Master Chorale Concert to Pay Tribute to America
The Connecticut Master Chorale, under the direction of Tina Johns Heidrich, will present their Spring Concert on Saturday, May 19, at 8:00 pm at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Main St. in Newtown.
“The concert, entitled ‘I Hear America Singing’, is our musical tribute to our country,” said Heidrich. “It will feature works about America and by American composers, as well as those beloved by our people, reflecting our nation's history and diversity.”
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“We have quite a variety of music that we’ll present” said Ginnie Carey, soprano from Newtown and the Chorale’s Publicity Director. “It will include Patriotic music, sacred pieces, spirituals, folk songs, Broadway show tunes, and music from the Big Band era. We guarantee the audience will love every minute of it!” she said.
The program will open with the title name “I Hear America Singing” by André Thomas. Dr. Thomas is quoted as saying that this lively composition “clearly transforms the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.”
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Other recognizable favorites such as Randall Thompson’s “Choose Something Like a Star”, spirituals “The Battle of Jericho”, “Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit”, Broadway numbers “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Bring Him Home” will be presented.
Heidrich said, “We’ll get to demonstrate our ‘lighter’ side in celebrating music of the Big Band Era in the ever popular ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’ and ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’.
Danbury resident and bass Bruce Pflieger said, “This will be a fun concert. The selections provide a harmonious blend of nostalgia and American spirit.”
A special highlight will be George Gershwin’s masterpiece “Rhapsody in Blue”, featuring our accompanist Joseph Jaco
“Joe has been with the Chorale since its inception in 1999”, said Heidrich. “We just could not imagine performing without him and this will give us a chance to showcase his remarkable talent.”
Other selections include revered folk songs “Shenandoah” and “Home on the Range” and a serious side of Bobby McFarrin (noted for his “Don’t Worry Be Happy”) in his poignant a cappella version of “The 23rd Psalm.”
Works by Aaron Copland, Woody Guthrie, Morten Lauridsen, and will round out the program.
The program will conclude with a salute to the Armed Forces. “We are proud to present this program on Armed Forces Day, “said Heidrich” and we dedicate it to the brave men and women who have served our country.”
“We will ask members of the audience who are serving or have served, to stand and be recognized as their branch’s song is sung,” she said. “It will be a wonderful way to cap off a concert celebrating America’s heritage and musical contributions”
The Chorale will be accompanied by the Connecticut Master Chorale Orchestra and pianist Joseph Jacovino, Jr.
