|
view photos
J. Griffith
K. Jenkins
E. Powell
C. Duke
G. Owen
A. Russell
M. Watson
|
Monday, January 18, 2010
7:30 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
AVERY FISHER HALL, LINCOLN CENTER
Jonathan Griffith, DCINY Artistic Director and Principal Conductor
Jenkins: Requiem
Erika Powell, Soprano
Cherry Duke, Mezzo-Soprano
Geraint Llyr Owen, Treble
Jenkins: The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace (with film)
Erika Powell, Soprano
Cherry Duke, Mezzo-Soprano
Adam Russell, Tenor
Mark Watson, Bass-baritone
Featuring Distinguished Concerts Orchestra International and Distinguished Concert Singers International
Participating in Requiem: Concordia Youth Chorale (NJ), Del Mar Children's Chorus (TX), Del Mar College Master Chorus (TX), The Richmond Choral Society and the Arcadian Chorale (NJ)
Participating in The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace (with film):
Bedford Singers (NS, Canada), Crystal Coast Choral Society, Inc. (NC), Georgetown Choral Society (ON, Canada), Jonathan Griffith Singers (US & Canada), Kings Chorale (NS, Canada), Messiah United Methodist Church Choir (VA), The Metropolitan Chorus (VA), Metropolitan Detroit Chorale (MI), Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville Adult Choir (MD), Vienna Choral Society (VA)
read what people said
Top of page
|
| |
Ensemble bios |
| |
Canada
|
|
|
Bedford Singers (NS)
Bedford Singers is a four-voiced community choir drawing members
throughout Halifax Regional Municipality since 1982. Like HRM itself,
the group has grown and built a respected reputation supported by their
appreciated audiences. The choir rehearses weekly to present a varied
repertoire of classical, contemporary and folk pieces, typically
offering three concerts per season. Bedford Singers
regularly share their stage with other musical artists, which have
included The Cantatrice Ensemble, The Chaddock Family Quartet, harpist
Cheryl O'Hagan, pianist Dean Bradshaw, and members of the Halifax
Baroque Ensemble, The University of Alberta Concert Choir, and Scotia
Brass. Bedford Singers are committed to providing a quality choral
experience for both singers and audience members. Currently they are
under the direction of Wayne Rogers.
Wayne Rogers
began his music training in St. John's NL and continued at Mount
Allison University in organ performance and music education. Graduate
studies in organ and voice at Boston University and the University of
Western Ontario resulted in the completion of a Master of Music degree
in music literature and performance. His church music career has included
positions in St. John's NL, Amherst NS and Sackville NB. From 1982 to
1997 Wayne was Organist and Choirmaster at First United Church, Corner
Brook, followed by 10 years as Minister of Music at Trinity United
Church, New Glasgow. Wayne is currently Minister of Music at St.
Matthew's United Church, Halifax, and conducts the Church Choir,
AcabellA Handbell Choir and The Lunch Bunch.
Top of page
|
|
|
Georgetown Choral Society (ON)
The Georgetown Choral Society has delighted audiences with its music since 1971.
The choir has approximately 100 members and performs at a level normally associated with professional groups. The choir performs a mixed genre of musical works and has performed at such locations as Roy Thomsom Hall in Toronto. The group has also performed in Holland, England and Ireland. The choir performs two major concerts per year and also participates every year in a Remembrance Concert in November. The choir sings one benefit concert each year to benefit local charities or our Georgetown Hospital.
Dale Wood, director, is a gifted musician who readily shares his passion for choral music. His lifelong musical career presently includes Georgetown Choral, Georgetown Children's Chorus and
Achill Choral Society, as well as teaching private and group lessons in piano, voice, organ
and composition.
Dale Wood is a talented composer and choral arranger of new works for his choirs, and has
been directing the Georgetown Choral Society for 33 years.
Top of page
|
|
|
Kings Chorale (NS)
Kings Chorale is a non-auditioned choir founded in 1982 by its current
director, William Perrot. The choir is made up of people from all walks
of life and all ages drawn from communities throughout the Annapolis
Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada. Kings Chorale has performed with
Symphony Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, and the Acadia
Wind Ensemble. These performances have included: Mendelssohn's Elijah,
Fauré Requiem, Rutter Requiem, Mahler Symphony #2, Poulenc Gloria,
Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms, Orff's Carmina Burana, and most recently
Karl Jenkins The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace done in collaboration with
Bedford Singers.
Bill Perrot
graduated from Westminster Choir College in 1975 and has been involved
in school, church and community choirs since his arrival in Nova Scotia
in that year. He has been active in the Nova Scotia Choral Federation
since its inception in 1976 and is a Charter Life Member of the
Association of Canadian Choral Conductors. Bill has studied with both
Dr. Elmer Iseler and Wayne Riddell. He is the founding conductor of
Kings Chorale and also directs the Annapolis Valley Honor Choir, He has
conducted various choirs and workshops throughout Atlantic Canada. In
the spring of 2008 he was awarded the Alumni Merit Award from
Westminster Choir College.
Top of page
|
| |
United States
|
| |
Concordia Youth Chorale (NJ)
The Concordia Youth Chorale is a set of treble voice choirs based in central New Jersey providing training and performance for singers K through 12th grade. While providing a full schedule of concerts locally, the Chorale specializes in providing its singers with touring opportunities. In its 10 year existence the Chorale has toured England, Italy, Bavaria, Austria, and Prague with upcoming tours scheduled for Quebec and France. In the New York area the Chorale has sung at Carnegie Hall and St. Patrick's Cathedral and will sing at St. Paul's Chapel at Ground Zero this April.
The Concordia Youth Chorale is directed by husband and wife team John Balme and Cynthia Springsteen. Balme is the former General Director of Boston Lyric Opera and the Lake George Opera Festival. He received his training at the Royal College of Music, the Eastman School of Music and Indiana University. Springsteen is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and Temple University and is a long time student of Armen Boyajian. She performed 40 leading operatic soprano roles specializing in the works of Verdi, particularly the early works as part of New York Grand Opera's famous Verdi series in the 1990s.
Top of page
|
F.Woolston
|
Crystal Coast Choral Society, Inc. (NC)
The Crystal Coast Choral Society was organized in 1985 to allow singers
and audiences from local communities in eastern North Carolina to
experience the best in choral music performed to the highest standards.
The initial group of 20 members has grown to an average of 70 singers
of all ages and musical backgrounds. The chorus performs at least three
yearly concerts from a repertoire ranging from a cappella renaissance
music to great choral masterworks with orchestra.
Finley C. Woolston, Director, now devotes
himself to music after a career in the Marine Corps and Navy. He sang
with the Saratoga-Potsdam Chorus and was a student of Brock McHelheren
of the Crane School of Music. He attended the University of North
Carolina at Wilmington, where he was a cum laude vocal performance
major. He has performed with many eastern North Carolina choruses. He
is currently Music Director of Schola Cantorum, the choir of the
Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina. With Schola Cantorum, he has
completed extended residencies in England's Gloucester Cathedral. As
Music Director of the Crystal Coast Choral Society, he has prepared
members for three performances of major choral works in Carnegie Hall.
Additionally, he is the Music Director of Richlands United Methodist
Church, Richlands, NC. He is also a classical music announcer and
choral music producer with Public Radio East, WTEB, 89.3.
Top of page
|
O. Richardson
|
Del Mar Children's Chorus (TX)
The Del Mar Children's Chorus is an opportunity for young singers in
the Coastal Bend area to develop vocal and choral music skills and to
express artistry in community. This community chorus is open to young
people regardless of school, home-school or faith organization, and
ranges from age 7 to 14. Within the Children's Chorus are four
ensembles organized by age and experience: Coristas (the preparatory
group) Vaqueros (advanced boys) and Estrellitas (advanced girls). An
additional ensemble, Cantantes, combines select singers from the
advanced groups. Del Mar College provides an umbrella for the Chorus,
fostering a love for choral singing in young people that is hoped will
grow into a life-long experience in the choral art.
Ouida Bliss Richardson,
Founder and Artistic Director of the Del Mar Children's Chorus, is
currently employed as the Music Specialist at St. James Episcopal
School in Corpus Christi. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education
degree from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, and a Master of
Music Education degree from the University of Central Arkansas in
Conway. Recently Mrs. Richardson completed a Certificate in Music
Ministry for the United Methodist Church at Perkins School of Theology,
Southern Methodist University in Dallas and has additional studies in
music education from the University of North Texas in Denton.
Top of page
|
|
|
Del Mar Master Chorus (TX)
The Del Mar Master Chorus is the premiere community chorus of the
Coastal Bend of South Texas. The mission is to share the gift of great
choral music, inspire new generations with the love of choral singing,
and broaden its reach and exposure of music to all ages and cultures.
An extension of the Music Department at Del Mar College in Corpus
Christ, the Chorus is a diverse group of auditioned singers dedicated
to exploring and performing an array of musical styles from Classic to
Contemporary. Chorus members come from many communities across the
Coastal Bend and from all walks of life. Among its members are music
teachers, professors, ministers, bankers, business professionals and
advanced college and high school singers.
Dennis S. Richardson
is the Director of Choral Activities at Del Mar College and the
Artistic Director of the Del Mar Master Chorus. He has taught choral
music in Texas for over 30 years in a variety of settings ranging from
rural to urban and elementary to university. Dennis has studied at West
Texas A & M University, Texas State University and Texas Tech
University. Professor Richardson has served on curriculum revision and
textbook selection committees in Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Hays County
and Sinton schools, as a music conductor for Silver-Burdett and Ginn
textbook recordings and has provided concert reviews for the Corpus
Christi Caller Times. He served as the Music Director for the outdoor
musical drama TEXAS in Palo Duro Canyon.
Top of page
|
| |
Jonathan Griffith Singers (US & CAN)
Founded by conductor and educator Jonathan Griffith in 1987, the
Jonathan Griffith Singers has developed and grown over the years.
Beginning as a chamber choir of 24 professional singers in Portland,
Oregon, it is now an ensemble of 80-120 amateur and professional
singers who come from several different regions of the United States
and Canada. All of the members have had years of choral experience, and
many of the singers are music teachers and full time musicians. Known
for their appealing and accessible programming, the Singers perform a
wide range of repertoire. Members of the ensemble have performed in
some of the world's finest concert halls in the United States and in
Europe, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Rudolfinum in Prague,
the Palau de la Musica in Barcelona, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome,
and the Cathedral Duomo of Pisa in Italy. Read full bio
|
B. Hemphill
|
The Metropolitan Chorus
(VA)
This
season marks the 43rd anniversary of The Metropolitan Chorus. Concerts
feature music of a great variety and scope that spans the period from
the Renaissance to the twenty-first century with a strong emphasis on
American composers. Although based in Arlington, VA, the 100-voice
chorus has performed throughout the Washington metropolitan area,
including the Kennedy Center, Constitution Hall, The National Building
Museum, and the Smithsonian Institution. The chorus frequently joins
forces with other musical organizations for special performances and
has participated in international music festivals. TMC has been the
recipient of many honors and awards over the years.
Barry S. Hemphill
has been the Artistic Director of The Metropolitan Chorus since 1977. A
native New Yorker, Mr. Hemphill graduated from Manhattan School of
Music in New York City where his specialties were conducting, theory,
and voice. He is the son of Shelton "Scad" Hemphill who played first
trumpet for Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong and Duke Ellington, among others,
and he claims Billie Holliday as one of his babysitters.
Mr. Hemphill has a wide variety of musical experience to his
credit including conducting singing, composing and arranging for voice
and instrumentation. He retired from the United States Army (U.S. Army
Band & Chorus) in 1991, ending his career as Sergeant Major of the
Chorus after nearly 23 years of service as baritone soloist and
conductor.
Top of page
|
P. Pascaretti
|
Metropolitan Detroit Chorale, Inc. (MI)
Now in its 40 season, the Metropolitan Detroit Chorale continues
"Bringing Music To Life and Lives To Music", aspiring to entertain, to
enrich, and to encourage area citizens to appreciate fine vocal
performance while providing a place for amateur vocalists to learn and
grow through performance under the direction of competent artists.
With a strong background in the works of the masters,
the Chorale also enjoys the works of contemporary composers and has
been privileged to present premiere performances of the works of Karl
Jenkins to its home audience: The Armed Man, Requiem, and Stabat Mater.
Pasquale A. Pascaretti has been Director of
the MDC since 1975. He is the Vocal Music Teacher at Fraser High School
as well as Vocal Music Department Chair for Fraser Public Schools. He
has also served as director of several church choruses and has been
instructor of Keyboard Harmony for the community college. He has
studied with Robert Shaw, Westminster Choir College and with Margaret
Hillis, Berkshire Chorale Institute.
Awards include: Fraser High School Teach of the Year
and recognition by Heritage Music Festivals Hall of Fame for the
consistently high quality performances by Fraser Singers in festival
competitions throughout the United States.
Top of page
|
J. Beach
|
Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville Adult Choir
(MD)
The
Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville has invested in excellent
music and creative exploration since its founding in 1956. The Adult
Choir has grown to over 50 voices (from a congregation of 350) and is
committed to offering a diversity of musical genres and traditions on
Sunday mornings and through larger music events throughout the year.
The UUCR music program also supports a women's choir, children's choir,
folk song circle, and a benefit concert series. Located in the
Washington, DC metro area, UUCR is a liberal religious organization
that believes in spiritual freedom, beloved community and social
responsibility.
Jennifer Rodgers Beach
began as the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville's Director of
Music in 2007. She continues to build on a vibrant program and during
her tenure, the Adult Choir has grown from 35 to 50 singers. She
challenges her singers on a weekly basis to interpret classical
standards, contemporary and world styles with equal integrity, beauty
and vigor, while drawing from her own performing and teaching work to
give the choir a broad range of technical and communication skills. She
is incredibly pleased and proud to bring such a talented group of
volunteer singers to Lincoln Center.
Top of page
|
T. Sisk
|
Vienna Choral Society
(VA)
Vienna Choral Society (VCS), founded in January 1987, is an auditioned community chorus based in Vienna, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, DC. Each season VCS performs major choral works as well as mixed programs in the northern Virginia area. In 1996, the chorus participated in a tour of England with London-based Gaudeamus Chorus. As part of the on-stage chorus, VCS recently participated in a Messiah Sing-Along at the Kennedy Center with the Opera House Orchestra and professional soloists. In April 2010, the Vienna Choral Society will host a musical celebration to observe the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
Terry Sisk, Director, is organist and director of various ensembles at Vienna Presbyterian Church. He has conducted the Reston Chorale and Vienna Choral Society, and served as accompanist for the Metropolitan Chorus and Fairfax Choral Society. In 2009 Mr. Sisk conducted the Opera House Orchestra and professional soloists in a Messiah Sing-Along concert at Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Terry served as Dean of the American Guild of Organists 1996-98 and was a faculty member of the Potomac Organ Institute. As recitalist and accompanist, Mr. Sisk has performed in more than a dozen countries world wide.
Top of page
|
| |
What People Said... |
| |
From New York Concert Review: Concert for Peace
Top of page
|
| |
Jack Morrison
Georgetown Choral Society
From "Special invitation sends Georgetown Choral Society to NYC," insideHalton.com
Those of us involved from Georgetown were absolutely thrilled by this opportunity. We stood on the stage and sang in front of a wonderful audience who were there to celebrate Martin Luther King Day, Karl Jenkins and the Concert for Peace. It was awesome. Those who sang in the concert from Georgetown will always remember every minute of those three days.
Top of page
|
| |
Pat Harris
Travel Coordinator
Grace Presbyterian Church Choir
It was a pleasure to be with DCINY. Most of us from Grace Presbyterian are not professionals in the music world, yet we love to sing. And DCINY gave us that opportunity to realize a dream we never could fulfill on our own.
The young woman to whom you had to provide a stool for the performance has diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, and was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She was determined to make the trip, while the rest of us had resigned ourselves to the fact that we would probably be dialing 911, and then her husband, with the message to come get her. None of that happened, and you allowed her the "thrill of a lifetime."
So it is we who thank you for a really great weekend. Thank you for the invitation. I hope we will be back.
Top of page
|
| |
Lisa
Audience member
I want to compliment you both on a wonderful job last night! I was extremely impressed with the caliber of talent and the thought-proving nature of the music. I was thrilled to be a part of the audience...I hope things went well on your end, from the audience perspective everyone was enjoying themselves. I think the loud gasp in act two as the drums rolled was proof of how captivated we all were!
Top of page
|
| |
Marina Alexander
Director
The Arcadian Chorale
Richmond Choral Society
Thank you both for including Arcadian Chorale and Richmond Choral Society in the "Concert for Peace" at Lincoln Center last week.
It was a high quality experience on so many levels. Our members truly enjoyed singing Jenkins' beautiful Requiem, so much so that we hope to bring it to NJ in mid-March. Working with Jonathan was a distinct pleasure and privilege; you brought great insight and passion to the music, which engaged the group completely, and made the work all the more meaningful. And finally, the thrill of performing at Avery Fisher Hall was an experience that our singers valued much, and will always treasure.
I was especially grateful that several of my students from the College of Staten Island participated in the performance. I know that, for them, it marked a great achievement in the course of their study and musical development. You have indeed contributed to "the power of education" by affording them this experience.
All of this was of course made possible by the hard work of your organizational staff, starting with Iris and extending to every one of your staff members. They were extremely informative and helpful, and dealt with the myriad of details this scale of project required in a highly professional manner, while maintaining a pleasant smile for everyone! Please relay our thanks for all their assistance.
I also wish to convey my personal thanks for your inviting my ensembles to be part of DCINY's programs. Your generosity and kindness in doing so are much appreciated. Working with you is always a pleasure, and I hope to have the opportunity to do so in future projects.
Congratulations on what was truly an outstanding musical presentation, and all best wishes for a wonderful 2010 season.
Top of page
|
| |
Wayne Rogers
Director
Bedford Singers
Thanks SO much for the incredible organizing which went on to make this event run so smoothly. Everything seemed to go without a hitch and I know all Bedford Singers were elated with this event. I am still trying to figure out where Jonathan got all the stamina to work with two mass choirs, soloists and orchestra and be on top of everything from rehearsal day 1, right up to, and including the performance. I work with five choirs a week, teach organ at a university and have 10 private singing, piano and organ students, but I don't think my energy level matches his. I was quite impressed. It simply was a marvelous five days.
Many, many thanks again for a wonderful musical experience and hopefully, we will have the opportunity to perform at DCINY in the not too distant future.
Top of page
|
| |
Bill Perrot
Director
Kings Chorale
Kings Chorale had a wonderful time and felt very privileged to be able to be a part of this performance. It was a wonderful learning experience for us as well.
Please pass on my most sincere thanks to everyone at DCINY. This was an exceptionally well-organized event, and everything seemed to move smoothly. Thanks to all for allowing us this great opportunity!
Top of page
|
| |
DCINY Orchestra Member
I continue to be impressed with the quality of performances from DCINY. The orchestra is of the highest caliber in that the musicians listen to one other and play more than just the notes. It really is a cohesive unit working together and it is inspiring for the musicians, for the choir members as well as the audience. It is rare gift to perform in Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, especially to a full and enthusiastic audience and DCINY provides that opportunity. With the mentorship of Iris Derke and Jonathan Griffith's artistic vision, DCINY will continue to flourish.
This past weekend, we performed several of Karl Jenkins's works in Avery Fisher Hall. The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was particularly memorable because of the message of the music. The musicians were able to portray the struggles for peace but also how beautiful and tranquil life can be during peaceful times. On Tuesday's concert, we performed Haydn's Lord Nelson's Mass. Haydn's talent was clearly showcased by the virtuosic singing and string playing. Rene Clausen's piece Memorial is a tribute to the victims from 9/11. It is always an honor to pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives that day. Clausen was able to convey the trials and tribulations of that day through his music and as the dust settled, venture into a new beginning of hope.
Top of page
|
| |
DCINY Orchestra Member
There is a strong sense of professionalism and a love for music amongst the musicians in DCINY. The concert this past week expressed joy, reverence, and acknowledgement of the human spirit; this began with everyone involved on-stage and carried through into the audience. The creation of music was boundless!
Top of page
|
|
