climate, we went back to the drawing board!

Your Board and artistic director agree that we intend to program only what we can realistically hope to fund, and with this in mind, we have prepared a completely different up-coming season, our twenty-third!  We remain totally committed to doing whatever is necessary to keep Lancaster Chorale alive for our community, and are excited about the year-long activities that we’re presenting for 2009-2010!

Once again, we usher in the holiday season to Lancaster and Fairfield County, as we present,  ‘CHRISTMAS WITH CHORALE’!   Set for Sunday, November 29, at 4:00PM, we return to the unmatched acoustic  and aesthetic environment of St. Mary of the Assumption, with a concert of favorites… and a few new selections as well. 

Opening from the rear of the sanctuary,  Lancaster native, Debbie Wright sets the mood,  and Chorale continues with a set of contemporary selections by William Mathias, Conrad Susa and highlighted by Morten Lauridsen’s magnificent, O NATA LUX.  A traditional set follows, including a hauntingly beautiful version of Silent Night, by Mark Johnson, and concluding with Sir David Willcocks’ SUSSEX CAROL.

We’re proud to have Lancaster-Fairfield Youth Choir open the second half of the program;  Andrew Brown’s outstanding group is always a crowd favorite!  Several newer pieces set a quiet, nostalgic mood as Chorale returns, and introduces the work of local composer, Thurlow Weed; his LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS and works by Patrick Hawes, Catherine Bennett and Bob Chilcott lead into our final selection,  Mack Wilberg’s inspirational setting of ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH.  I love every selection on this concert, and you will also!  CHRISTMAS WITH CHORALE will set a mood that will carry you through the season; don’t miss this splendid afternoon of beautiful music!

Saturday, March 6, the Lancaster Eagles again hosts our fund-raiser, a Vegas-style evening of entertainment, as we present, LANCASTER CHORALE SINGS ... AND SWINGS!   Featuring soloists from our membership  and special guests (including a special surprise!),  and backed by an un-matched jazz trio of Mark Flugge (piano), Doug Richeson (bass) and Dave Horsky (percussion), this annual event  brings music worthy of a national stage to Lancaster!  Plan to get a table with friends, and be treated to an evening’s entertainment like none other!

One of the truly significant events of the year sees Chorale move in a new direction!  In an attempt to turn a negative into a positive, our second concert will be an afternoon HYMN-SING, open to the public at no charge, with only a suggested food item for admission, and with all food contributions gong to local food banks.   Chorale singers will volunteer their talents, serving as a core for the audience, as all join in singing together the beloved songs of faith and inspiration that have sustained us for  generations. 

For the perfect preparation for Easter,  put 4:00 PM on your calendar and plan to be at spacious First United Methodist Church for a community ‘happening’.  We’d like to give back to Lancaster and Fairfield County, by offering an inspirational afternoon of singing in which everyone can participate and enjoy!  If you grew up loving the familiar songs of faith,  plan to become part of  a choir of hundreds, lifting  our voices together,  re-creating  the  earliest form of artistic expression,  which truly makes singing … the ‘first art’!

Our season finale returns to Faith Memorial for a concert unlike any we’ve ever presented, and is the theme of our season, ‘REPRISE!’    We bring back two of our most popular concerts,  showcasing two true ‘friends of Lancaster Chorale’!

The concert opens with ‘Music from the Heart…and Soul!’,  returning the popular theme from 1993, and featuring jazz giants, Jeanette Williams and Dave Powers!  We intend to  keep your  foot-tapping while also warming your heart!   ‘Those Magical, Musical Isles!’ a theme reprised from 1995, concludes the afternoon, with music of the British Isles.  Beginning with renowned masters, Byrd, Purcell and Ralph Vaughan Williams, we then turn to the beautiful ballads of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and are joined by  one of the nation’s finest Celtic bands, Yankee Celtic Consort!    What an entertaining afternoon!

I’m excited and eager to start!  I’m also grateful to our singers and Board for their support, enabling us to turn a bleak financial outlook into a wonderful season!  It’s your continued involvement that enables us to bring the very finest in choral music to Lancaster; please do your best to continue by attending each of these local concerts, and bringing a friend…I guarantee you’ll enjoy yourselves and be glad you did!     See you there!

Bob