|
Ken
Goodenberger, Director
 TICKETS
2011-2012
Season
SPRING CONCERTS:
"Legacy"
~ composed by
Craig Bohmler
~lyrics by Marion Adler
Specially commissioned for the
West Valley Chorale
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
7:00 PM
Faith Presbyterian Church,
Sun City
Thursday,
April 12, 2012
7:00 PM
Shepherd of the Hills Methodist Church,
Sun City West
|
IN APRIL, CHORALE
TO PREMIER NEW COMPOSTION~ "LEGACY"
The West Valley Chorale,
under the direction of Ken Goodenberger, is proud to present the
premiere of a new composition, “Legacy,” by Craig Bohmler.
Craig is a composer/pianist/conductor whose works have been widely
performed in North America and Europe. Primarily a composer for the
singing theater and voice, he is excited about working with the West
Valley Chorale on this special project. Using music and words Mr.
Bohmler and lyricist Marion Adler focus on sharing the universal
experiences that make us who we are as we travel the path of life. The
composition captures the connections and experiences, both joyous and
sorrowful, that create a lifetime. For this concert the Valley
Vista High School Concert Choir, directed by Melani Corley, will
also perform with the West
Valley Chorale. Thus, both singers who are young and singers who
are “young at heart” will be sharing the music.
Craig Bohmler and
Ken Goodenberger review the score of the new composition, LEGACY.
West Valley Chorale members are excited about the challenging and
beautiful new score. The first piece, “I Will Sing My Heart
Open Wide,” has special meaning because these senior vocalists
have been doing just that for much of their lives. There are songs on
love, forgetfulness and loss. The members also look forward to duets
with their teen counterparts. One is a humorous discussion between a
grandfather and his grandson. Another is the moving, last piece
of the composition, a sad but stirring farewell. The elders sing,
“I bless you as you pass, bequeath you all I know, as forward
into the future you go.” The teen chorus replies, “In your
eyes I see my own, in your dreams my dreams ignite, but I must take the
lead now... as forward into the future I go.” Then both groups
sing together, and “Legacy” ends on a joyous and hopeful
note.
LEGACY composer,
Craig Bohmler accompanies director Ken Goodenberger at the first read
through of the new music for the Chorale's upcoming April program.
Ralph Vaughan Williams "Five Mystical Songs,” featuring baritone
soloist, Dr. Jeffrey Stevens, and several short pieces will round out
the program. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased
from Chorale members or are available at the door. They can also be
purchased online. (See TICKETS notice above left.) For more
information call 623-214-0761.
|
|
WEST
VALLEY CHORALE MEMBERS SING AT CARNEGIE HALL
Fresh from a successful concert season culminating with the
magnificent Brahms REQUIEM, the West Valley Chorale was invited
to participate in a multi-chorale concert at Carnegie Hall, directed by
John Rutter, internationally acclaimed as one of the greatest choral
composers and directors of our time, They were accompanied by the New
England Symphony Orchestra. Attendees would sing the second half
of the concert, which was Brahms: ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45,
the same piece they had recently performed, but in the original
German. Five members were able to attend, flying to New
York City on Memorial Day Weekend. K. Alyson, Pat Gerber, Barbara
Lobodovsky, Grey Pohl and Sherrill Ward became part of a 200 member
chorale, composed of singers from all over the United States as well as
Canada and New Zealand.
Although, as Pat pointed out, performing in a concert in
that magnificent hall was incredibly moving, the rehearsal with John
Rutter, was even more impressive. Sherril recalls that all the singers
were awed by Mr. Rutter’s ability to stress the nuances of
musicality and to draw the very best performances from them without
being overbearing, as someone of his stature might very well be.
Indeed Kay, Barbara and Grey all commented that Mr. Rutter was very
personable and livened the experience with personal anecdotes from his
long career. During two rehearsals lasting 4 hours each, the
participants were able to really focus on the German lyrics, the
dynamics of the piece and the blending of voices so necessary for a
superb performance. The resulting concert on May 30th was a
triumph. Mr. Rutter commented after the performance that out of
105 similar shows he had directed, this particular concert ranked among
the top few. The West Valley Chorale members agreed that singing at
Carnegie Hall was truly the experience of a lifetime.
The trip allowed time for some sightseeing as well as
taking in Broadway shows. Barbara said that walking through
brightly lighted Times Square at midnight in “the city that never
sleeps” with throngs of other people was unforgettable. She now
is looking forward to preparing for the new West Valley Chorale season.
|
On
Route to Carnagie Hall--Pat Gerber, Sherrill Ward, K. Alyson, Grey
Pohl, Barbara Lobodovsky
The
West Valley Chorale, Inc.
Box 1173
Sun City , Arizona
85372
Email: westvalleychorale@usa.net
To
join
us as a member, or to inquire on how you can support the chorale,
please call 623-214-2259 (Earl)
(c)
2004-2011 West Valley Chorale,
Sun City
,
Arizona
02-27-2012
|
Our
Conductor
Our
Accompanist
Chorale
Members
Board/ Commitees
Supporters
History
|
