St. Louis Symphony Chorus, by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.
Several years ago at a summer institute on choral conducting at Westminster Choir College in New Jersey, a woman remarked that, even though she had successfully pursued a career in opera, musical theater and solo work, she still felt that participation in choral music had profoundly impacted her life as a musician. When we look around at the choral ensembles, large and small, that flourish in our communities, it becomes evident that she was not alone in her thinking. Choral music offers a means for each of us to engage in music making of the highest order. As Hector Berlioz said, "The sound of a single voice can be grating to the ears, but the sound of a hundred is ravishing." A quick look at the programs and groups that thrive in St. Louis reveals just how deeply embedded choral music is in our lives.
A choral director friend of mine related the story of the time he sang in the chorus of Mahler's "Resurrection" Symphony in Kansas City. Standing near the large organ pipes in the RLDS Auditorium, with the orchestra, chorus and organ uniting for the final blast of divine energy at the conclusion of the work, he suddenly found himself uncontrollably bursting into tears, and almost collapsed onstage from emotion. That's the power of music. This year the St. Louis Symphony will perform the same work, in commemoration of Mahler's death in 1911, on April 8, 9 and 10, 2011. Even for those not familiar with the work, its sheer grandeur and depth open the doors of the soul. Just ask Gilbert Kaplan, the New York stockbroker who devoted his life to the study of Mahler after his first hearing of this symphony.
The 2010-11 season will be a banner year for the Symphony Chorus. Under Amy Kaiser's leadership, the chorus will join forces with the Symphony for Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky oratorio, a profound wartime tribute to the Russian national hero, on November 19-20. January 21-22 the Symphony and Chorus combine for the Brahms Requiem, and in April the hardworking singers and instrumentalists will also present Samuel Barber's Prayers of Kierkegard with the Mahler, and, on April 1-3, will provide a live background to a presentation of the movie The Fellowship of the Ring. The Chorus season closes out May 6-8 with Carl Orff's Carmina Burana—always a knockout, and usually sold out, performance.
But there's still more going on at Powell Hall this year. The SLSO-sponsored IN UNISON Chorus will present its annual Gospel Christmas concert on December 16 and its Black History program on February 18. When you hear the skill and musicianship found in Gospel music, it is easy to understand how so many legendary opera singers have emerged from its tradition. Also in December, the Bach Society will present its annual holiday concert on the 21st. This pageant-like event is a tradition in our community that has helped usher in the holiday season for a long time.
The Gateway Men's Chorus, an increasingly esteemed ensemble, known for its diversity of programming and consistent quality, will present Christmas 'Round the World on December 10-11, under the direction of resident conductor and Webster University music chair Dr. Jeffrey Carter, at the 560 Music Center in University City. At the same venue, on March 26 the Chorus will stage Piano Men, a tribute to the keyboardists who developed rock and roll.
Currently in his 22nd year of residency with the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, Phillip Barnes has led the ensemble to demonstrate the seemingly inexhaustible variety of style of classical choral music. Spanning multiple languages, belief systems, time periods and cultures, the Chamber Chorus sculpts a sound that borders on the ethereal. Their resonance, blend, dynamic range and sensitivity set a high standard for this city and beyond.
The Cathedral Concert Series also ushers in several powerful performances this year. Fresh from presenting the Vienna Boys Choir in early November, the annual Christmas concert, replete with orchestra, handbells, adult and children's choirs, will herald the coming season on December 3 and 5. The renowned male a cappella chorus Chanticleer returns to St. Louis on February 4, and the Choir of St. John's, Cambridge, appears on April 5.
One of the extra benefits of choral music is that, through the texts, we learn poetry, irony, drama, comedy and history. Opportunities abound for budding singers and their audiences. Yes, education helps, but willingness to learn carries the wannabe far. Such groups as the St. Louis Children's Choirs offer a host of exciting programs for children; virtually every house of worship sponsors vocal groups for all ages; glee clubs are sprouting as never before (there's even been a movie made); most schools, public and independent, grade school through university, offer more than one vocal ensemble; and some businesses sponsor singing groups from within their own ranks. In some states, notably Texas, choral competitions have been elevated to a degree of fierceness that rivals sports. For some of us, singing around a campfire or on a tourbus with friends fulfills the need to unite our voices. Singing helps us discover the musical instrument that lies deep within each of us, waiting to spring forth. Music lives.
Gary Scott blogs about music, education and life in general at scottmind.blogspot.com.
