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20190

2005-01-22: A Choral Taste of LA    

Eric Schmidt, William Chapman, Stephen Grimm, Carol Worthey, Sharon Farber, Jim Raycroft (photo by Ray Korns)
Byron Adams, Paul Gibson (photo by Ray Korns)

"A Choral Taste of Los Angeles" on Saturday, January 22nd, 2005 happens to be one of those rare and special artistic events that can only happen in a major center of art. Contrary to snobby views of Los Angeles as a cultural desert, the talent that lives and works in this diverse city is amazing. Case in point: all nine composers at this choral sightsinging bash were uniquely their own selves and the variety of works presented was rich.

All the vocalists in attendance seemed to enjoy themselves heartily--and the gourmet lunch was delicious. Shawn Kirchner accompanied, revealing a stunning level of sightreading and artistic sensitivity to all the varied offerings of the day. Parker Emerson of Emerson Music worked hard for days to make xeroxes of all the works and put them into neat packets. Los Angeles Master Chorale member Jim Raycroft, who originated "A Choral Taste", presided over the event with an endearing warmth and dedication, introducing each composer and encouraging the idea of commissions and performances for us all. (I second the motion!)

Each composer presented more than one composition, but just to give you an idea of the enormous variety of works, here is a bit about each composer:

Sharon (pronounced Sha-Rohn) Farber thrilled us with her "Ashkina", a powerful major work premiered in Merkin hall, Kaufman Center, New York that incorporates evocative ethnic instruments. Another piece she presented, "My Beloved", was premiered in her native Israel in December 2004. Byron Adams conducted his moving and beautifully-crafted work "Three Epitaphs" with sensitivity and the polish of years of experience. Paul Gibson regaled us with the benefits of wine in his lively, jazz-flavored work "In vino veritas" and then proceeded to present deeply religious pieces. Eric Schmidt gave us "The Lord's Prayer", rhythmically utilizing the way people actually say those words as opposed to the artificial way the text is often set. Stephen Grimm took us on a "Summer Night" resplendent with soft chords and lush, colorful settings. The cheerful Cindy O'Connor belied her countenance by revealing a portrait of a morally bankrupt murderer in her pulsating musical theatre work "Crime". William Chapman's setting of "Shenandoah" was effectively lyrical and very appropriate for choirs across America. David O told us of how he created the surging evocation of "Many Waters" using the Biblical text that speaks of water as dangerous (as opposed to our modern concept of water as soothing)--then the Tsunamis occurred and he was shaken a bit and just now returning to complete the work.

Hard acts to follow: Carol Worthey was the final presenter. She conducted "Voices Golden on The Silver Wind" (organizer Jim Raycroft commented "It knocked my socks off!"). Then she guided the singers through "Gloria in Excelsis Deo", a gentle but powerful religious work with an unexpected and fresh chord sequence in the "Amen"--Alto Kim Switzer remarked that Carol's "courtesy accidentals" made the score easy to read--there was strong interest from some distinguished attendees to get this work and "Voices Golden" out to some professional choral directors for possible Premiere. Lastly, Carol conducted "In The Ancient Time" written in collaboration with New Age artist David Arkenstone, a magical evocation of long, long ago with a mix of Celtic sonorities and little touches of "dissonance" or spice. Carol is grateful for three superb soloists (all members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale) who assisted her in this final work, along with the choir--Stephen Grimm took on the Counter Tenor part and yet is a Bass in the Master Chorale--what a range. Marnie Mosiman sang the Soprano Solo, joined with fellow Master Chorale Soprano Phoebe Alexander at the end, and Kim Switzer sang the Alto Solo. Carol's works were very well-received. Sharon Farber described Carol's music as "beautiful and spiritual." Each of us left the beautiful Westwood United Methodist Church nourished in mind, body and spirit! Come next year.

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