Today I worked with the University Chamber Singers from Washington and Lee University, the premier choral ensemble from a top-notch college here in Lexington, VA. We worked on three pieces–a relatively new piece by Stephen Paulus (who wrote a larger work for Chanticleer two seasons ago), Andrea Gabrieli's glorious Magnificat, and a setting of Roll, Jordan, Roll, arranged by Stacey Gibbs (an acquaintance of Cortez, one of our countertenors). The University Singers are preparing for an April tour to Italy (including a stop in Venice, where Gabrieli wrote the majority of his repertoire, including the Magnificat). The programming variety was very good, and I was so pleased to see such commitment to choral music here in Virginia. Tonight's concert was held in the same space as the masterclass, the Lenfest Center. Continuing the trend of great concert attendance this Spring, the concert was sold out. We've performed here several times over the past few seasons, but the acoustics seemed especially good tonight. It was one of those magical nights when everything worked beautifully… the combination of a resonant hall and an attentive, involved audience resulted in a memorable performance and a very enthusiastic response. Audience favorites included Die Lorelei, by Mason Bates, I Hear the Siren's Call, by Chen Yi, and arrangements of Creole Love Call and Temptation. We hope to be back soon. Special thanks to Dr. Shane Lynch for leading his University Chamber Singers to such success, and to one their singers–Jack Murphy–for taking this photo during tonight's concert! Jace ___
Washington and Lee, Lexington, Va
Wednesday, February 27th, 20134 Responses to “Washington and Lee, Lexington, Va”
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Thank you for a memorable evening. I am an 89-year old man who has heard much fine music in my life, but I have had few musical experiences comparable to this one. The precison of your ensemble is unmatched, the range of some of your voices, the sheer beauty of sound that prevails over all the technical perfection. That very first chord did, indeed sound like an orchestra. At other times i could iimage you as an organ. You are simply a marvelous group.
Jace, we absolutely loved working with you on Tuesday, everyone has been raving about how challenging and fun you were to work with in rehearsals this week! Come back!!!
Chanticleer, I can barely describe the emotional rollercoaster you took my soul on last Tuesday. Growing up with music and being a performer myself, I feel like I have a higher threshold of sensitivity for that kind of emotional musical experience. Y’all overcame any barriers I had and overwhelmed my heart with beauty, elegant confusion, suffering and empathy, passion, excitement, and delight. I was front row, just to the left of our current Music Department Head…and I’m pretty sure I was bothering him with my gasps and heavy breathing during the performances and joyous laughter or groans of pensive thought during every single enthusiastic applause. You melted my heart and I am still recovering from that otherworldly experience you took me on just a few days ago. I really do hope you all get to read this.
Thank you!
Bethany
I had the distinct pleasure to hear you in Palm Desert this February while vacationing. I was blown away by the one song where the bass droned way down low for the entire song. What was the name of the song?
We are so glad you enjoyed the concert. I believe the song you seek is Canticum calamitatis maritimae, composed by Jaakko Mäntyjärvi. It’s an audience favorite this season, and is recorded on the CLIC highlights recording of The Siren’s Call.