Timothy Takach takes a surprise turn as guest host, turning the tables on The Singers’ Artistic Director (and usual host) Matthew Culloton. The two discuss Culloton’s musical upbringing, the role of arts and this choir in today’s society, the risks of programming new music, and The Singers’ upcoming concert season. Featuring performances of music by Abbie Betinis, Morten Lauridsen, and Ysaye Barnwell.
Matthew Culloton welcomes alto Jess Bandelin to share reflections on how art intersects with life – and in particular, she recalls performing in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy in December 2012. One of the musical balms came through the poetry of e.e. Cummings (“little tree”), captured so poignantly by Steve Heitzig, painting the image of children holding hands and dancing around the Christmas tree – a sad reminder of those lost, but also a hopeful reminder that love conquers all. A world premiere performance is shared from Bob Sieving based on Shakespeare’s text from Hamlet, “So hallowed and so gracious is the time.” Program repertoire includes: Frank Ferko: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (from A Festival of Carols) Holst/Abbie Betinis, arr.: In the Bleakmidwinter Steve Heitzig: little tree Bob Sieving: So hallowed and so gracious is the time (world premiere performance) Stephen Paulus, arr.: The First Noel Incidental music by Aaron David Miller All music recorded live in concert and performed by The Singers, Matthew Culloton, conductor. Learn more at www.singersmca.org. ...
Melissa Dunphy's American DREAMers was commissioned by Philadelphia community choir PhilHarmonia (Mitos Andaya Hart, Director) to bring to light the stories of immigrants in the wake of anti-immigrant rhetoric during and after the 2016 election. Five texts from five young Americans who were brought to America as children were chosen—Marlene Rangel, Javier Zamora, Janine Joseph, Julia Montejo, and Claudia D. Hernández—and those texts were woven into a multi-movement work that honors their story and inspires hope, empathy, and action. (Note by Melissa Dunphy) Recorded in concert on October 20, 2019 Melissa Dunphy (b. 1980): American DREAMers Marlene Part 1 Dancing in Buses Marlene Part 2 More milk, more milk makes it better Marlene Part 3 #UndocuJoy Marlene Part 4 #UnitedWeDream For full program notes and texts, click here. ...
Matthew Culloton sits down with choral icon Dale Warland, longtime Artistic Director of The Dale Warland Singers. Dale reflects on his life in music, his upbringing in very rural Iowa, his student days at Saint Olaf College, and lasting relationships in the music field. ...
