ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PREVIEWS COMING SEASON (2010-2011)
With great excitement we move into the second part of a two-year plan that culminates in 2010-2011, our 25th Anniversary! Last season recaptured many of the highlights of more than two decades of presentations, but 2010-2011 speaks to the future, and our commitment to take Lancaster Chorale to a new level!
An eight-month schedule of activities begins in October 24, as we recognize the history of St. Mary of the Assumption, presenting, ‘CATHEDRAL MUSIC … A 400 YEAR JOURNEY!’ Beginning with Tomas Luis de Victoria’s Renaissance classic, O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM, we travel chronologically through music history, with classic works by Pachelbel, Mozart and Bruckner highlighting the earlier periods leading to the present day. An eclectic contemporary Mass highlights the second half of the program, opening with KYRIE from Mass Over a Period of Time, by Jackson Berkey and ending with Pawel Lukaszewski’s stunning NUNC DIMITTIS, which is drawing raves world-wide! Singers surround the audience for three classic Russian anthems, and the special afternoon of choral classics concludes with a traditional benediction, THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU, with seven-fold Amen, by Peter Lutkin.
On Sunday, November 28, our tradition of ushering in the Christmas season takes a new dimension with REJOICE! Replicating a custom of ‘Quempas Singing’ that dates back to the Middle Ages, Chorale announces from all four corners of the sanctuary, with Michael Praetorius’ QUEM PASTORES LAUDAVERE, that ‘Heaven’s all-glorious King is born!’. Continuing from the front of the sanctuary, Arvo Part’s BOGORODITSE DJEVO is coupled with TOTA PULCHRA ES, a beautiful new work by Ola Gjeilo. A pleasing mix of old and new carols includes SUSANNI from Five Carols (Richard Rodney Bennett) and WHAT CHEER! (William Walton). Once again we are joined by audience favorite, Lancaster Fairfield Youth Choir; directed by Andrew Brown, the group opens the second half of the concert, which is filled with familiar songs for the season, including David Hill’s exquisite arrangement of AWAY IN A MANGER. Nothing brings the spirit into your heart as well as beautiful music, so start your season with us, all in the wonderful confines of St. Mary of the Assumption!
Our final subscription concert, Sunday, May 1, 2011, returns to First Presbyterian Church with a musical adventure, ‘FAIRY TALES & FANTASIES!’ David Del Tredici’s ACROSTIC SONG from Final Alice, a lushly scored look at Alice in Wonderland, starts this magical afternoon, truly a musical and visual feast! Emily Dickinson’s wistful poem, WILL THERE REALLY BE A ‘MORNING’? is captured perfectly in hauntingly lyrical style, by Craig Helle Johnson … I can guarantee that you’ll have this melody in your mind for days afterward! A visual and musical treat will be Kirke Mechem’s ISLAND IN SPACE, with text taken from statements by astronaut Russell Schweickart and writings of Archibald Macleish. As we sing, you’ll enjoy spectacular filming of the actual space walk that compliments the music; this stunning work was created by Jonathan Estebrooks, and licensed to Chorale for this one performance. You will want to join us at our host church, First Presbyterian, for a truly serene & surreal experience!
Once again Chorale will fill the calendar year with events, two of which are especially intended to ease the winter doldrums! Our annual RECITAL is scheduled for Sunday February 13, as a special presentation for our benefactors and season ticket holders. Last year’s program was so popular that we’ll be returning to the beautiful home of Kay Davenport for this invitation only event.
In a program that will have the place jumping, LANCASTER CHORALE SINGS…AND SWINGS! returns to the stage at the Lancaster Eagles on Saturday, March 5th. The popular trio of Mark Flugge, Doug Richeson and Dave Horsky returns, along with Chorale’s pop ensemble, 10VOICES, Chorale singers in solo roles and surprise guests! Put this date on your calendar for what has been described as the best entertainment this side of Vegas!
Encouraged by the reaction to last year’s program, we will return to First United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 20, 2011, for AN OLD-FASHIONED HYMN SING. Dedicated to the memory of beloved area musician and educator, Jim Morgan, the Hymn Sing again allows all in attendance to join Chorale, singing the beloved songs of faith and inspiration that have sustained us throughout our lives. Chorale will be featured, and guest soloists and conductors will again participate; please note that the program is open to the public with no admission charged, suggesting instead that everyone bring a food item for distribution by the Community Action Food Pantry.
I hope you can see why I’m so excited by this, our 25th Anniversary Season! Because of your support and help in so many ways, we are once again able to bring world-class music to Lancaster and Fairfield County, throughout the entire year! Plan to be with us as often as you can; plan to bring a friend who hasn’t yet heard us, and enable yet another to become a member of the Lancaster Chorale family!