So besides piddling around in the yard, house and studio, I've been taking in some of the local entertainment.
My sister works part time for the junior college here in Wharton doing the layouts for the programs for the events. The band concert was two weeks ago but that was the Thursday we spent the night in the city. Last Thursday was the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers concert so she talked me into going with her. I was totally and completely surprised by how good it was. They were excellent really, and even performed at Carnegie Hall Easter Sunday as part of the program. This was their last performance as some of the members, being in their second year, will not be returning.
The entire group, the concert choir, opened with selections from West Side Story accompanied by piano and then a smaller group, the chamber singers, did three pieces followed by the women's chorus which did one, the men's chorus which did two and finally the entire concert choir finished up the program. This being the small town in Texas that it is, the final pieces were the Battle Hymn of the Republic, When The Saints Go Marching In (which included some audience participation and I joyfully belted out the refrain when it was our turn to join in), and last from Handel's Messiah...the Hallelujah chorus and Worthy Is The Lamb. The program was a little over an hour long and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
These kids were all between 18 and 20 years old and these were not simple arrangements. Harmonies, melodies, different vocal strains were interwoven. And they were having fun.
So, how could I not?
Tomorrow...the ice cream festival
Relaxation and enjoyment with good music is great for the soul.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see these young people so very passionate about music. That alone would fascinate me. Sounds like a beautiful evening.
ReplyDeleteOoo!!! Ice cream social...I am there!! I wish!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the musical performances. Nothing like the classics sung by a chorus! Very cool!
Hugs
SueAnn
I love, love, love, love choirs, choruses, singers in any group whatsoever. I can literally be in tears just from the emotions I get from hearing a choir. When my daughter was at All State (for band/orchestra) my mother-in-law and I used to sit in on rehearsals and we started regularly going into the all men's chorus. OMG, listening to those guys sing was a religious experience.
ReplyDeletemusic sparks me up, slows me down, paints in my mind, minds my painting, tells stories, it's so rich and knowing where it comes from makes it even more magical. steven
ReplyDeleteMusic to soothe the savage soul.... We are going to have a karoke night in August. I don't really think I am going to discover some hidden talent, butr it should proove entertaining. I love choral performances. My favorite part of church was always the music.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the music from West Side Story. Incredible.
ReplyDeleteLove it that you're having such a nice week. And that you're posting to your blog a lot. Yeah!!
Also should say: I scream for ice cream.
Sometimes it is fun to take in local talent. They always surprise us not because they are good, but because they are so hard=working earnest.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you guys are having a whale of a time. What ever that means. But when you say "piddling" in the yard, didn't your mummy teach you to use the bathroom?
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love going to stuff like that - there is nothing better than the feel good factor.
ReplyDeleteGirl, I would buy tickets to hear you belt out the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Seriously. Name your price.
ReplyDeleteGotta love a gal with enthusiasm. Am I right or am I right?
XO
What fun! During the summer we sometimes go to Festival Hill in Round Top to symphony performances & various other arrangements. It is a beautiful building & I think it isn't too far from Wharton. Right?
ReplyDeletehttp://festivalhill.org/
Located in historic Round Top, Texas, The James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts and its sole project, the Round Top Festival Institute, were founded in 1971 by world-renowned concert pianist James Dick. Begun with a handful of gifted young pianists in rented space on the town square, the project is now an internationally acclaimed European-styled music institute for aspiring young musicians and distinguished faculty.
I remember being pleasantly surprised at the concert I attended at Dr. M's school - the kids did a great job with a difficult piece of music. I always think I'll be bored & I never am.
ReplyDeleteMust have been a splendid concert. These compositions can stir such deep emotions.
ReplyDeleteIt really is remarkable, the talent and training that is out there for young people. Glad you enjoyed it. I need to get out into society more . . .
ReplyDeletemusic and ice cream- no complaints!I could do that...listening and eating- two favorite things to do. Hope your weather is well behaved.
ReplyDeleteI sang in High School. We sang a wild song in Italian and we won the State thing we went to.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun. I can't help but be happy listening to a choir.
ReplyDeleteSounds great, but the ice-cream festival sounds ever better!
ReplyDeleteI love an exurberant choir
ReplyDeletethe concert sounds wonderful
Contagious they were, it sounds. I am glad you caught it!
ReplyDelete