On Sunday December 11, 2011 The Myron Heaton Chorale presented a concert titled Holiday Joys at Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church in Las Vegas. The Holiday Joys was perfect for the third Sunday of Advent, the Joy Sunday. The concert was divided into four parts.
Classical Choral Pieces
The full Chorale showed their ability in the first part of the concert by singing three pieces. First, Venite, Exultemus Domino (Come Praise Him) by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. This piece set the tone for all the numbers to follow. The Chorale then moved from Latin to German with Ich Weiss, dass mein Erloser Lebet (I Know That My Redeemer Lives) by Johann Michael Bach. The third selection in this part was Kyrie from "Grand Mass in C Minor" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Rossana Cota was the soprano soloist. She and the Chorale created an inspiring performance of these classical works.
Gospel Songs
The second part of the program showed the power and emotion of music and of the Chorale. It began with Dan-u-el from "Songs of Slaves" the opera by Kirke Mechem. The lyrics moved the listener from Daniel and the Lions’ Den to Dan-u-el an escaped slave both seeking deliverance. Baritone, Fred Crescente was magnificent and powerful in his solo. The Chorale was equally powerful in their presentation. "I'm Free" still rings in the ears since the piece ends with these powerfully sung words by the soloist after the chorale had completed their portion.
I've Been in the Storm So Long, a traditional song from the Underground Railroad period, was sung beautifully by both the Chorale and mezzo-soprano soloist Ramona Scarth. This piece is an emotional, mournful prayer and in great contrast to the powerful Dan-u-el. Together they demonstrate the variety of emotions the Chorale id capable of producing.
Christmas Songs
The third and fourth part of the program featured traditional Christmas songs. These songs were much lighter than the first two parts, yet no less beautiful and emotional. Part three begins with an octet nuzzled around the piano as you might picture a group of carolers nuzzled around a fireplace. For a group of outstanding musicians, the piano might be just as warm as a fireplace. The octet sings a Mel Torme piece The Christmas Song. They obviously shared their joy. The Entire Chorale reappeared to sing The First Nowell and Carol of the Bells. The First Nowell was arranged by Mack Wilberg and featured soloists: Tim Dixon; Ken Figuray; Chris Johnson; Ruth Devlin; and Sara Diss. The Carol of the Bells by M. Leontovich, ended part three of the program.
Part four of the program started with an arrangement of Angels We Have Heard on High by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw. The second piece was Angels' Carol by John Rutter and Part Four ended with Mack Wilberg's arrangement of I Saw Three Ships. The chorale added a piano duo with Maria Russell joining the Pianist in Residence, Paula Johnson. Also added were handbells and percussion. These wonderful pieces gave a marvelous ending to the concert.
The Myron Heaton Chorale travels to San Francisco in February to perform at St. Mary's Cathedral. March 7th 2012 they perform at Faith Lutheran Junior Senior High School in Las Vegas, NV. In April they will perform at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson, NV.
Kim Youmans - Kim Youmans is an acclaimed educator, teaching preschool through graduate school. He writes about Theology, travels, and the outdoors.
