Sun Lakes Chorale offers dynamic season closer

Jan Ott

It’s Spring Concert time again, so save Thursday evening, March 15, for an evening of memorable music and performances. The concert will be held at the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church located at 9248 E. Riggs Road in Sun Lakes (next to the library). Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the concert begins at 7:00 p.m. For those who enjoy music, this is a concert that shouldn’t be missed.

Favorite songs from two popular Broadway shows will be featured — the ever-popular Fiddler on the Roof, including songs such as “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” as well as a medley of favorites from Les Miserables, including the dramatic “On My Own” and “Bring Him Home.” Featured soloist Kate Emerick, 12-year-old granddaughter of Director Cris Evans, will be making her second guest appearance as she sings Cosette’s touching, “Castle on a Cloud.”

After opening with the jubilant “Festival Cantate,” the program features a variety of themes and tempos. Borrowing from music of the ’40s, the Chorale shares nostalgic harmonies in “How Are Things in Glocca Morra” from Finian’s Rainbow, and the versatile “How High the Moon.” Perhaps “My Heart’s in the Highlands” and the words of Robert Burns will rekindle some special memories, as well.

If stimulating tempos are a person’s interest, they will enjoy Chicago’s “All That Jazz” to emphasize the Broadway theme of the evening and Sweet Charity’s “The Rhythm of Life.” “Kwaheri” offers swaying African rhythms, and the swing-jazz motif of “Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home?” will obviously be enjoyed by its singers! Rounding out the attractions of the evening will be a variety of soloists and instrumentalists, including the talents of Chorale percussionist BJ Van Noy and accompanist Caroline Brown.

How can a reader become a part of all this? Purchase a $10 ticket soon! Call Carolyn Ellis at 480-883-6997 for details; send her your check with a self-addressed, stamped return envelope. Tickets will also be sold at the Sun Lakes Ace Hardware’s “Ticket Tuesdays” on March 6 and 13, between 10:00 a.m. and noon. Any unsold tickets will be available at the door on concert night.

Just now getting acquainted with the Chorale? Learn more at www.sunlakeschorale.com; meet the staff, watch for the concert schedule and plan to be in the audience for future Holiday and Spring concerts.