Jan Ott
Last month, we told readers that the concert would have “Why We Sing” as its theme. Why this particular theme? Because those who sing with this group happily admit how much they look forward to rehearsing and performing together. Though regular attendance is expected, they’d also tell you it’s not at all like going to a job; when this group meets, their time together is fun and social and uplifting. (They sing, they laugh and confess there are sometimes a few tears).
When their voices begin to magically blend, they think to themselves, “Just for now—this minute—this hour—there is nothing else. There is the music.” The cloud of happiness around them is why they sing. The mysterious aura their music creates has the power to set aside worries, to calm, to please; to coax a smile. Best of all, it is something that can be shared. And they know this is something we all need.
The concert will be held at the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road on Thursday evening, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets at $10 each can be purchased at the door. Advance mail-in orders including a stamped, self-addressed return envelope may be sent to Carolyn Ellis. Contact her at 480-883-6997; she will also be answering website questions at www.sunlakeschorale.com. Another convenient option is to purchase tickets at one of the Sun Lakes Ace Hardware Store’s Ticket Tuesdays — February 24-March 17 from 10:00 a.m.-noon. In addition, tickets may be purchased from a Chorale member.
What music will be on the program? The opening selection will be the stirring and rhythmic Jubilate. Thereafter, expect a wide variety, sometimes delivered with flourishes of percussion or brass. The musical pendulum will swing from the 1940’s carefree Give Me the Simple Life to a 2011 adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s poem All That They Had They Gave, a tribute to fallen soldiers. The nostalgic appeal of April in Paris will likely please many in the audience. Broadway fans will enjoy Not While I’m Around from Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. As in the past, there will be solos and small groups; and 70 or so male and female voices. Awesome.
Think of this event as a spring bouquet – beautiful, memorable, and not available all the time, but something which definitely brings happiness. Come as a single music lover or come as a family. Bring a friend. Hope to see you there!