Camerata Chamber Singers, under the direction of James Klein, is presenting their first concert of the 2022-23 season, “Cathedral Reflections,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at American Lutheran Church, 1085 Scott Drive, Prescott.
Co-sponsored by American Lutheran Church through its Passion for Life Fine Arts Ministry, the performance will be primarily sung “a cappella.” The sacred repertoire, which is typical of music sung in European cathedrals, ranges from Gregorian Chant, choral masterpieces of the Renaissance and Romantic periods, through 20th-century arrangements of American Spirituals, according to a news release.
One of the featured choral selections was composed by Malcolm Archer, guest conductor/composer who joined the Camerata Chamber Singers in Prescott when he directed his Requiem this past April. Archer’s captivating composition, “O Magnum Mysterium,” will leave you breathless with its harmonically ethereal timbre, organizers stated.
“The piece was … a response to a feeling of the moment, where I wished to create a timeless mood where pulse loses significance and where the harmony unfolds slowly and voices are held in suspension,” Archer said.
Prescott’s own High Desert Ringers, an advanced community handbell ensemble, will collaborate with the Camerata Chamber Singers in two vocal selections. In addition, they will share three musical pieces of their own, including a challenging “blues” arrangement of “Wade in the Water” with special effects and techniques.
‘ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL’
The second concert of the season will take place at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott. Entitled “All Creatures Great and Small,” the repertoire for this concert highlights the humorous and serious music of the animal kingdom. The focal piece for the concert will be “Missa Brevis” (“Lightning Bug Mass”) by Korean composer Ji-Hoon Park.
The Gloria text from the Roman Mass depicts the graceful movements of fireflies on a warm summer night. This enthralling composition incorporates melodies that are shared by each section of the choir. Exuberant and rhythmically complex passages frequently appear before settling back into tranquil harmonies and haunting melodic motives.
The special effects let the imagination go. This unusual and descriptive mass demands energy and concentration throughout by the singers. Piano, handbells and hand drum serve as supportive accompaniment. Surprises should be expected by the listeners, the release stated.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students 18 and younger; available at YCPAC Box Office through Camerata’s website, www.cameratachambersingers.com.
Information provided by Camerata Chamber Singers.
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