tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44238915817313082052024-03-14T10:17:16.034-07:00The Metropolitan ChorusTMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-16500343251343139532010-01-05T18:51:00.000-08:002010-01-05T19:17:18.863-08:00The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace (Part 2)<strong>The Metropolitan Chorus will be performing "The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace" by Karl Jenkins on March 13th at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church along with another Jenkin's piece "Stabat Mater." Our esteemed accompianist, Terry Sisk, wrote the following blog entry for the Vienna Choral Society this past Fall when he served as their Interim Music Director (We previously blogged about their concert). It contains some great background information plus audio and video links to performances of the piece:</strong><br /><br />The centerpiece of our <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">October 17 concert</span> is Welsh composer Karl Jenkins's <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Armed Man</span>. Although he uses the subtitle "<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">A Mass for Peace</span>," this composition is not a mass in the traditional sense. While it contains a <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Kyrie</span> (Greek text) and three Latin language mass movements (<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sanctus</span>, <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Agnus Dei</span> and <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Benedictus</span>), it also has a Muslim call to prayer, a 15th-century French folk song that serves as bookends in the first and last movements, biblical Psalm texts, English texts by Rudyard Kipling, Malory, John Dryden and Jonathan Swift, a text by a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing -- plus quotes from the Koran and the Hindu Mahàbharàta. It is basically an anti-war piece, reiterating man's proclivity for war and the devastating impact that armed conflict has on society and the world at large.<br /><br />Commissioned for Britain's Millennium year observance, it had its world première in April 2000 at London's Royal Albert Hall. For American audiences and performers, there is a poignancy in the fact that the commercial recording was released on September 10, 2001 - the very day before the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.<br /><br />Click on the following link for a directory of audio (only) tracks (scroll down farther for YouTube videos):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Karl+Jenkins/The+Armed+Man%3A+A+Mass+For+Peace">http://www.last.fm/music/Karl+Jenkins/The+Armed+Man%3A+A+Mass+For+Peace</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The following video links are of a performance conducted by the composer.<br />The page numbers refer to the page in the complete vocal score.<br />Timings are in minutes:seconds in instances in which there is a long orchestral introduction.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:130%;" >1. The Armed Man (Page 1)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The piece begins with a representation of marching feet, overlaid later by the shrill tones of a piccolo, emulating a military marching band. It stirs images of war being glorious. The fifteenth century French folk song </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">“L'homme armé”</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> (The Armed Man) appears in both the first and last movements. In the first movement, it is in the key of G-minor. In the last movement, the key alternates between G-minor and G-major.<br /><br />Loh-meh, loh-meh, loh-mahr-may (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">phonetic approximation</span>)<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">L'homme, l'homme, l'homme armé</span>,<br />The man, the man, the armed man,<br /><br />loh-mahr-may, loh-mahr-may dwah tahw doo-tay, dwah tahw doo-tay<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">L'homme armé, l'homme armé doit on doubter, doit on doubter</span>.<br />The armed man, the armed man should be feared, should be feared.<br /><br />Ahw nah fay pahr-too cree-ay<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">On a fait partout crier</span>,<br />Everywhere it has been proclaimed<br /><br />kuh sheh-kuh suh veeay nahr-may duh oh–breh-gahwn duh fair<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Que chacun se viegne armer d'un haubregon de fer</span>.<br />That each man shall arm himself with a coat of iron mail.</span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ezFNIyyGT2o&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ezFNIyyGT2o&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezFNIyyGT2o">www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezFNIyyGT2o</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">2. Muslim Call to Prayer</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">This inclusion provides chilling, sobering evidence of the seeds for world conflict. Notice the irony that the transliteration of the Arabic text (on page 15) forms a Christian cross shape.</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" >Translation:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Allah is the greatest.<br />I testify that there is no god but Allah.<br />I testify that Muhammad is Allah's messenger.<br />Allah is the greatest.<br />There is no god but Allah.</span><br /><br />Click on this link to hear the Call to Prayer (audio only - no video available):<br /><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Karl+Jenkins/_/The+Call+To+Prayers+%28Adhaan%29?autostart">http://www.last.fm/music/Karl+Jenkins/_/The+Call+To+Prayers+%28Adhaan%29?autostart</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">3. Kyrie – vocal entrance at 1:52 (Page 16)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sung in ancient Greek. This movement manages both to quote Palestrina and incorporate Brazilian drum rhythms into the musical fabric.</span><br />Solo opportunity: soprano, page 17 at letter A<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Kee-ree-eh eh-leh-zawn<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:130%;" >Kyrie eleison.</span><br />Lord, have mercy.<br /><br />Kree-steh eh-leh-zawn<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:130%;" >Christe eleison.</span><br />Christ, have mercy.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Kee-ree-eh eh-leh-zawn<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:130%;" >Kyrie eleison.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Lord, have mercy.</span><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bhKC8CUZjY0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bhKC8CUZjY0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhKC8CUZjY0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhKC8CUZjY0</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">4. Save Me from Bloody Men (Page 28)</span></span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cnXIe0vmkZ4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cnXIe0vmkZ4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Text from Psalm 59<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnXIe0vmkZ4&feature=PlayList&p=9BBA4A6FC6578F6F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=2">www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnXIe0vmkZ4&feature=PlayList&p=9BBA4A6FC6578F6F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=2<br /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">5. Sanctus (Page 30)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sung in Latin. The is the only instance I know of in which the Sanctus (</span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" >Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabbath...</span><span style="font-size:85%;">) is set to a march with snare drum.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sah-ktoos</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus,</span><br />Holy, holy, holy.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Daw-mee-noos deh-oos sah-bah-oht.</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Dominus Deus Sabaoth.</span><br />Lord God of Sabbath.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Pleh-nee soont cheh-lee eht teh-rah glaw-ree-ah</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:100%;" >Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria.</span><br />Heaven and earth are full of your glory.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Haw-sah-nah een ehk-shehl-seess</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Hosanna in excelsis</span>.</span><br />Hosanna in the highest.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z8VlZOg9iv4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z8VlZOg9iv4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8VlZOg9iv4">www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8VlZOg9iv4</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">6. Hymn before action (Page 44)</span></span><br />Note: on pg. 46 (bottom line),<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> "froward"</span> is not a typo. It means "<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">obstinate</span>" or "<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">contrary</span>."<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X6xhHOI9zdw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X6xhHOI9zdw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6xhHOI9zdw&feature=PlayList&p=38BB02F293F52686&index=4">www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6xhHOI9zdw&feature=PlayList&p=38BB02F293F52686&index=4</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">7. Charge! (Page 49)</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Karl+Jenkins/_/Charge%21?autostart">http://www.last.fm/music/Karl+Jenkins/_/Charge%21?autostart</a><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PNmM1_p6UHU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PNmM1_p6UHU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">8. Angry Flames (Page 69)</span></span><br />Solo opportunities for soprano, alto, tenor & bass (as marked in score, beginning on page 69; note which measures are "tutti" and which are solos)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cmvw4KH9FJU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cmvw4KH9FJU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:130%;" >9. Torches (Page 73)</span><br />click on this link (audio only):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Karl+Jenkins/_/Torches?autostart">www.last.fm/music/Karl+Jenkins/_/Torches?autostart</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">10. Agnus Dei (Page 78)</span></span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IxHhAC3QBXg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IxHhAC3QBXg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxHhAC3QBXg&feature=channel_page">www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxHhAC3QBXg&feature=channel_page</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:130%;" >11. Now the Guns Have Stopped</span><br />Solo opportunity: soprano or alto (entire movement)<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWdMfe-DH54&feature=PlayList&p=9BBA4A6FC6578F6F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=8"></a><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sWdMfe-DH54&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sWdMfe-DH54&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">12. Benedictus (choir enters at 3:50)</span></span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LSaYSKnAI7Q&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LSaYSKnAI7Q&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSaYSKnAI7Q&feature=related">www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSaYSKnAI7Q&feature=related</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">13. Better Is Peace</span></span><br />Note: no solos in this movement; instead, we'll sing every line as a section.<br />This video (composer conducting) does not include the <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">a cappella</span> section at the end (see second video)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/trCCCUVOBnY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/trCCCUVOBnY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />The following video (taped in Slovenia) includes the final <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">a cappella</span> section:<br /><br /><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6cPl2vp5NtE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6cPl2vp5NtE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-57127900556240171232009-10-24T20:00:00.000-07:002009-10-26T19:23:28.324-07:00Evening with Schubert<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZWYrBRFugP_4jqMxU9hh0k9Wymt3hoNkoQgcQoPNsT1XAuyXH63Wuwjzj5cXvPSBqwnQcvNgzvTih1Sf5HnLzADA1XM0P-48zPCBhLMwGpjqxlsrrmDjnd0YlZT0gCxn3M09tKFWLQq8/s1600-h/schubert+evening+in+vienna+salon.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397098630389166226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZWYrBRFugP_4jqMxU9hh0k9Wymt3hoNkoQgcQoPNsT1XAuyXH63Wuwjzj5cXvPSBqwnQcvNgzvTih1Sf5HnLzADA1XM0P-48zPCBhLMwGpjqxlsrrmDjnd0YlZT0gCxn3M09tKFWLQq8/s400/schubert+evening+in+vienna+salon.jpg" /></a>For its first concert of the 2009-10 season, The Metropolitan Chorus presented two major works of Franz Schubert, his <em>Mass No 2 in G Major</em> and <em>Mass No 6 in E-Flat Major</em>. The chorus' performance was exceptional, as were the organ and string accompaniments and solo sections performed by The Met Singers.<br /><br />Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828) was an Austrian composer, writing some 600 lieder (songs), 9 symphonies, liturgical music, operas, and a large body of chamber and solo piano music. He is particularly noted for his original melodic and harmonic writing.<br /><br />Written in 1815, <em>Mass No 2 in G Major</em> (D167) was the best known of the three "shorter" mass compositions that Schubert composed between his more elaborate first and fifth masses. This second mass, commonly referred to as <em>Schubert's Mass in G</em>, was composed in less than a week (March 2-7), the year after his first mass had been successfully performed in Schubert's home parish.<br /><br />Written in 1828, <em>Mass No 6 in E-Flat Major</em> (D950) was among Schubert’s most admired creations, hardly what one would expect of an ailing composer in his final year. Yet this great mass for five vocal soloists, choir, and orchestra is a bold and innovative work, inspired in its expansive form and abundant counterpoint by Ludwig van Beethoven’s <em>Missa Solemnis</em>.<br /><br />The concert was held Saturday October 23 at 8 pm at Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia.<br /><br /><div></div>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-19858513351914818912009-10-17T19:30:00.000-07:002009-10-26T18:12:23.029-07:00Concerts for Peace<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm_hb50R5Y_eIWcT0GZ_VMDdcxvYeNuytJ_QBDvWXKAM9LhvN4jihk0Xtisb6TlsnHHGaSb4inBux1qng_L-G2FzhY70BUQS3Vf3k4VSAGU8WzH53k7ycs2N1ndDEk7KL8lO7Mq0fETtO/s1600-h/B00005NDVJcrop.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397077103446600242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm_hb50R5Y_eIWcT0GZ_VMDdcxvYeNuytJ_QBDvWXKAM9LhvN4jihk0Xtisb6TlsnHHGaSb4inBux1qng_L-G2FzhY70BUQS3Vf3k4VSAGU8WzH53k7ycs2N1ndDEk7KL8lO7Mq0fETtO/s400/B00005NDVJcrop.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwnYrA6wMRA_FhUGA6YKwbKZiXKHaHK86eWK7UgeLf9qbVvE7aro1o10vV6G1dhP2B3631iCO3Qp5zW3LsXGOBA3pLLsI0I0FuiNF6zhfwgD6H-3v-H75paEkVHp4w1GasE4ip_rYl1-X/s1600-h/M060115455crop.jpg"></a><div></div><div></div><div>For its first concert of the 2009-10 season, the Vienna Choral Society presented <em>Dona Nobis Pacem</em> and, in collaboration with The Amadeus Concerts Inc, also presented <em>The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace</em>. Together the two pieces reflect the powerful and compelling accounts of the descent into, and terrible consequences of, war.<br /></div><br /><div>In selecting text for <em>Dona Nobis Pacem</em>, Ralph Vaughan Williams turned to the Latin Mass, scripture, and the poetry of Walt Whitman, who had lived through the ferocity and bloodshed of our Civil War. Whitman volunteered in the military hospitals outside Washington, visiting with the injured men and writing letters for them. The experience was profoundly moving for Whitman and found its way into much of his poetry.<br /></div><br /><div>Written by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins as a commission for the millennium by the Royal Armouries in England, <em>The Armed Man</em> is dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo crisis, a tragedy which unfolded as Jenkins started composing the piece. The work is a contemporary example of a Mass based on the 15th-century French song <em>L’Homme Armé</em>. The complete work sets sacred and secular texts including Tennyson, Kipling, Malory, Drydon, Swift, The Koran, and Hindu Mahàbharàta within the framework of the Christian Mass in a manner reminiscent of Britten's War Requiem.<br /></div><br /><div>The performances of both pieces went exceptionally well, and the success of <em>The Armed Man</em> was a direct result of the generous collaboration between A. Scott Wood, director of the Amadeus Concerts, and Terry Sisk, director of the Vienna Choral Society and accompanist for The Metropolitan Chorus. In presenting <em>The Armed Man</em>, the Vienna Choral Society also partnered with the Saint Francis Episcopal Church Choir, Saint Luke Catholic Church Choir, and Amadeus Community Singers.<br /></div><br /><div>The Vienna Choral Society's concert featuring <em>Dona Nobis Pacem</em> and <em>The Armed Man</em> was held on Saturday October 17 at 7:30 pm at Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia. The Amadeus Concerts' performance of <em>The Armed Man</em> was held on Sunday October 18 at 4 pm at Saint Luke Catholic Church in McLean, Virginia.</div></div>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-46287506222077943782009-06-06T19:30:00.000-07:002009-10-25T20:34:24.486-07:00Those Were the Days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQNrhEMmIXVBHl07aVkNrQfKeHMFVzcr8S99HzeaF1nZw9DGeD0ob-FS9i9UFS6-1YNSHPkmxuPZ3yVCsMJwjTwizWSd6CvkX8pXwR7OPJ2YpXuOoAHcjIefN3v0eon6OgAqE4gLnekq6/s1600-h/610x.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355764449701886722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQNrhEMmIXVBHl07aVkNrQfKeHMFVzcr8S99HzeaF1nZw9DGeD0ob-FS9i9UFS6-1YNSHPkmxuPZ3yVCsMJwjTwizWSd6CvkX8pXwR7OPJ2YpXuOoAHcjIefN3v0eon6OgAqE4gLnekq6/s400/610x.jpg" /></a>For its fifth and final concert of the 2008-09 season, The Metropolitan Chorus (TMC) joined the Washington Balalaika Society (WBS) Orchestra for a evening of Russian folk music. The evening marks the orchestra's 20th anniversary season.<br /><br />TMC provided the choral backdrop during the first half of the concert, opening with the powerful <em>Hymn to the Great City</em> from the ballet <em>Medny Vsadnik</em> (The Bronze Horseman) by Ukrainian composer Reinhold Glière. Next was an arrangement of <em>Evening Bells</em>, enhanced by the talent of Steve Nixon. The first half then concluded with <em>Polovetsian Dances </em>from the opera <em>Prince Igor</em> by Russian composer Alexander Borodin.<br /><br />Founded in 1988, WBS promotes the study and performance of folk music from Russia, Ukraine, and eastern Europe using traditional instruments: balalaika, domra, bayan, and related wind and percussion instruments. WBS Orchestra has grown from an initial membership of 8 to more than 50 and is now the largest of its kind in America, with musicians of all levels and ages.<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The concert was presented on Saturday June 6 at 7:30 pm at the Rachel M Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia.</div>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-7277197113460660432009-05-16T19:00:00.000-07:002009-10-26T18:04:07.060-07:00Night at the Opera<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw8EgG_LPvfaaYPIofAaRwwrcnQqnWqREBJRovOSAibxFoLCsWEtcjLORc9822yBJ7Fiv7VzdqBYLbcBhduKusJeZKvGw45FpchBmR1pZab2fsx7eJwhxTH3coj9ANn7dEC5ThdpIfs9W/s1600-h/best+of+opera+choruses.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397079090765387474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw8EgG_LPvfaaYPIofAaRwwrcnQqnWqREBJRovOSAibxFoLCsWEtcjLORc9822yBJ7Fiv7VzdqBYLbcBhduKusJeZKvGw45FpchBmR1pZab2fsx7eJwhxTH3coj9ANn7dEC5ThdpIfs9W/s400/best+of+opera+choruses.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8lFRJRPA1UTtwMUZLAImYq0zPn6qV-I1BwY335Y48Mu6KnmIHFf36sHlZv6EllEK_Nzfx94F3Uq57-7peO0tbmb8YDdL3FJIFDIBA0KcC6xwB_YqmGV4b8aErI9x5dj-nVhf6KFI6cB1/s1600-h/best+opera+choruses.jpg"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1NMRisViiFbTS5DQ-dVspPwZG_lKrjuKGYqJ5rKoXq8NWkSwNKCXJ3agZrOmezOR3w-SB_SvRmyeWLs9lzf4Kc7HVrc-hTpitU3PJ32NdhxXT119A0Ec3Hi6Y249fVkTmhYxdd7k8EUv/s1600-h/best+opera+choruses.bmp"></a>For its fourth concert of the 2008-09 season, The Metropolitan Chorus (TMC) presented an evening of favorite opera choruses and solos, featuring the concert verson of <em>Porgy and Bess</em> by George Gershwin. Program selections were discussed during a pre-concert lecture by TMC's artistic director, Barry Hemphill. Solosts included Gina Powell (soprano), Winona Stanback (soprano), Colin Eaton (tenor), and Alvy Powell (bass-baritone).<br /><br />The program began with <em>Le carnaval Romain, ouverture pour orchestre </em>(Roman carnival overture) by French Romantic composer Hector Berlioz (comprised of materials and themes from Berlioz's opera <em>Benvenuto Cellini</em>).<br /><br />Opera choruses performed by TMC included:<br /><ul><li><em>Don, din, don - suona vespro</em> (Bell chorus) from the opera <em>Pagliacci</em> by Italian composer Ruggero Leoncavallo</li><br /><li><em>Va, pensiero, sull'ali dorate </em>(Chorus of the Hebrew slaves) from the opera <em>Nabucco</em> by Italian Romantic composer Giuseppe Verdi</li><br /><li><em>Coro a bocca chiusa </em>(Humming chorus) from the opera <em>Madam Buterfly</em> by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini</li><br /><li><em>O welche Lust!</em> (Prisoners' chorus) from the opera <em>Fidelio</em> by German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven</li><br /><li><em>Vedi le fosche notturne </em>(Anvil chorus) from the opera <em>Il Trovatore</em> by Italian Romantic composer Giuseppe Verdi</li><br /><li><em>Polovetsian dances</em> from the opera <em>Prince Igor</em> by Russian composer Alexander Borodin</li></ul><div>Solo performances included:</div><div></div><ul><li><em>Pleurez! Pleurez, mes yeux!</em> from the opera <em>Le Cid</em> by French composer Jules Massenet</li><br /><li><em>Where ‘er you walk</em> from the opera <em>Semele</em> by German-English Baroque composer George Frideric Handel</li><br /><li><em>When I am laid in earth</em> (Dido's lament) from the opera <em>Dido and Æneas</em> by English Baroque composer Henry Purcell</li><br /><li><em>Tombe degli avi miei </em>from the tragic opera <em>Lucia di Lammermoor</em> by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti</li><br /><li><em>Vous qui faites l’endormie</em> from the opera <em>Faust</em> by French composer Charles Gounod</li></ul><div>The concert was presented on Saturday May 16 at 8 pm, with pre-concert lecture beginning at 7 pm, at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, Virginia.</div></div></div>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-33419788754870230912009-05-12T12:00:00.000-07:002009-07-08T13:10:10.101-07:00Light Up Washington<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jpAAqReCKnVZA7LiAJERP93zpxgDY6zYN4OjCpHTepjoMW8ITTmqopx8gRK95nTWNMwXn2tb0Y4RAYxw43EKiJnuKlNAGHp-VyVRt_4llT_8S-a2rFJ4-2iODJzE881eaok1HoavLN9z/s1600-h/LUWMainPicture.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355930562979270514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jpAAqReCKnVZA7LiAJERP93zpxgDY6zYN4OjCpHTepjoMW8ITTmqopx8gRK95nTWNMwXn2tb0Y4RAYxw43EKiJnuKlNAGHp-VyVRt_4llT_8S-a2rFJ4-2iODJzE881eaok1HoavLN9z/s400/LUWMainPicture.jpg" /></a>Continuing The Metropolitan Chorus' community outreach, The Met Singers were invited to perform during the Light Up Washington Small Business Conference Luncheon in Washington, DC. The luncheon paid tribute to small business owners and government officials and experts for their efforts in developing and promoting small businesses.<br /><br />The luncheon also was part of the Light Up Washington Small Business Trade Show, an annual event designed to stimulate small business growth and provide employment to the unemployed. The trade show also provides remarkable opportunities for community-based businesses to market their goods and services to a widespread, diverse, and influential audience.<br /><br />The opportunity for The Met Singers to perform was due to Jay McElroy, president and CEO of Premier Small Business Solutions. In addition to coordinating the luncheon, Ms McElroy worked with Washington, DC wards to hire for the trade show 10 unemployed workers from each ward.TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-13219280881387944962009-05-09T12:00:00.000-07:002009-07-08T12:16:40.130-07:00America's Polo Cup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRoUIFVjOILxnAKjHa72w6o2eCJHp4t6JM4ki6IcP6sh6Ok2B63xT864oLBhATvVMez_c3UhsQFisp58TYdms589-iA8FShiYDaHkBUWINjpssba-76NWbmi1aLFnhxNZgb30SfMJsYkj/s1600-h/singers1.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356129448759572274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRoUIFVjOILxnAKjHa72w6o2eCJHp4t6JM4ki6IcP6sh6Ok2B63xT864oLBhATvVMez_c3UhsQFisp58TYdms589-iA8FShiYDaHkBUWINjpssba-76NWbmi1aLFnhxNZgb30SfMJsYkj/s400/singers1.bmp" /></a>As part of The Metropolitan Chorus' community outreach, The Met Singers were invited to perform at the America's Polo Cup match between the United States and Australia at the Capitol Polo Club in Poolesville, Maryland. Music selections inlcuded: <em>This Land Is Your Land</em>, <em>Anchors Aweigh</em>, <em>America the Beautiful</em>, <em>I Still Call Australia Home</em>, and <em>This Is My Country</em>.<br /><br /><div>The event honored the Battle of the Coral Sea, a major naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II between the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied naval and air forces from the United States and Australia. In commemoration of the bi-lateral relationship between the two nations, attendees experienced a special Battle of the Coral Sea Air Show featuring original warbirds and Japanese aircraft as well as other high-flying demonstrations, military presentations, and fireworks show.</div>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-60230369151144446122009-03-08T15:00:00.000-07:002009-10-26T18:51:56.789-07:00Webber Requiem, Schubert Mass, and Marsalis Sax<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nd8POdHhEKBBAOQblTi_4GWLAs_mJ6JKBgE8_xVXnmfybn_ML8sDugPFcQtZVA3PZJO1P6GPhDYY4cXzbk1VOwdRfzp8nm-MsGuSMySA4dG1Rv7cm2Q2-tAjtgsustbB93tId5fDQIZy/s1600-h/webber+requiem.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 123px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397080553222250706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nd8POdHhEKBBAOQblTi_4GWLAs_mJ6JKBgE8_xVXnmfybn_ML8sDugPFcQtZVA3PZJO1P6GPhDYY4cXzbk1VOwdRfzp8nm-MsGuSMySA4dG1Rv7cm2Q2-tAjtgsustbB93tId5fDQIZy/s400/webber+requiem.jpg" /></a> <div>For its third concert of the 2008-09 season, The Metropolitan Chorus (TMC) performed Andrew Lloyd Webber’s <em>Requiem</em> and excerpts from Franz Schubert’s <em>Mass No 6 in E-Flat Major</em>. TMC was joined by The Heritage Signature Chorale and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO). Also on the program was guest artist Branford Marsalis, who will be performing an aria from Johann Sebastian Bach's <em>Saint Matthew Passion, </em>Jacques Ibert’s <em>Concertino da Camera,</em> and <em>Vocalise for Branford </em>with saxophone quartet and strings written by ASO's music director Kim Kluge. (YouTube clips of Branford Marsalis playing <em>Concertino da Camera</em> can be found here - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqf9PUb8D3g&feature=related">part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCYi8Hh9SC8&feature=related">part 2</a>)<br /><br />Andrew Lloyd Webber (1948-) is an English composer of musical theatre. Having started composing at age 6 and published his first piece at age 9, he has composed some 13 musicals, a song cycle, a set of variations, and two film scores. His <em>Requiem</em> mass was written in 1984 in memory of his father, William Lloyd Webber, who died in 1982. This was the popular composer’s first and only full classical work. <em>Requiem </em>received a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Composition in 1985, and <em>Pie Jesu</em>, the 8th movement and best-known segment of the piece, has received much popularity and been recorded frequently.<br /></div><br /><p>Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828) was an Austrian composer, writing some 600 lieder (songs), 9 symphonies, liturgical music, operas, and a large body of chamber and solo piano music. He is particularly noted for his original melodic and harmonic writing. Written in 1828, <em>Mass No 6 in E-Flat Major </em>(D950) was among Schubert’s most admired creations, hardly what one would expect of an ailing composer in his final year. Yet this great mass for five vocal soloists, choir, and orchestra is a bold and innovative work, inspired in its expansive form and abundant counterpoint by Ludwig van Beethoven’s <em>Missa Solemnis</em>.</p><p>The concert was presented on Sunday March 8 at 3 pm at the Rachel M Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia.</p>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-74184448561666829992009-01-11T19:00:00.000-08:002009-07-08T13:06:38.385-07:00I Still Believe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdvT09V-DzC2Q9DJYXqLJmSOv70_U2PB-ewsXreO21mYEdfmR3zS4nK3WY2gIHFyhLnCi2q9rT00lg-c8S2oyQF6hkQVpOKKv_ijOcIXAMkO0I2jD1X1tW7WGc_BZw9RiMzF4t3OZYcV6/s1600-h/mlk.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290843530500129826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdvT09V-DzC2Q9DJYXqLJmSOv70_U2PB-ewsXreO21mYEdfmR3zS4nK3WY2gIHFyhLnCi2q9rT00lg-c8S2oyQF6hkQVpOKKv_ijOcIXAMkO0I2jD1X1tW7WGc_BZw9RiMzF4t3OZYcV6/s400/mlk.jpg" /></a> The Choral Arts Society of Washington presented its 21st annual choral tribute, <em>I Still Believe</em>, to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Through choruses, soloists, and instrumentalists, the tribute unifies individuals and communities to honor Dr King's ideals of nonviolence, racial equality, and peace. Joining Choral Arts in its tribute were The Heritage Signature Chorale, Performing Artists Under the Lord (PAUL), and guest violinist Marina Aikawa. All performers exhibited eloquent musical expressions in honoring the civil rights leader.<br /><br />The concert began with the combined choruses processing to a fitting rendition of <em>We're Marching to Zion</em> (Robert Lowry), in which the audience could not help but participate. Choral Arts continued with meticulous performances of <em>I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me</em> (C Hubert H Parry), featuring organist William Neil, and <em>A New Song</em> (James Macmillan). Performing Artists Under the Lord presented the traditional hymn <em>O Magnify the Lord with Me</em> (arr George Lynn) and <em>You're the One</em> (Leon Roberts). The audience could not helped but be moved by their energy. The Heritage Signature Chorale magnificently performed <em>The Majesty and Glory of Your Name</em> (Tom Fettke) and then Robert Ray's <em>Credo</em> (from <em>Gospel Mass</em>) featuring alto soloist Natalie Carter, whose encore proved much to the audience's delight. The combined chorus then performed Adolphus Hailstork's <em>In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mornin' </em>(from <em>Four Spirituals</em>). It was one of those "had to be there" moments to experience the joy of some 300 voices accompanied by organ, brass, piano, guitar, bass, and keyboard.<br /><br />After intermission, violinist Marina Aikawa, accompanied by her mother on piano, delighted the audience with Niccolo Paganini's <em>Allegro maestoso (</em>from <em>Violin Concerto No 1, Op 6</em>). Indeed an incredible talent to behold, and a fitting tribute to Dr King.<br /><br />The highlight of the evening came as Congressman John Lewis introduced John Doar as the recipient of Choral Arts Society's 2009 humanitarian award. Mr Doar served tirelessly as an attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice and witnessed the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He traveled extensively throughout the South, documenting and litigating civil rights violations. In fact, after the 1963 murder of Medgar Evers, it was Mr Doar who alone calmed an angry crowd by placing himself between grieving black youths and a double line of heavily armed police, shouting who he was and his affiliation with the Justice Department.<br /><br />The combined choruses continued with a sing-along of <em>Lift Every Voice and Sing </em>(J Rosamond Johnson) and then performed <em>Come, Thou Found of Every Blessing</em> (Robert Robinson, arr Mack Wilberg) and the traditional spiritual <em>I Can Tell the World</em> (Moses Hogan), which again captivated the audience with the vast number of voices. Another sing-along of <em>Leaning On the Everlasting Arms</em> (Anthony J Showalter, arr Howard De Cou) helped engendered a sense of wholeness that continued with an energetic and soulful rendition of <em>Amazing Grace</em> (arr Arphelius Paul Gatling). The spirit was further felt with pianist and baritone Ralph Alan Herndon’s performance of his <em>Eternal Life</em>. The evening concluded as the choruses processed out to a sing-along of one Dr King’s favorite selections <em>If I can Help Somebody</em> (A Bazel Androzzo).TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-29790545486623489472008-12-22T17:00:00.000-08:002009-07-08T13:05:56.986-07:00Music for Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv2RO4sWjIbMxK5kDUCHyVHHZzqsmwWKFLaP8snTUK2GB45-kKPNsbejFqHAnJNbGdKLCi5ijK11GLQMU90w11tLch6Kfu5IhtMBp-XXVRTZg6LmPqT-yDZZB3_KwRNx1KueREOkQE7gT/s1600-h/Combined+choirs+and+orchestra.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289430024842563762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv2RO4sWjIbMxK5kDUCHyVHHZzqsmwWKFLaP8snTUK2GB45-kKPNsbejFqHAnJNbGdKLCi5ijK11GLQMU90w11tLch6Kfu5IhtMBp-XXVRTZg6LmPqT-yDZZB3_KwRNx1KueREOkQE7gT/s400/Combined+choirs+and+orchestra.jpg" /></a> The Washington Chorus presented its annual <em>Music for Christmas</em> concert at the Kennedy Center. The concert has proven to be one of Washington's most beloved family celebrations of classic Christmas favorites along with exciting new arrangements and audience sing-alongs. The performance featured massed choruses with brass, organ, and percussion.<br /><br />Under the baton of new music director Julian Wachner, the chorus performed <em>Still, Still, Still </em>(Norman Luboff), <em>Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day </em>(John Gardner), and <em>Bogoroditsye dyevo </em>(from Sergei Rachmaninoff’s <em>Vespers</em>). The chorus gave Mr. Wachner its undivided attention and invariably performed each selection impeccably.<br /><br />As part of The Washington Chorus' Side-by-Side program to annually recognize and feature local high school choirs, the Annandale Singers, under the direction of Carleen Dixon Webb, performed <em>Lirum Lirum </em>(Thomas Morley), <em>O Magnum Mysterium </em>(Tomas Luis de Victoria), and <em>I Wonder As I Wander </em>(John Rutter), for which the soprano soloist was exceptional.<br /><br />Coral Cantigas, the only Latino chorus in Washington, also has begun a partnership with The Washington Chorus. The group performed traditional carols from Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. They exhibited exceptional energy and precision, and the vocal and instrumental soloists were incredible.<br /><br />After intermission, the brass and percussion played a short interlude as the basses lined the upper rows and the women and tenors processed on <em>O Come, O Come, Emmanuel</em>. The combined choirs then did the <em>Gloria from Misa Criolla </em>(Ariel Ramirez) and <em>The Dream Isaiah Saw </em>(Glenn Rudolph).<br /><br />Earlier this season, The Washington Chorus presented Johann Sebastian Bach's <em>Mass in B Minor</em>, and this spring the chorus will present Giuseppe Verdi's <em>Requiem </em>and Sergei Rachmaninoff's <em>Vespers </em>(<em>All-Night Vigil</em>).<br /><br />The Music for Christmas concerts were held on Saturday, December 20 at 4 pm at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall; Sunday, December 21 at 5 pm at the Music Center at Strathmore; and Monday, December 22 at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-38371751318494225542008-12-17T18:31:00.000-08:002009-07-08T13:05:37.574-07:00Messiah Sing-Along at Kennedy Center<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoTg6pd_mpgAK_CyBpsVoXi9xzkCm94ootE-DCXcRCpxVXWjhy5P7flRLUK-TUaUhrCXu4E44SKB2N5UKyeoUa_hDn0SiGOXtwh7JJm8QwMtj9-AtabxB1yvQWD_0i3yOPYHUpYtU2DAa/s1600-h/messiah+sing-along+2006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280957552403107186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoTg6pd_mpgAK_CyBpsVoXi9xzkCm94ootE-DCXcRCpxVXWjhy5P7flRLUK-TUaUhrCXu4E44SKB2N5UKyeoUa_hDn0SiGOXtwh7JJm8QwMtj9-AtabxB1yvQWD_0i3yOPYHUpYtU2DAa/s400/messiah+sing-along+2006.jpg" /></a>Join a 200-voice choir, professional soloists, and an exuberant audience in Washington's most popular free holiday event, the glorious sing-along of George Frideric Handel's beloved masterpiece <em>Messiah</em>.<br /><div></div><br />During the Christmas season,<em> Messiah</em> sing-alongs are conducted across the United States, from Los Angeles to Denver to Northampton, Massachusetts. In Washington, people gather from all over the world to join in one of the largest and oldest audience-inclusive <em>Messiah</em> sings.<br /><br /><div>Conductors for the event include Barry Hemphill, artistic director of The Metropolitan Chorus, A. Scott Wood, conductor of The Amadeus Concerts Inc, and Terry Sisk, accompanist for The Metropolitan Chorus and organist, handbell director, and manager of the resident string orchestra at Vienna Presbyterian Church. </div><div></div><br /><div>The chorus will be comprised of The Metropolitan Chorus, Fort Washington Community Chorus, The Northern Virginia Chorale, NVCC Annandale Chorale, and Prince George's Choral Society along with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.</div><br /><div></div><div>Soloists include Jessica M. Stecklein, soprano; Linda Maguire, mezzo-soprano; Colin Eaton, tenor; and Robert Burner, baritone.</div><div></div><br /><div>The concert will held on Tuesday, December 23 at 8 pm in the Kennedy Center's Concert Hall. Follow this <a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=showevent&event=MJHFM">link</a> for details.</div>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-17795665763177502772008-12-17T09:08:00.000-08:002009-07-08T13:05:07.455-07:00Glorious Sounds of Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL2h9E2WIR-xLwaZrtlTBMBXtpqroFlO__eQaaaWvORWS10d6sOq5pQtijUvvdW4JDy2N1gjIG6uQkkyEcuopbru_nQNqPUFq-GCZDh9AlhAs2piV3KfOD0ahuC-TcVilLA0Jvrd1D_U4/s1600-h/glorious.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280816279895590658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL2h9E2WIR-xLwaZrtlTBMBXtpqroFlO__eQaaaWvORWS10d6sOq5pQtijUvvdW4JDy2N1gjIG6uQkkyEcuopbru_nQNqPUFq-GCZDh9AlhAs2piV3KfOD0ahuC-TcVilLA0Jvrd1D_U4/s400/glorious.jpg" /></a> The Vienna Presbyterian Church Music Ministries, with more than 165 musicians, will present <em>Glorious Sounds of Christmas</em>, a delightful program of traditional Christmas music featuring the sanctuary and youth choirs, brass, strings, handbells, percussion, and organ. The audience also will have opportunities to sing well-loved Christmas carols. Escape the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush and see why this exceptional event is one of the highlights of Vienna’s holiday season. A second performance has been added this year to accommodate the overwhelming demand.<br /><br />Terry Sisk, who is serving as accompanist for The Metropolitan Chorus this season, also serves as organist, handbell director, and manager of the resident string orchestra at Vienna Presbyterian Church. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy the wonderful gift of music with the community.<br /><br />The concert will be held on Sunday, December 21 at 4 pm and again at 7 pm. Admission is free, although offerings will be accepted. Follow these links for <a href="http://www.viennapres.org/news_and_events/events/directions/">directions</a> and <a href="http://www.viennapres.org/news_and_events/events/event_parking/">parking</a>.TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-7381332014963858172008-12-15T09:51:00.000-08:002009-10-26T19:20:42.019-07:00Evening of Brass & Bells<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Kwox4oWsppOTvIlkB5DNO-Cf-mi_sxBgfnAA1C2AWfQf49tUyMuorjoYo6jHRdtQXUTHvql79pHmkjPYFm9U_QRcLgITQTbssHxAqn6ch5v5OMAO5GTKstCOy2vaCa_jMdz8hkaKzqcK/s1600-h/group_christmas.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280946224962184754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Kwox4oWsppOTvIlkB5DNO-Cf-mi_sxBgfnAA1C2AWfQf49tUyMuorjoYo6jHRdtQXUTHvql79pHmkjPYFm9U_QRcLgITQTbssHxAqn6ch5v5OMAO5GTKstCOy2vaCa_jMdz8hkaKzqcK/s400/group_christmas.jpg" /></a> The Metropolitan Chorus continues its 2008-09 season with <em>Brass & Bells</em>, a family holiday concert featuring the Virginia Bronze handbell ensemble (pictured above). The program includes traditional and contemporary arrangements of familiar selections such as <em>The Holly and the Ivy</em>, <em>Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day</em>, and <em>Sleigh Ride</em>. The audience also will have the opportunity to participate during sing-alongs of <em>Silent Night </em>and <em>O Come, All Ye Faithful</em>.<br /><br />Based in Alexandria, Virginia Bronze is a nonprofit community-based auditioned handbell ensemble comprised of 16 ringers and conducted by music director Carol Feather Martin. The group performs 5-6 annual concerts covering a wide range of handbell music including secular, sacred, popular, and original pieces.<br /><br />The <em>Brass & Bells</em> concert will be held on Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 pm at the Thomas Jefferson Theatre, 125 S Old Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22204 (see <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=125+S+Old+Glebe+Road,+Arlington,+VA+22204&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=62.098123,88.505859&ie=UTF8&z=17&g=125+S+Old+Glebe+Road,+Arlington,+VA+22204&iwloc=r2">map</a> or get <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=125+S+Old+Glebe+Road,+Arlington,+VA+22204&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=62.098123,88.505859&ie=UTF8&z=17&g=125+S+Old+Glebe+Road,+Arlington,+VA+22204&iwloc=r2">directions</a>).<br /><br />Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for senior/military, and $5 for youth. Tickets can be purchased <a href="http://www.metchorus.org/tickets.html">online</a> or by <a href="http://www.metchorus.org/tickets.html">telephone</a> or <a href="http://www.metchorus.org/tickets.html">mail</a>. Group discounts are available, and free parking is provided.TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-1325608136340613502008-12-14T19:58:00.000-08:002009-07-08T13:03:53.608-07:00Holiday Jazz for Children<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG2IvfDyzM2CYXQEpFYZwrpq7OlBBKvgwaaffvt3VKFJhU-xn7jDBoHnNdKU_QDiyrK6ltwjmN3OMfMkSXD7Dl0pV953-mbf_4J1t_6Kvrou8WdtJzrrs-m43yiWUwAjpCa3_SlqAdjKp/s1600-h/aso+concert+crop.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280139753291961570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG2IvfDyzM2CYXQEpFYZwrpq7OlBBKvgwaaffvt3VKFJhU-xn7jDBoHnNdKU_QDiyrK6ltwjmN3OMfMkSXD7Dl0pV953-mbf_4J1t_6Kvrou8WdtJzrrs-m43yiWUwAjpCa3_SlqAdjKp/s400/aso+concert+crop.jpg" /></a>Several members of The Metropolitan Chorus, along with members of the Alfred Street Baptist Choirs and Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir, helped comprise the chorus for the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO’s) <em>Children’s Holiday Concert</em>.The program was held at Alfred Street Baptist Church, with some 500 in attendance. Everyone had a wonderful time, enjoying the various jazz selections, Christmas carol sing-along, and reception of holiday treats. Mind you, this was not ASO’s full orchestra, but a 15-member jazz powerhouse featuring various sax, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, and drum.<br /><br />The program began with ASO’s ever-energetic Kim Kluge conducting Duke Ellington’s arrangement of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s <em>The Nutcracker Suite </em>(Op 71a). Ellington arranged an adaptation of the suite for his orchestra in 1960, featuring selections such as <em>Toot Toot Tootsie Toot </em>(aka <em>Dance of the Reed-Flutes</em>), <em>Peanut Brittle Brigade </em>(aka <em>March</em>), and <em>Sugar Rum Cherry </em>(aka <em>Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy</em>). To help foster the children’s imagination, Kluge also read excerpts from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s <em>The Nutcracker and the Mouse King</em>, the fairy tale on which the ballet was based.<br /><br />The program continued with up-tempo jazz arrangements of <em>Santa Clause is Coming to Town</em>, <em>Sleigh Ride</em>, <em>Frosty the Snowman</em>, <em>Charlie Brown Christmas</em>, and <em>Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer</em>. Then the chorus helped lead the audience in a sing-along of Christmas carols including <em>O Come, All Ye Faithful</em>; <em>Hark! The Herald Angels Sing</em>; <em>Joy To The World</em>; <em>Silent Night</em>; <em>Deck the Halls</em>; <em>Jingle Bells</em>; and <em>We Wish You A Merry Christmas</em>. And what children's concert would not be complete without Santa Claus!<br /><br />Founded in 1803, Alfred Street Baptist Church is home to the oldest African American congregation in Alexandria and has served as a prominent religious, educational, and cultural institution. During its 205-year history, the church has had only eight pastors.<br /><br />In appreciation of the concert, members of the Alfred Street Baptist Choirs extended invitations to <em>The Holy Night</em>, a Christmas festival of music, drama, liturgical dance ministries, and carol sing-along to be held at the church on Sunday, December 21 at 5 pm.TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-62259027477144503232008-12-07T15:00:00.000-08:002009-07-08T12:09:49.138-07:00Wachet auf - Music for the Christmas Season<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K59vVyoOepmfwb4mELi2SiNamCcmQ3TBDvu_wY5Ta6_cD3cVoBuJNIsIjfNwScVR8a1U2yxbQ0AkJU4KT1FVFGCxTKYZ9L5sqlVEaPDYsKWUfHXr78GKReXCNU1CNbhgytyp4aESqHO9/s1600-h/ron+freeman+chorale.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 159px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356160256906459458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K59vVyoOepmfwb4mELi2SiNamCcmQ3TBDvu_wY5Ta6_cD3cVoBuJNIsIjfNwScVR8a1U2yxbQ0AkJU4KT1FVFGCxTKYZ9L5sqlVEaPDYsKWUfHXr78GKReXCNU1CNbhgytyp4aESqHO9/s400/ron+freeman+chorale.bmp" /></a>Adding a little Renaissance to the Christmas season, The Ron Freeman Chorale presented an afternoon of German and Latin motets featuring <em>Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme</em> by Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach and <em>O Magnum Mysterium</em> by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Other selections included: <ul><li><em>Missa "O magnum mysterium"</em> by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina</li><br /><li><em>Duo Seraphim clamabant </em>by Samuel Scheidt</li><br /><li><em>Angelus ad pastores ait </em>by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck</li><br /><li><em>Resonet in laudibus </em>by Roland de Lassus<br /></li><li><em>Hodie Christus natus est </em>by Claudio Monteverdi</li><br /><li><em>Hodie Christus natus est </em>by Heinrich Schütz</li></ul><p>Founded in 1977, The Ron Freeman Chorale typically performs music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods but also presents works by 19th and 20th century composers. The group is comprised of some 20 voices and often performs 16th century a cappella works, sometimes for double choir. For many years, the chorale has provided Good Friday services at the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, DC.</p><p>The concert was presented on Sunday December 7 at 3 pm at the Church of the Covenant in Arlington, Virginia.</p>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-60815858475127022852008-12-06T20:00:00.000-08:002009-10-26T19:20:51.955-07:00Feast of Carols<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_0vDgvAKXfkqTYXzvG2yWS87ciiKh9yRqCD08Hcez1nHbhOvxXq-BdkKrMSLNV9UK1TzcY9rkkh2Fcc3W8L4MP0g8el5qFecUPiS_AxcYH0u82RA3vcM8Dip5sau-BG08-2pFJuPL_6j/s1600-h/Choralperforms.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280845604892031730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_0vDgvAKXfkqTYXzvG2yWS87ciiKh9yRqCD08Hcez1nHbhOvxXq-BdkKrMSLNV9UK1TzcY9rkkh2Fcc3W8L4MP0g8el5qFecUPiS_AxcYH0u82RA3vcM8Dip5sau-BG08-2pFJuPL_6j/s400/Choralperforms.jpg" /></a> The Northern Virginia Chorale presented its Christmas concert, <em>A Feast of Carols</em>. The program included several traditional as well as contemporary arrangements of <em>Ave Maria</em>; <em>Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming</em>; <em>This Christmastide</em>; and <em>Mary Had a Baby</em>. The audience also had opportunities to sing <em>O Come, All Ye Faithful</em>; <em>Silent Night</em>; <em>Deck the Hall</em>; and <em>Hark! The Herald Angels Sing</em>. The chorale was accompanied by organ as well as brass, percussion, and guitar.<br /><div><br />Of particular interest was <em>Gloria </em>by Randol Alan Bass. The chorale performed the selection exceptionally well, and this was fortuitous because The Metropolitan Chorus also will be performing this piece at their <em>Brass & Bells</em> concert on December 20. </div><br /><div>From its inception in 1975, The Northern Virginia Chorale has sought to present performances of distinguished choral music from a variety of genres including classical and contemporary. Under the leadership of artistic director Robert S Webb, Jr, the 70-voice chorale has achieved a well-earned reputation for providing the community with high-quality performances. The chorale will be partnering with The Metropolitan Chorus for the <em>Messiah</em> Sing-Along at the Kennedy Center on December 23.</div><div><br />The concert was held on Saturday December 6 at 8 pm at Saint Mark's Lutheran Church in Springfirled, Virginia.</div>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-27090040169372813102008-12-06T17:00:00.000-08:002009-07-08T12:59:39.737-07:00Messiah Sing-Along at First Presbyterian Church<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8ARseJHxWEuu7qQOGnKF8C_e1nzP73Qx9MS_dxUyZ_wJhR7tyITgaICbMx9kRET9EcU05jtakxNXjjM76cE1QaJ8xUlW7eNcrh_XF2odBnkA9mUYWJooCRN2nby3i6fLOkB7QcnwWN6u/s1600-h/IMG_0615.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289412524073184562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8ARseJHxWEuu7qQOGnKF8C_e1nzP73Qx9MS_dxUyZ_wJhR7tyITgaICbMx9kRET9EcU05jtakxNXjjM76cE1QaJ8xUlW7eNcrh_XF2odBnkA9mUYWJooCRN2nby3i6fLOkB7QcnwWN6u/s400/IMG_0615.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjH_-eOhCz_Ke0dckm_fwG2RYFETjjYom6pJFI4sj9bdo1LlkeJb6slUXi6MHxfL8Poby8GgjfNk09hPjsMLR1JnK8AKDlGb1QPJ995sN_Rocp733JJVQDRvEnBvA641j0rJYqJaF7s5G/s1600-h/IMG_0638.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289412433056112994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjH_-eOhCz_Ke0dckm_fwG2RYFETjjYom6pJFI4sj9bdo1LlkeJb6slUXi6MHxfL8Poby8GgjfNk09hPjsMLR1JnK8AKDlGb1QPJ995sN_Rocp733JJVQDRvEnBvA641j0rJYqJaF7s5G/s400/IMG_0638.jpg" /></a>The 21st annual <em>Messiah</em> Sing-Along was held in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington. In keeping with this time-honored tradition, The Metropolitan Chorus' artistic director Barry Hemphill (pictured above) was on hand for one of the most joyous musical expression of the Christmas season. More than 250 participants brought or rented scores, and many brought food or made monetary donations to the church for those in need.<br /><br />Everyone gave their utmost during choruses such as <em>And the Glory of the Lord</em> and <em>For Us a Child is born</em>, and the ever-powerful <em>Hallelujah</em>. The soloists in particular exhibited exceptional levels of proficiency, and the instrumentalists provided all the necessary warmth and precision.<br /><br />The sing-along will be performed again at the Kennedy Center on Tuesday, December 23 at 8 pm. This time it will feature a 200+ voice chorus (including The Metropolitan Chorus and The Northern Virginia Chorale), professional soloists, and a fervent audience.TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-33789922551671275552008-12-04T19:36:00.000-08:002009-07-08T12:58:08.584-07:00Light Up the Night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjum4-hGiOGBANke31CRnr303HlJzrFRYQXat6yNE-u8kdnnwYOi1GqwbKFqZa9rMJfRqltrFKJBblKOaGCm3Rz78-BJL1cvXuWMJ08MA37WbUPbgKjKXM_27d-OemArbpykgcmFUE4Nt/s1600-h/light+up+rosslyn.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 189px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289411378318004210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjum4-hGiOGBANke31CRnr303HlJzrFRYQXat6yNE-u8kdnnwYOi1GqwbKFqZa9rMJfRqltrFKJBblKOaGCm3Rz78-BJL1cvXuWMJ08MA37WbUPbgKjKXM_27d-OemArbpykgcmFUE4Nt/s200/light+up+rosslyn.jpg" /></a>The Met Singers joined The Beltway Brass Quintet in celebrating the start of the holiday season by performing Christmas carols during the Light Up Rosslyn ceremony. The program included selections such as <em>Joy To The World</em>; <em>O Come, All Ye Faithful</em>; <em>Hark! The Herald Angels Sing</em>; and <em>We Wish You A Merry Christmas</em>. Hot chili and cocoa, provided by Santa Fe Cafe, helped stave off the evening's wind and drizzle.<br /><br />The program was held under WJLA's JumboTron and hosted by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID), Arlington County Cultural Affairs Division, and Arlington Street People's Assistance Network (A-SPAN).<br /><br />After the welcome and remarks by Tom O'Neill (VP, Rosslyn BID), Kathleen Sibert (Exec Dir, A-SPAN), and Walter Tejada (Chair, Arl Co Board), WJLA's meteorologist Doug Hill arrived to flip the switch to light up the top perimeters of buildings in Rosslyn. This year, Light Up Rosslyn went "green," with many properties replacing the current holiday lights with energy-efficient LED bulbs.TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-43789738984320196402008-11-08T19:22:00.000-08:002009-07-08T12:50:18.240-07:00Song and Dance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDlnLugVNSQoP7e6FkQzKRBkhsTQhaO3YGjk6W5YhoMCYl3CG7g6wEycwjTfYHk5QWKRWWrj4oaBfk1ZO-MEtlCITQgMbKnUDYUcbd3XoCu0NF0YShToq1o2xPUUCdukMObRRbivYHEYb/s1600-h/jane+franklin+image.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 107px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289410945253579778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDlnLugVNSQoP7e6FkQzKRBkhsTQhaO3YGjk6W5YhoMCYl3CG7g6wEycwjTfYHk5QWKRWWrj4oaBfk1ZO-MEtlCITQgMbKnUDYUcbd3XoCu0NF0YShToq1o2xPUUCdukMObRRbivYHEYb/s200/jane+franklin+image.jpg" /></a> The Met Singers assisted Jane Franklin Dance in their performance of <em>The Music Made Me Do It</em>, presented at the Thomas Jefferson Theatre. The concert opened with dances set to the Met Singers performing a cappella two popular standards <em>I Got Rhythm </em>and <em>Blue Moon</em>. The music selections and dance routine meshed quite well and were warmly received by those in attendance.<br /><br />The Met Singers is a select ensemble of The Metropolitan Chorus and performs with the chorus in antiphonal concert settings plus their own repertoire in other venues.TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423891581731308205.post-44060416998371663532008-10-25T13:10:00.000-07:002009-07-08T12:53:28.539-07:00Vivaldi Sacred Works<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356132630280525650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfRXLY7KpXDIetASTk5PFl0nCWzZU7-WJMWj5aEyOR4TcEg_SyUpbGPBBjFHM4VTUBQU-W41LDTZd1Mk6PzmVS-DDLcBWm2fuAVtGh5ThyDvbqu_0TN688MyLbFkzGqnjfeTWxF55Eky-/s400/metchourusVivaldi.jpg" />The Metropolitan Chorus (TMC) commenced its 42nd annual concert season with <em>Viva Vivaldi! </em>The concert featured two of Antonio Vivaldi's sacred works, <em>Dixit Dominus </em>and <em>Beatus Vir</em>, plus excerpts from <em>The Four Seasons</em>.<br /><br />Performed in the sanctuary of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in Arlington (pictured above), the concert went exceptionally well, with artistic director Barry Hemphill being overwhelmed at receiving a standing ovation at mid-concert. The chorus rehearsed diligently, and many commented how they enjoyed singing these recently found yet rarely performed works. For some choristers, this was the first opportunity to sing any of Vivaldi's works.<br /><br /><em>Dixit Dominus </em>RV 594 (Psalm 109) and <em>Beatus Vir </em>RV 597 (Psalm 111) were discovered in 1939. Both pieces were arranged for double chorus and double orchestra along with solo voices. For TMC's performance, however, solos were assumed extraordinarily by their respective vocal sections.<br /><br />During <em>Dixit Dominus</em>, the sopranos soared during <em>Virgam virtutis tuae </em>(3rd movement, allegro), and the altos richly performed <em>Tecum principium </em>(4th movement, andante). Not to be outdone, the tenors and basses romped magnificently through <em>Dominus a dextris tuis </em>(6th movement, allegro). <em>Beatus Vir </em>also went exceedingly well, again particularly for the tenors and basses during <em>Peccator videbit </em>and <em>Beatus vir </em>(8th movement, largo-presto and allegro, respectively) and for the entire chorus during the <em>Gloria patri </em>(9th movement, allegro).<br /><br />Thus the 2008-09 concert season has begun with tremendous momentum, and we eagerly anticipate our upcoming performances.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy4hhkZIlDznuG_tB9OD2TYnfUIYfCp8EfvFx6d8TkZDr5j9HNcoBjH1qUBxrDUlkwCcoH50WSb3wL1albcmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Concert Details </strong><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Viva Vivaldi!<br /></em>Saturday, October 25 at 8:00 pm<br />Mount Olivet United Methodist Church / <a href="http://www.mtolivet-umc.org/">http://www.mtolivet-umc.org/</a></span> <div><div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">1500 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207<br />Tickets: $18 adult / $15 senior/military / $5 youth<br />Group discounts available / Free parking<br />Phone: 703-933-2500 / </span><a href="http://www.metchorus.org/"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.metchorus.org</span></a> </div></div></div>TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120582767413776358noreply@blogger.com0