Birmingham Concert Chorale

Alabama Symphony Chorus Blog

2010-07-22T06:55:00.004-05:00

I created the blog for the new group last night:

alabamasymphonychorus.blogspot.com

That will transform to become:

alabamasymphonychorus.org

So our new online process has begun!

UPDATE: It is faster than I thought! The new alabamasymphonychorus.org site is live and active!

Works, Rehearsals, and Expectations

2010-07-18T16:16:00.004-05:00

We'll work attendance differently this year:

Rehearsal Expectations. With one exception, there are approximately six rehearsals for each performance. Your regular presence is necessary for a successful performance. After each work listed below, you will see how many absences are allowed per performance.

Required Rehearsals. There will be more "required" rehearsals for each work. "Required" rehearsals mean that you are expected to be at rehearsal and that an absence from this rehearsal means you will not be allowed to sing the work. Any exception must be cleared with the conductor.

Mozart, Great Mass in C Minor
Performances: October 15 (8:00 p.m.), 16(8:00 p.m.), 17 (3:00 p.m.)
One absence from rehearsal allowed.
Rehearsals:
Monday, August 23rd
Monday, August 30th
Monday, September 6 (yes I know it is Labor Day)
Monday, September 13
Monday, September 20
Monday, September 27
Monday, October 4 (required rehearsal)
Monday, October 11 (required rehearsal)
Tuesday, October 12 (required rehearsal)
Thursday, October 14 (required rehearsal)

NO rehearsal on Monday, October 18

Handel, Messiah
Performances: December 17 (7:30 p.m.) and December 18 (7:30 p.m.)
Two rehearsal absences allowed.
Rehearsals:

Monday, October 25

Monday, November 1

Monday, November 8

Monday, November 15
Monday, November 22
Monday, November 29

Monday, December 6 (required rehearsal)

Monday, December 13 (required rehearsal)
Tuesday, December 14 (required rehearsal)
Thursday, December 16 (required rehearsal)

Durufle, Requiem

Performance: Friday, February 18, 2010

One rehearsal absence allowed.

Rehearsals:

Monday, January 3

Monday, January 10

Monday, January 17 (yes, I know it is MLK day)

Monday, January 24

Monday, January 31

Monday, February 7 (required rehearsal)

Monday, February 14 (required rehearsal) (yes I know it is Valentine's Day)

Thursday, February 17 (required rehearsal)

NO REHEARSAL on February 21

Beethoven, Symphony 9 and Choral Fantasy

Performance: Saturday, May 21, 8 p.m.

Two rehearsal absences allowed.

Rehearsals:

Monday, February 28

Monday, March 7

Monday, March 14 (NO REHEARSAL)

Monday, March 21 MEN ONLY

Monday, March 28 WOMEN ONLY

Monday, April 4

Monday, April 11

Monday, April 18

Monday, April 25

Monday, May 2

Monday, May 9 (required rehearsal)

Monday, May 16 (required rehearsal)
Friday, May 20 (required rehearsal)

It is going to be a great year!

Dates for 2010-2011

2010-07-12T13:23:00.004-05:00

This is what we know now:

2010 - 2011 Dates

Mozart: Great Mass in C Minor

Monday, October 11: Choir only rehearsal (7-9:30)
Tuesday, October 12: Choir and Orchestra (7-9:30)
Thursday, October 14: Choir and Orchestra (7-10)
Friday, October 15: Concert 8 p
Saturday, October 16: Concert 8 p
Sunday, October 17: Concert 3 p
NO REHEARSAL MONDAY OCTOBER 18

Handel: Messiah

Monday, December 13: Choir only rehearsal (7-9:30)
Tuesday, December 14: Choir and Orchestra (7-9:30)
Thursday, December 16: Choir and Orchestra (7-10)
Friday, December 17: Concert 7:30 p
Saturday,December 18: Concert 7:30 p

Durufle: Requiem

Thursday, February 17: Dress Rehearsal (7-9:30)
Friday, February 18: Performance (probably 8)

Beethoven: Choral Fantasy and Symphony 9

Monday, May 9: 7-9:30 rehearsal ASC
Monday, May 16: 7-9:30 rehearsal ASC
Friday, May 20: Rehearsal with Orchestra
Saturday, May 21: Concert, 8 p
Sunday, May 22: Possible Concert, TBA

The Transition Has Begun

2010-07-08T17:51:00.003-05:00

Dear Chorus:

I trust you are all having a wonderful summer and a welcome rest before our new season begins this coming August. As we discussed throughout our previous season, there will be some changes starting this year. As announced earlier this year by the ASO, our group has officially become the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Chorus (“ASO Chorus” will be our official “shorthand” - ASOC is already in use). Our Board of Directors and the ASO have been working on this collaboration for many months and we are pleased to finally see it come to fruition. You should receive an email later this summer from Curt Long, Executive Director of the ASO, formally inviting each of us to become a member of the ASO Chorus and welcoming us to the ASO family.

I am certain you are wondering what this means for you going forward. In general, you should not see any changes in the way we operate rehearsals or work through performances. The first question I am sure you have is, "what about our staff." Since the ASO Chorus is part of the ASO our staff are now employees of the ASO. We are pleased to announce that Philip Copeland is returning in his role as Director of the Chorus. You may also have seen that Philip has accepted a position at Samford University as Director of Choral Activities -- congratulations Philip! The other returning member of our staff is Dale Reynolds, who this year will be be our Accompanist. We are adding a third staff member this year -- Rick Atkerson -- who will take over Dale's previous role as Manager. Rick is a current member of our group and is a minister at Riverchase Presbyterian Church when he is away from the Chorus. We have recommended Rick for this position to the ASO and are looking forward to having him as the logistical director and primary contact between the Chorus and the ASO management. Please join me in welcoming Rick and wishing all of our staff a wonderful upcoming season.

I am sure the next question on your mind is auditions. Please be on the lookout for an email from Philip detailing the audition schedule for this season. All Chorus members are required to audition annually, unless otherwise dictated by our Director and the ASO. Once auditions are completed, Registration will take place as usual. You may see some new faces assisting us with Registration as the ASO becomes more involved with our group. One thing that will be different is that your dues will be paid to the ASO, and not to the BCC. The ASO has agreed to keep dues for the Chorus at the current level (for the next two years), that is, $80 for members, and $40 for full time students and for music educators. The ASO has also agreed to make available scholarship assistance to qualified members with a demonstrated financial need. Additional information regarding scholarship and Registration will be sent out later this summer. Efforts will be made to allow members to pay dues via PayPal as we have done in prior years.

Speaking of our website, we will continue to maintain our own website as well as our Chorus blog. Both tools have been tremendously helpful to us during our recent seasons. Look for some visual changes to occur as we transition to our new ASO Chorus logo. If you are interested in assisting with the website transition or in maintaining either site please let me know, we would love to have your help. Our 2010-2011 season schedule will be up on the BCC site soon, but in the meantime here is a quick review of our upcoming performances: Mozart's "Great" Mass, October 15-17 (yes, the Sunday date is correct); Handel's Messiah, December 17-18; and Beethoven's Choral Fantasy and Symphony No. 9, May 21. Please be aware, this schedule is subject to change and we are aware of at least one additional concert in the works for February. We will pass that information along as soon as possible.

The biggest change you will see next season is in our Board of Directors. Under the BCC Bylaws we were required to have both officers and a Board made up of fifteen members to govern our group. The ASO Chorus will have neither officers nor a Board, but will instead have an Advisory Committee made up of chorus members elected by the general membership, just as the BCC Board was. The Committee's purpose is to give feedback and suggestions to ASO management about the operation of the Chorus and all matters of concern to its members, and will fulfill all functions previously carried out by the Board. Our current Board members will serve as the Interim Committee until we meet in the fall and elections can be held. If you are interested in serving on the Committee please let me know.

All in all, we have a wonderful season ahead of us and I hope each of you are as excited as I am about getting started again. Be on the lookout for additional emails as we come closer to rehearsals, and if you should have any questions in the interim please feel free to contact me or any of our current Board members (here is a link to our email addresses: http://www.concertchorale.org/addendum/board.html). I look forward to seeing each of you again soon.

Sincerely,
Dan Bell
BCC President

news

2010-05-20T23:15:00.000-05:00

Philip Copeland takes Samford choral position

By Michael Huebner -- The Birmingham News

May 20, 2010, 6:13PM

Philip Copeland
Philip Copeland will move a few miles south to direct choral music in the fall.

The choir director at UAB for the past nine years, Copeland will become director of choral activities at Samford University, replacing Timothy Banks, who retired this month. As associate professor, he will focus on the A Cappella Choir, conducting and music education curriculum.

At UAB, Copeland led the choir at national conferences and garnered recognition at choral competitions in Ireland and France. He also has led the Birmingham Concert Chorale, which was recently renamed Alabama Symphony Chorus, the official chorus of the Alabama Symphony. He is active in the American Choral Directors Association and serves as director of music ministries at South Highland Presbyterian Church. Copeland received his doctorate from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

"He is a nationally recognized leader among choral conductors, and he has a tremendous heart for teaching and ministry," said Joseph Hopkins, dean of Samford's School of the Arts.

A Glorious NIght

2010-04-16T08:22:00.001-05:00

IMG_1136, originally uploaded by philipco.

A glorious night! Thanks for all of those who organized and executed our wonderful year-end celebration. I hope you noticed those glorious fairies prancing around in their coordinated white dresses! (my children) Nancy Lewis provided brilliant commentary on our year towards the end of the evening.

Thank you also for your kind gift of a family meal at Brio. The girls love eating there as much as I do.

The season is over! Enjoy your Monday nights and get ready for the best year we've ever had.

5 stars return

2010-04-10T22:44:00.001-05:00

mh gets it right.

A few quick thoughts about last night

2010-04-10T10:57:00.003-05:00

Typing quickly before I run out with time for the family:

it felt like we achieved something last night, didn't it? something accomplished, a significant moment
the applause - sustained - i believe the audience knew that something significant happened last night
Justin was magnificent - a master at what he does -
and so was the evangelist and Jesus
i wrote this in another place - it will appear on Sunday:
It is a pity that I didn't enjoy the work until the night of the performance. We only had two months to prepare it - and that is quite difficult for a group of volunteer musicians. My approach was one of some frustration and a feeling of impending doom. I will approach it differently next time - because I caught a glimpse of the genius of the work even though it was far too late.
i was proud of my choir. you rose to the occasion. you put in extra hours, you studied the score, you attended extra rehearsals.
i was proud of our entire season - we added many new people and Bach, Handel, Mendelssohn, and Mozart helped transform us into a choir

Bach reviews our performance

2010-04-10T10:55:00.002-05:00

Correction to be made

2010-04-08T08:49:00.000-05:00

Got this note moment ago but can't edit blog right now:

Philip,

When you have a chance, can you edit an item on the blog about the Silent Auction? It appears that Tammy's e-mail address has an extra space in it before the @ symbol. It should be quick44day@gmail.com. Thanks a bunch!!

Shilpa

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

NEW: Combined Choruses

2010-03-26T11:47:00.001-05:00

I have spoken [emailed] with Justin and have added these choruses as combined works:

#19 - both choirs -
#20 - both choirs -
#27a - both choirs
#30 "Wo ist denn dein Freund" (p. 134 in my book)
#67 - both choirs

Please look over it for Monday.

Gala on April 15th!

2010-03-24T22:09:00.002-05:00

Our 2010 Evening to Celebrate is coming up April 15th, 2010.

ALL BCC MEMBERS THAT HAVE PAID THEIR DUES FOR THE 2009-2010 SEASON
ARE GIFTED ONE TICKET TO THE SILENT AUCTiON ON APRIL 15TH 2010.

All individual tickets will cost $25.00 each. Please invite nonchorus members because we have a Wonderful selection of items for this years auciton. Art work, gift certificates and food items, It will a great way to end a our very busy season.

If you have any questions please contact Tammy Denson at (205)602-7356 or email me at quick44day @gmail.com.

RSVP by April the 9th, 2010 so we can give Gabreilla Manor a true head count
for the event .

I look forward to see everyone on April 15th!

Where:

Gabrella Manor
www.gabrellamanor.com
8912 4th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35206-2219
(205) 833-9754
Get directions

How to pay:

Bach scores are in!

2010-03-11T22:12:00.001-06:00

Bach scores are in! Please be prepared with $30 on Monday night!

St. Matthew Explained on NPR

2010-03-08T15:27:00.002-06:00

Got this today:

Dear Philip,

I am sending you a link a “Visitor’s Guide to the St. Matthew Passion,” produced by National Public Radio. It’s beautifully and respectfully done, and gives a good overview of the work. I think it would be worth sharing with the Chorale.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88203558

Have a great day!

russ herren

Faith Presbyterian Church

Yaniv wins Solti award

2010-03-07T16:16:00.000-06:00

Great news for former member Yaniv!
From Al.Com

Alabama Symphony Assistant Conductor Yaniv Attar is the recipient of the 2010 Solti Foundation's Career Development Award, a $5,000 grant given every two years to conductors 32 years old and younger.

The 30-year-old Israel native, who studied at the Juilliard School, Royal College of Music in London and McGill University in Montreal, holds the Bruno Walter Conducting Chair at ASO, where he leads educational and community outreach programs.

Attar will not be on ASO's roster next season, however. The orchestra is seeking a new assistant conductor to lead its planned Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. Resident Conductor Christopher Confessore will conduct ASO's family and outreach programs. Attar is currently taking auditions for other conducting positions.

Attar has also worked with the National, Virginia and Milwaukee Symphonies and orchestras in England, Ireland, Germany, Italy and Romania. He is also an accomplished classical guitarist.

Established in 1997 to honor the late conductor Georg Solti, the Evanston, Ill.-based Solti Foundation U.S. offers awards annually to promising young conductors. Along with $5,000, Attar will receive conducting engagements in Europe.

Part help on Bach St. Matthew

2010-03-06T11:12:00.002-06:00

Vincent Bass, and several others, pointed this out to me. Use it to help learn your parts.

Follow along with Bach rehearsal plans

2010-03-05T10:58:00.002-06:00

Follow along here.

Bach Progress

2010-03-01T21:42:00.001-06:00

Here is what we've done so far:

Double Chorus Work

Chorus	Page	# Measures	# Parts	Date Rehearsed
1	p. 1	90 ms	8	2/6
4b	24	14	8	2/6, 2/22
27b	p. 99	72 vivace	8	2/6, 2/22
29	p. 114	98	4	2/6, 2/22
36b	p. 157	9	8	3/1
36d	p. 159	7	8	3/1
41b	p. 180	5	8	3/1
45a	p. 198	1	4
45b	p. 199	9	4	3/1
50b	p. 209	9	4
50d	p. 212	18	4
53b	p. 225	4	8	3/1
58b	p. 240	13	8
58d		20	8
63b	p. 266	3	4
66b	p. 282	24	8
68	p. 293	128	8

Bach plans for Saturday

2010-02-02T18:26:00.002-06:00

Looking ahead to the Bach for Saturday.

See my analysis and rehearsal plans here.

Help with the language

2010-01-28T09:54:00.002-06:00

Choir,

Our rehearsal this coming Monday will be a concentrating on the German for the the Mendelssohn. Look over this document for help in determining what German words you need to master.

(special thanks to Rick Atkerson who caught some errors and corrected them!)

translation

2010-01-27T10:53:00.000-06:00

THE FIRST WALPURGIS-NIGHT.

2. Es lacht der Mai!

A DRUID.

SWEET smiles the May!

The forest gay

From frost and ice is freed;

No snow is found,

Glad songs resound

Across the verdant mead.

Upon the height

The snow lies light,

Yet thither now we go,

There to extol our Father's name,

Whom we for ages know.

Amid the smoke shall gleam the flame;

Thus pure the heart will grow.

THE DRUIDS.

Amid the smoke shall gleam the flame;

Extol we now our Father's name,

Whom we for ages know!

Up, up, then, let us go!

3. Könnt ihr so

ONE OF THE PEOPLE.

Would ye, then, so rashly act?

Would ye instant death attract?

Know ye not the cruel threats

Of the victors we obey?

Round about are placed their nets

In the sinful heathen's way.

Ah! upon the lofty wall

Wife and children slaughter they;

And we all

Hasten to a certain fall.

CHORUS OF WOMEN.

Ay, upon the camp's high wall

All our children loved they slay.

Ah, what cruel victors they!

And we all

Hasten to a certain fall.

4. Wer Opfer heut

A DRUID.

Who fears to-day

His rites to pay,

Deserves his chains to wear.

The forest's free!

This wood take we,

And straight a pile prepare!

Yet in the wood

To stay 'tis good

By day, till all is still,

With watchers all around us plac'd

Protecting you from ill.

With courage fresh, then let us haste

Our duties to fulfil.

5. Verteilt euch

CHORUS OF WATCHERS.

Ye valiant watchers, now divide

Your numbers through the forest wide,

And see that all is still,

While they their rites fulfil.

6. Diese dumpfen

A WATCHER.

Let us in a cunning wise,

Yon dull Christian priests surprise

With the devil of their talk

We'll those very priests confound.

Come with prong, and come with fork.

Raise a wild and rattling sound

Through the livelong night, and prowl

All the rocky passes round.

Screechowl, owl,

Join in chorus with our howl!

7. Kommt mit Zacken

CHORUS OF WATCHERS.

Come with prong, and come with fork,

Like the devil of their talk,

And with wildly rattling sound,

Prowl the desert rocks around!

Screechowl, owl,

Join in chorus with our howl!

8. So weit gebracht

A DRUID.

Thus far 'tis right.

That we by night

Our Father's praises sing;

Yet when 'tis day,

To Thee we may

A heart unsullied bring.

'Tis true that now,

And often, Thou

Fav'rest the foe in fight.

As from the smoke is freed the blaze,

So let our faith burn bright!

And if they crush our golden ways,

Who e'er can crush Thy light?

9. Hilf, ach hilf mir

A CHRISTIAN WATCHER.

Comrades, quick! your aid afford!

All the brood of hell's abroad;

See how their enchanted forms

Through and through with flames are glowing!

Dragon-women, men-wolf swarms,

On in quick succession going!

Let us, let us haste to fly!

Wilder yet the sounds are growing,

And the archfiend roars on high;

From the ground

Hellish vapours rise around.

CHORUS OF CHRISTIAN WATCHERS.

Terrible enchanted forms,

Dragon-women, men-wolf swarms!

Wilder yet the sounds are growing!

See, the archfiend comes, all-glowing!

From the ground

Hellish vapours rise around!

10. Die Flamme reinigt

CHORUS OF DRUIDS.

As from the smoke is freed the blaze,

So let our faith burn bright!

And if they crush our golden ways,

Who e'er can crush Thy light?

recommended recording of mendelssohn

2010-01-27T10:51:00.000-06:00

Here's the one I prefer:

Get it from iTunes here.

Get it from Amazon an entire dollar cheaper. (MP3 download)

This one is also good:

Get it from iTunes here.

Cheap used CD's from Amazon here.

Parking and BCC

2010-01-21T10:40:00.001-06:00

BCC Members singing Rogers/Hammerstein this weekend:

1) Tonight: please be SEATED NO LATER THAN 6:45 on the stage of the Concert Hall at the BJCC (<http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&cd=1&ei=iTFXS-r4G5riyQSS4YmWCA&sig2=IUVmMOJlrS_1udFHikOzKg&ie=UTF8&view=map&ved=0CBsQpQY&msa=0&ll=33.527944,-86.809802&spn=0.023468,0.038581&t=h&z=15&msid=109836154395917028220.00047d9b417e7c282247e>click here for directions if needed). I will be there at 6:00 p.m. to assist with placement on stage - bring your patience and flexibility! If you are not present tonight, you are not eligible to sing the concert.

2) Make sure your music is in a black folder and that you have paper clipped the following:
It's a Grand Night - p. 1-10
All the Things You Are - p. 1-8

3) You may call the ASO Box Office to get your comp ticket and purchase additional tickets at a 15% discount (and either pick up or have them placed at "Will Call" on Friday evening

4) You MUST print and bring the attached pdf of the Parking Pass (Thursday and Friday nights) and only park in the lot on the corner of Richard Arrington and 22nd Street North. Otherwise, you will have to pay for parking! Consider carpooling since the ASO is getting billed for every car we bring!

See you tonight!
Dale

Audition Results: Bach Choir

2010-01-21T08:39:00.000-06:00

Here are the audition results for the Bach choir.

Congratulations to all those who made the choir. I know that nerves played a significant part in this audition process and I hope to find a better way to make choices next time!

You will see two choirs listed - Choir 1 and Choir 2 - neither the number of the choir nor the order of the names listed implies any *ranking*.

Choir I
Soprano
Amanda Lowry
Anna Mullin
Brenna Hill
Elise Bahr
Heather Batey
Janice Williams
Jeannie Bubbit
Marla Troughton
Meghan Heinrich
Pat Pleasant
Roxy Nelson

Alto
Adrian Bretcher
Amanda Brown
Becky Walker
Debbie Gray
Dorrie Fuchs
Hannah Helwig
Imelda Vetter
Laura Reder
Maryann Carr
Melissa Beebe
Monica Loggins
Russ Heron

Tenor
Brian Denton
Clay Walls
Kevin Jerrolds
Scott Carpenter
Tommy Thompson
Vincent Batts

Bass
Charles Henry
David Hicks
John Johnston
Ron Hallmark
Ryan Reese
Terre Johnson
Xavier Robertson

Choir II
Soprano
Cassidy Dowdy
Emily Files
Erin Pair
Jennifer Griffen
Julie Martin
Leigh Copeland
Marlynn Hardy
Rachel Hicks
Ruth Benken
Suzanne Scively

Alto
Carolyn Polson
Cathy Pierce
Chris Davis
Emily Rushing
Hannah Holmes
Jackie Cantelmo
Jan Kimble
Jessica Johnson
Lindsey Guamon
Melinda Halvorson
Nancy Lewis
Sarah Hyde
Vicki Carstens

Tenor
Dan Medders
Kerry Jones
Pat Kulovitz
Randy Harrison
Richard Huie
Rick Atkerson
Tom Hart

Bass
Aaron Brown
Alan Smith
Bruce Burson
Jon Pleasant
Lane Snyder
Tim Liptek
Wayne Hay
Zachary Palamara

Messiah 2009 Review Now Posted

2009-12-19T17:06:00.001-06:00

Check it out in the Chorale Archives.

B'ham News 11-21 Review

2009-11-21T09:42:00.004-06:00

Douglas goes solo in
Beethoven's No. 3

By Michael Huebner -- The Birmingham News
November 20, 2009

Justin Brown, conductor
Barry Douglas, pianist
Birmingham Concert Chorale
Jennifer Alymer, soprano; Aidan Soder, mezzo-soprano; Chad Johnson, tenor; Eric Owens, bass

After more than three weeks flirting with the moderns, the Alabama Symphony stepped back two centuries to the heart of the classical repertoire. Beethoven's middle piano concerto -- No. 3 in C minor -- stands at the juncture of classicicism and romanticism, and soloist Barry Douglas took full advantage in his free-wheeling interpretation, imbibing in a swinging pendulum of tempos and a heavy foot on the sustain pedal.

The virtuoso from Northern Ireland, who recently recorded this work with his own orchestra, Camerata Ireland, while conducting from the keyboard, had no trouble adjusting to the soloist role, often challenging conductor Justin Brown to stay with his tempo shifts. Brown has a sixth sense for such matters, so keeping soloist and orchestra on the same page was not a problem.

The Largo movement gave Douglas license to exhibit considerable grace, poetry and a lyrical touch before embarking on a swashbuckling, highly animated Rondo. The ASO responded by creating an instant rapport, riding the ups and downs of Beethoven -- via Douglas' flamboyant flips and growling arpeggios -- with assuredness.

With 150 from Birmingham Concert Chorale crowded on the Jemison Concert Hall state, Mozart's "Requiem" was nothing if not loud. Brown acted as the musical GPS, conveying his well-calculated musical vision by herding orchestra, chorus and four soloists into a cohesive whole. Choral phrasings in the fast-paced Kyrie were attention-grabbing staccatos. "Rex Tremendae" was deafening, yet the Philip Copeland-trained choir could sing with focused lyricism and respond instantly to dynamic shifts. Too often, however, the sopranos swelled to ear-splitting volume when the music simply called for focused power.

The vocalists formed a well-match blend, the gentle "Benedictus" reaching the high point of the Requiem's lyrical moments. Solos by bass Eric Owens in "Tuba Mirum" and soprano Jennifer Aylmer in "Lux aeterna" were the standouts.

Underlying the mass of voices, the ASO accompanied with just the right balance, the pair of clarinetists and trio of trombones turning in solid, yet understated performances.

Notes from Justin on Mozart Requiem

2009-11-14T10:26:00.000-06:00

Notes from Justin on Mozart:

Introitus – in 8.

Bar 17 luceat – long 8^th not quarter

19 8^thnote

32 8^th

43 first note ATB 8^th.

Rex tremendae – in 8. All dotted 8^ths are double-dotted until Salva me, which is as printed.

Bar 11, breath before Rex.

Confutatis – (in 4 of course) – rhythms as printed except bar 13 tenors flammis double-dotted.

Lacrimosa

Bar 10 basses last note quarter with 8^th note rest.

14 last note 8^th

16 “s” on last 8^th note, then breath.

26 diminuendo to piano.

29 forte

Domine Jesu: all phrases end with 8^th. Note especially bar 11 first note, bar 61 (ATB), 67, bar 71 (SAT) and bar 75.

Bar 60: Alto rhythm wrong – should be four 8ths, one quarter, two 8ths. (Also Hostias bar 71)

Sanctus – in 8.

Bar 5: last note dotted quarter

Agnus Dei

Bar 44 – equal 8ths.

48: stay piano, no cresc.

Found: Nice Pullover in Alto Section

2009-10-07T08:05:00.002-05:00

I have it at my house! Give me a call: 205.335.5353

Planning Ahead - October 5 Rehearsal

2009-09-28T22:18:00.002-05:00

We'll be going over this:

Mendelssohn:

p. 45-57 Mixed
p. 59-63 Mixed
p. 67-71 Mixed

Mozart Requiem:

I. Introitus-Requiem
II. Kyrie
III: Sequenz

Dies irae
Rex tremendae
Confutatis
Lacrimosa

IV: Offertorium

Domine Jesu
Hostias

Sept. 28 Rehearsal

2009-09-28T22:15:00.003-05:00

In case you missed what we did tonight:

Mozart Requiem:

Dies irae
Rex tremendae
Confutatis

Mendelssohn Sectionals:

p. 18-20 Women
p. 28-29 Women
p. 44-45 Women

p. 30, 32 Men
p. 38-41 Men

Mendelssohn Overview - color coded

2009-09-28T22:09:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure this will help any of you, but it helps me keep it organized:

p. 18-20 Women
p. 22-26 Mixed
p. 28-29 Women
p. 30, 32 Men
p. 33-37 Mixed
p. 38-41 Men
p. 43 Men
p. 44-45 Women
p. 45-57 Mixed
p. 59-63 Mixed
p. 64-66 Men
p. 67-71 Mixed

Greece Update

2009-09-23T08:55:00.002-05:00

GREECE UPDATE from Terre Johnson

We had a great response to our “show-of-hands” last week regarding our trip to Greece! The producers, MidAmerica Productions, were very pleased with it.

Don’t forget: make your initial deposit for the performance trip to Greece by October 1. You may bring/send a check made out to BCC, or use the Paypal option available through the Concert Chorale website.

Exciting developments: a well-known French children’s choir, the Choeur d'Enfants d'Ile-de-France ( Paris ) and their Director Francis Bardot, will be joining our performance for the children’s roles. Their director will coach our French in Greece .

A French language coach from New York will be provided for our rehearsals in the spring as we begin to learn Carmen.

We will receive deposits through Monday night, October 5, 2009.

Any questions can be sent to Terre Johnson at BCCtoGreece@gmail.com.

Two great recordings of Die erste Walpurgisnacht

2009-09-22T08:15:00.001-05:00

Here's the one I prefer:

Get it from iTunes here.

Get it from Amazon an entire dollar cheaper. (MP3 download)

This one is also good:

Get it from iTunes here.

Cheap used CD's from Amazon here.

Revised Rehearsal Plan

2009-09-13T15:08:00.002-05:00

Revising a bit:

September 14: Mozart Requiem (updated - only Mozart this night)

Offertorium: Domine Jesu
Offertorium: Hostias

Introitus: Requiem
Kyrie
Communio: Lux aeterna

September 21: Mozart Requiem and Mendelssohn Die Erste Walpurgisnacht
September 28: Mozart Requiem and Mendelssohn Die Erste Walpurgisnacht

October 05: Mozart Requiem and Mendelssohn Die Erste Walpurgisnacht
October 12: Mozart Requiem and Handel Messiah
October 19: Mozart Requiem and Handel Messiah
October 26: Mozart Requiem and Handel Messiah

Text and pronunciation guide for Mendelssohn

2009-09-10T15:32:00.001-05:00

Here it is:

Die erste Walpurgisnacht

Microsoft word document

Adobe pdf

Cut-off reached for Mozart Requiem

2009-09-01T08:42:00.000-05:00

We'll not add any more additions to the BCC for the Mozart Requiem.

Only those that are members of BCC in October will be able to sing Messiah.

No Rehearsal Sept. 7

2009-08-31T20:59:00.001-05:00

There will be no rehearsal on September 7 for the Labor Day holiday.

Rehearsals will resume September 14.

Messiah Choruses 2009

2009-08-28T19:34:00.001-05:00

Conductor David Lockington has identified these choruses for 2009:

And the glory of the Lord
And he shall purify
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion
For unto us a child is born
Glory to God
His yoke is easy, and his burthen is light

Behold the Lamb of God
Surely he hath borne our griefs
And with his stripes we are healed
All we like sheep have gone astray
He trusted in God
Lift up your heads, O ye gates
Hallelujah

Since by man came death
Worthy is the lamb that was slain

Looking ahead: Rehearsal Spring 2010

2009-08-28T15:45:00.004-05:00

Since we have such a busy year, I'm looking ahead to the spring to make sure we have plenty of preparation time for the Bach St. Matthew. In order to make sure we are prepared, I want to call some bonus rehearsals now so you can plan ahead. Realize this: we are ending our season more than a month earlier than we did in 2008-2009. We have fewer rehearsals to master more music. For a printable version, click on "2009-2010 Schedule" in Important Links.

My plan so far:

Bonus rehearsals:

Saturday, January 9 9am - noon
Saturday, February 6 9am - noon
Saturday, March 6 9 am - noon

Regular Rehearsal plans:

Monday, January 4 Bach/Mendelssohn/Broadway
Saturday, January 9 9am - noon
Monday, January 11 Bach/Mendelssohn/Broadway
Monday, January 18 Bach/Mendelssohn/Broadway
Dress rehearsal only: January 21, 2010
Broadway performance: January 22, 2010
Monday, January 25 Mendelssohn

Monday, February 1 Mendelssohn/Bach
Saturday, February 6 9am - noon
Monday, February 8 Mendelssohn/Bach
Monday, February 15 Mendelssohn
Rehearsals with orchestra: Friday, February 19th 7-9 p.m.
Rehearsals with orchestra: Saturday, February 20th 1:30-4:00
Monday, February 22 Bach only

Monday, March 1 Bach only

Saturday, March 6 9 am - noon

Monday, March 8 Bach only
Monday, March 15 Bach only
Monday, March 22 Bach only
Monday, March 29 Bach only

Monday, April 5: Bach rehearsal with Justin
April 6: Rehearsals with orchestra
April 8: Rehearsal with orchestra

Bach Performance: April 9 , 10

Rehearsal plan for fall

2009-08-23T21:45:00.001-05:00

As I see it now, here is our rehearsal schedule:

August 17: Mozart Requiem
August 24: Mozart Requiem
August 31: Mozart Requiem

September 07: UPDATE - No rehearsal this night.
September 14: Mozart Requiem (updated - only Mozart this night)
September 21: Mozart Requiem and Mendelssohn Die Erste Walpurgisnacht
September 28: Mozart Requiem and Mendelssohn Die Erste Walpurgisnacht

October 05: Mozart Requiem and Mendelssohn Die Erste Walpurgisnacht
October 12: Mozart Requiem and Handel Messiah
October 19: Mozart Requiem and Handel Messiah
October 26: Mozart Requiem and Handel Messiah

November 02: Mozart Requiem and Handel Messiah
November 09: Mozart Requiem
November 16: Mozart Requiem (with Justin Brown)
November 17: Mozart Requiem (@Alys Stephens Center)
November 19: Mozart Requiem (@Alys Stephens Center)
November 20: Mozart Requiem Performance
November 21: Mozart Requiem Performance

November 23: Handel Messiah
November 30: Handel Messiah

December 07: Handel Messiah
December 14: Handel Messiah (with conductor David Lockington)
December 15: Handel Messiah (@Alys Stephens Center)
December 17: Handel Messiah (@Alys Stephens Center)

More Website Additions

2009-08-21T08:57:00.003-05:00

New additions to the website you might want to check out:

Now you can donate to the BCC via PayPal on the "Support the Chorale" page! It's also a convenient way to allow friends and family to easily contribute.

Information and payment capabilities have also been added for next year's "International Festival of the Aegean". Look over these details and make your first payment for the trip on this page.

Pictures of all Chorale Board members are now posted on the "Chorale Board" page. You'll also find email links to every Board member. Use this page to communicate to us!

Finally, if you haven't yet registered for the 2009-10 concert season, Jennifer and Dale request that you go online and do so before next Monday's rehearsal. If you desire, you can also pay your dues from this page. If you are not participating this year, please email Jennifer and let her know so we will know to quit bugging you.

See you next Monday night!

REGISTER & PAY ONLINE!

2009-08-10T21:48:00.002-05:00

You now have the option of both registering for the new season and paying with your credit card via PayPal. They are two separate processes, and you may register without paying. The PayPal option is provided as a convenience.

Click here to go to the registration page on the BCC website.

Registration 2009-2010

2009-08-10T00:04:00.000-05:00

Register for 2009-2010 Birmingham Concert Chorale HERE.

Dues are the same as last year ($80) and are payable soon.

First rehearsal: August 17, 2009

Auditions August 10, 2009

2009-08-06T23:18:00.001-05:00

As of right now, we have over twenty new people auditioning this coming Monday. Nancy Lewis and I prepared a short video to help get the new people to the audition place. It might help some of the old people find parking next Monday night as well!

August 10: Auditions for New People (sign up is here)
August 17: Everyone - first rehearsal (come early to register)

You can expand this little video to fill your whole screen. (lower right hand corner)

Finding the Audition - Birmingham Concert Chorale from philip copeland on Vimeo.

2009-2010 BCC will rehearse at South Highland Presbyterian Church next season

2009-06-10T15:24:00.001-05:00

Greetings, all.

At the most recent BCC board meeting, the group voted to move our 2009-2010 rehearsals to South Highland Presbyterian Church.

The primary reason for the change: Seating and Hearing Issues.

1. The choir room at Briarwood doesn't accommodate us as well as I'd like - the room makes us sound bigger than we are, resulting in overconfidence. I also have trouble getting to individual voices in that setup . . We'll be in a large, flat room at SHPC . . . I'll have access to everyone . .

2. Seating Issues: We have to drastically modify our rehearsal seating for every performance. With the new rehearsal space, I anticipate us rehearsing the way we will perform . . .

That's it!

Map to South Highland Presbyterian

Classic Arts Showcase

2009-05-31T14:49:00.003-05:00

BCC member Rebekah Luguja recommends:

Classic Arts Showcase (great free online resource)
Video samplings of art, music, ballet, theatrical performances and classical films.

http://video.csupomona.edu/streaming/webcasts.html

Next Generation of Singers

2009-05-28T08:52:00.002-05:00

For those who are afraid choral music might be waning in the next generation, here's hope:

http://videos.komando.com/2009/05/28/ps22-chorus/

Gala Pictures Posted

2009-05-25T20:03:00.002-05:00

You're invited to view pictures from the May 21 Gala on the Chorale website. Just take the "Chorale Events" link on the main menu or click here.

What a great night!

2009-05-21T21:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you for your kind gift and presence at our celebration.

A great night!

This blog post brought to you by HOT TAMALE - the official candy of NASCAR Racing.

Joyful Exuberance!

2009-05-16T07:11:00.010-05:00

Alabama Symphony: Beethoven played with joyful exuberance
Posted by Michael Huebner -- The Birmingham News May 15, 2009 11:08 PM

ALABAMA SYMPHONY
Justin Brown, conductor; Janice Chandler-Eteme, soprano; Margaret Jane Wray, mezzo-soprano; Jay Hunter Morris, tenor; Timothy Jones, bass; Birmingham Concert Chorale

Friday, Alys Stephens Center
Repeats May 16 at 8 p.m.

Taken in large doses, Beethoven can be joyful, stimulating and intoxicating. It can make you forget about waterboarding, wars, politics and financial devastation, if only for a few hours. It can also be unforgettable, especially with the right mix of musicians.

Such was the case Friday at the Alys Stephens Center, when the Alabama Symphony completed its three-year cycle of Beethoven symphonies under the expert guidance of Music Director Justin Brown.

The pairing of the eighth and ninth symphonies on the final 2008-09 MasterWorks program leaned toward the joyful. Symphony No. 8, composed during one of the most difficult times in Beethoven's life, exudes ebullience, playfulness and classical freshness, and Brown's reading exemplified this spirit. Punchy accents and suave lines were congenial partners. Concise spurts and flourishes played to the composer's Haydnesque side while giving a nod to the Romantic era.

But the jubilation of this concert was heightened with Symphony No. 9 ("Choral"). In the three opening instrumental movements, Brown molded phrases like soft clay or blown glass. At times he looked like a jockey, prodding the orchestra with circular motions and driving momentum. At other times, he drew out achingly lyrical lines. In the familiar "Ode to Joy" finale, the low strings -- only 11 strong -- boomed out the theme with power and conviction.

Bass Timothy Jones announced "O Freunde" with startling intensity from the back of the stage, where the four soloists were situated. The other vocalists -- Janice Chandler-Eteme, Margaret Jane Wray and Jay Hunter Morris, matched Jones' with fiery solos of their own. An energized Birmingham Concert Chorale was as focused as it could be, given the thorny octaves and impossible leaps Beethoven provided.

Yet through quick tempos and momentum building emerged warmth and light, the "Ode to Joy" performed with religious fervor. And joy.

mhuebner@bhamnews.com

News Article on This Weekend's Concert

2009-05-10T17:59:00.001-05:00

http://blog.al.com/mhuebner/2009/05/beethoven.html

Board Nominations Now Being Accepted

2009-04-23T08:36:00.003-05:00

As announced at the last rehearsal we have several positions opening up on the Chorale Board for next concert season.

Details regarding serving on the Board are described in the Member Handbook.

If you are interested in serving, please respond by emailing concertchorale@yahoo.com. We will have an election for new board members on May 4th, so please let us know of your interest as soon as possible.

Your BCC Board

Annual Solicitation Campaign

2009-04-22T11:38:00.001-05:00

Our Solicitation Campaign kicked-off on March 23rd, and as of April 20, we have received about $1500 in donations. For this time in the campaign, this is a good response, but it is far from our goal of $8000.

As a reminder, this is one of the four major ways that we raise money for the BCC’s expenses. The others are dues, funding from the ASO and the Five Star Celebration/Silent Auction. In order to keep our dues at a reasonable level; we must be successful in the other three areas. We can really help ourselves by being diligent on the Solicitation Campaign.

Solicitation Packages are still available so you can ask your friends, neighbors, relatives and companies for a contribution if you have not already done so. All we are asking is that you solicit at least two people for contributions. If you have not made a donation, please consider doing so, and if your company is one that matches contributions, please do the necessary paper work to obtain it.

For packages or more info, see Wayne Hay or Bruce Burson.

From BCC Member Yaniv Attar: ASO On the Road

2009-04-19T23:12:00.003-05:00

ASO On the Road at Lawson State Community College
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Yaniv Attar, Conductor
FREE Admission

Featuring The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key, Aaron Copland's Variations on a Shaker Melody, George Gershwin's Strike Up the Band, and selections from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story.

The concert will take place at the Arthur Shores Fine Arts Building Gym of Lawson State Community College's Birmingham West Campus at 3060 Wilson Road, Birmingham, AL 35221. For more information, call the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's Box Office at 205.251.7727 or Geri Albright of Lawson State Community College at 205.929.6315.

For more information about the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's upcoming season, please visit their web site.

Fall 2009 Auditions

2009-04-15T21:32:00.004-05:00

Greetings again.

We've set starting dates for the BCC in Fall 2009. Here are our singing plans for 2009 - 2010.

Auditions for new people: Monday, August 10, 2009 5 - 10 p.m. Sign up for your audition time here!

First rehearsal: Monday, August 17, 2009 7 - 9 p.m.

Some information about auditions for Birmingham Concert Chorale:

This is what it will be like:

1. we'll sing a few scales, maybe "My Country 'Tis of Thee"
2. you will sing a few notes back to me
3. a little bit of sight reading. Nothing hard! I promise.

Update! Our new rehearsal space is at South Highland Presbyterian Church.

The Fear of All Music Lovers

2009-04-05T12:39:00.003-05:00

CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION

An Invitation from BCC Member Gerda Carmichael

2009-04-01T18:36:00.004-05:00

Birmingham Art Association and First Presbyterian Church

Sacred Art Gallery

presents "Journey of the Creative Spirit"

Gerda Carmichael - Stain Glass

Elizabeth Hubbard - Raku Pottery

Pam Truitt - Acrylics & Texture

Kay Williams - Acrylics

Opening Reception Friday, April 3rd, 2009, 5:30-7:30 pm

Located at 2100 Fourth Avenue North, Downtown Birmingham

(Works will hang through May 29th)

9th on YouTube

2009-03-31T20:33:00.000-05:00

New member Keith Kendrick gives us this video of the Beethoven with English subtitles.

Here's how Keith put it:

Found this link on YouTube of the 9th with english translation... have been using it to practice because it shows the choir up close... so you can watch their mouths. Plus the enlgish translation helps it make a little more sense in real-time... such as, "Even a worm can feel contentment." LOL. I wrote that on the quote board at the coffee shop:

Next Monday Night-Special Meeting

2009-03-31T15:11:00.001-05:00

NEXT MONDAY - APRIL 6

Rehearsal begins @ 7:30, regular place at Briarwood

Why? Read below:

As Philip announced last night, the Cultural Alliance will be having a meeting April 6th from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. that is open to members from groups like the BCC to discuss funding opportunities. In the past, the Cultural Alliance has been a source of funding for non-profit groups similar to ours. The BCC needs to get “plugged in” to both grant and annual funding opportunities as these funds become available. Many non-profit organizations will be pursuing this funding.

Please make plans to attend this meeting being held in the lecture hall at the Botanical Gardens. When you enter the front door of the Botanical Gardens office building, the lecture hall is to the left. Sufficient parking is available.

Again, the date is April 6th from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., followed by regular rehearsal beginning at Briarwood at 7:30 p.m.

See you Monday!

Your BCC Board

The C# vs. C Natural question

2009-03-30T23:38:00.005-05:00

Although I understand the reasoning behind the C# vs. C Natural question, I can't find any evidence that the C# needs to be changed.

No score that I can find has it listed as a C# and I can't find any discussion about the note.

Here are a few pictures of scores I DID find--the last one is the Beethoven manuscript:

If anyone finds anything different, please let me know. For now, it stays C#.

plc

Beethoven Ninth IPA

2009-03-23T18:05:00.002-05:00

As promised: IPA to Beethoven Ninth (chorus)

Female Singer Needed

2009-03-19T14:07:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! This is Chorale member Jeremy Brunson. My mom is working on a short film and needs a good woman's voice to replace hers in the song that she wrote for the ending. Her description was a "good sultry voice". The song is really short and I could assist with the recording if needed. There is no pay involved, just a special thanks and copy. If interested, email annie@film-composer.com or myself (jeremybrunson@gmail.com). The link to the movie is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIlcVPuUlzs

Thank you!

recommendations for bach and beethoven

2009-03-18T17:20:00.001-05:00

A reminder of the recordings Justin recommended for Bach/Beethoven:

I always find it difficult recommending recordings, because my favourite recordings tend to be very different from each other, and certainly can’t be used as a guide to what to expect. For example, for the Bach I love Harnoncourt’s latest one on Teldec, but I also love the old Karl Richter on Archiv. However, I’m neither as fast as Harnoncourt nor as slow as Richter.

In the Beethoven, no one is as intense and moving as Furtwängler. The best choral singing is on his Luzerne 1954 recording (various labels). However, Karajan 1962 (DG) is also very fine, and there are exciting modern ones from Mackerras (EMI), Gardiner (Archiv) and (especially) Harnoncourt (Teldec) – but these also tend to be very fast and/or lightweight, whereas Furtwängler is very spacious and profound.

the gladys update

2009-03-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

Updated info from Cathy Pierce about Gladys Knight:

Gladys Knight and her husband will be sharing their testimonies and she will also be leading (and singing with) the Saints United Voices Choir.

You are invited to attend with us:

Saturday, March 21, 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm
Sunday, March 22, 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm:

Tickets are free but must be ordered by tomorrow's deadline (Tuesday).

I made a mistake about the location. It will be at the Bessemer Stake Center:
831 Briarwood Drive
Bessemer, Alabama   35021

Directions from Birmingham:
Merge onto I-65 S    2.8 mi
Take exit 250 to merge onto I-459 S toward Tuscaloosa    15.4 mi
Take the exit onto I-20 E/I-59 N toward Birmingham    3.6 mi
Take exit 110 for Visionland Pkwy    0.3 mi
Turn right at Visionland Pkwy    0.3 mi
Turn left at 9th Ave SW/AL-5/AL-7/US-11 Destination will be on the right
Please let me know as soon as you can so I can request the tickets before the deadline. I hope you can come!

Cathy Pierce :)
cathy.pierce@gmail.com

updated 2009-2010

2009-03-09T22:35:00.001-05:00

Here is the updated version.

Announcements from 3/9/2009

2009-03-09T22:19:00.004-05:00

First of all . . . a great rehearsal.

Here are the announcements:

Birmingham Chamber Choir Concert
Sunday, March 15
Southside Baptist Church
4:00 p.m.

Gladys Knight at this church on March 21/22:
More information: cathy.pierce@gmail.com

UAB Opera Performance
The Magic Flute
Friday, 3/20 7:30 performance.
Saturday, 3/21 7:30 performance.

2009-2010 plans

2009-03-06T14:13:00.001-06:00

Here are the plans for 2009-2010 as i know them.

Joshua Smith Recital

2009-03-03T20:49:00.003-06:00

Joshua Smith, baritone
William DeVan, piano
Hill Recital Hall
Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Joshua Smith, son of BCC member Lee South returns home to perform Schubert's best known song cycle, Winterreise.

Come hear this great Birmingham singer perform world class music!

VHBC Elijah Information

2009-03-03T12:24:00.000-06:00

What: Mendelssohn’s Elijah

When: The 2nd Annual Shepherd Memorial Concert on Sunday May 3 at 7:00 PM

Where: Alys Stephens Center

Who: Southeastern Chamber Orchestra with soloists Bill Bugg, Mildred Lanier, Stan Nelson, Gloria Parvin;

singers from: Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, Vestavia Hills High School Honor Choir, South Highland Presbyterian Church, Episcopal Church of the Ascension, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Mississippi University for Women, Birmingham Concert Chorale, Birmingham Chamber Chorus

How: BCC members who have sung Elijah before are invited to sing, as there is no time available for part rehearsal;

you should:
1. Notify Terre Johnson that you would like to sing at terre@vhbc.com,
2. Attend rehearsals on Sunday nights in April EXCEPT Easter Sunday from 7-9 at VHBC
(for GPS or Mapquest, 2600 Vestavia Dr, Birmingham 35216)
3. Plan for rehearsal on Sat. May 2 from 1-5, then dress on Sun. May 3 from 3-5:30, concert at 7.

Miscellaneous info: You will be given a marked photocopy, originals are on file at VHBC. Dress will be same as BCC.

BCC singers helped to make last year’s Mozart Requiem a great success. Please consider singing again this year and supporting the Shepherd Scholarship Fund.

Beethoven's 9th Part Help

2009-03-01T23:31:00.002-06:00

The same site that has Bach's St. Matthew's also contains part learning help for Beethoven's 9th!

Link to Bach's St. Matthew

2009-02-22T21:46:00.003-06:00

It's a long way off, but here's a link to a great website that contains part learning help for Bach's St. Matthew Passion!

Updated praise from Justin about Carmina

2009-02-14T13:15:00.008-06:00

Chorus,

I want you to know what a privilege to prepare things with you and for Justin & ASO. It's especially honorable to work with a guy that speaks this way about us:

"And by the way, congratulations again for Carmina. That was a real high-point for everyone, the feedback keeps coming in.

You certainly deserved the 5 star review, and I wish Huebner had written more about the chorus. They really did a tremendous job."

Recommended recordings

2009-02-13T15:25:00.000-06:00

Here's the word from Justin on recordings for future works:

I always find it difficult recommending recordings, because my favourite recordings tend to be very different from each other, and certainly can’t be used as a guide to what to expect. For example, for the Bach I love Harnoncourt’s latest one on Teldec, but I also love the old Karl Richter on Archiv. However, I’m neither as fast as Harnoncourt nor as slow as Richter.

In the Beethoven, no one is as intense and moving as Furtwängler. The best choral singing is on his Luzerne 1954 recording (various labels). However, Karajan 1962 (DG) is also very fine, and there are exciting modern ones from Mackerras (EMI), Gardiner (Archiv) and (especially) Harnoncourt (Teldec) – but these also tend to be very fast and/or lightweight, whereas Furtwängler is very spacious and profound.

Mendelssohn – I only know the Dohnanyi with Cleveland, which is not hugely exciting but pretty solid.

Looking at next year

2009-02-11T16:00:00.001-06:00

Check out plans for next year.

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddd3868b_149gfd22rdz

We'll begin work on it sooner rather than later!

NOTE: parts, especially the Bach, are subject to change. Last word I got was that it would most likely be in the Jemison Concert Hall with everyone.

Carmina Gets 5!

2009-02-07T09:09:00.012-06:00

Alabama Symphony's Carmina: Bawdy and Beautiful
Michael Huebner -- Birmingham News

Justin Brown, conductor; Ilana Davidson, soprano; Leon Williams, baritone; Steven Stolen, tenor; Birmingham Concert Chorale; Birmingham Boys Choir; Choirs from Birmingham-Southern College, Samford University and University of Montevallo.

Friday, Alys Stephens Center. Repeats Saturday, Feb. 7, at 8 p.m

Nearly eight years have passed since fortune last visited the Alabama Symphony with "Carmina Burana," just about the right interval to bask in its guilty pleasures.

On Friday, a nearly full house at the Alys Stephens Center heard an artfully sculpted reading of Carl Orff's secular oratorio that brought 250 musicians to the stage and choral balcony. An effort that combined five choirs and a small army of extras to the orchestra, it reaped the power, joy, delicacy, lust, love and bawdiness of this familiar score, at the same bringing the community together.

At the helm was ASO Music Director Justin Brown, conducting without a score, his arms often driving cues like a propeller. He was confident and commanding, at times narrowing the focus of the large forces to chamber music proportions. "O Fortuna" built intensity in a slow simmer. "Tanz" was filled with rhythmic vitality. The wall of choral sound at the work's beginning and end wasn't just loud, it had character. Likewise, brass and percussion sections turned in balanced and full-bodied, but not deafening, performances.

No "Carmina" performance could work without a good baritone soloist, and Leon Williams fit the bill, not only for his pure, rounded voice, but for his dramatic expression and engaging humor in tavern and love songs. Ilana Armstrong, a light soprano with a sweet tone, sang beautifully in "Steti Puella," though she occasionally could get lost under the orchestra. Tenor Steven Stolen hammed it up with with his crackling falsetto and drunken musings. The Birmingham Boys Choir added a touch of tenderness in "Amor Volat Undique."

Not to be overlooked was Zoltan Kodaly's "Hary Janos" Suite, which started the program. Punctuated by fine solos on viola, cimbalom and clarinet, it ranged from a sweet and serene "Song" to a rambunctious Hungarian dance in "Intermezzo."

mhuebner@bhamnews.com blog.al.com/mhuebner

Call Time: 7:30 pm

2009-02-06T09:35:00.001-06:00

The revised call time for Friday and Saturday night is 7:30 pm in the Hulsey Recital Hall. Give yourself time to find a parking place and (if new) the Recital Hall.

Thrilling Rehearsals

2009-02-04T12:22:00.001-06:00

Some of you may be walking away exhausted from our recent rehearsals but I am skipping away quite energized! It's going to be a special performance.

Heed these words from Lester Siegel, director of the Birmingham Southern choir:

The chorus needs to own this piece--it's their night, and they should be proud of their sound and the dedicated effort they're putting into it.

Now . . . put more into it and make it your own. How best to do that? Study your scores when you have a moment . . . look over words so that you can look up and make a connection with Justin. He's giving us exactly what we need if we bother to take a look.

Next Regular Rehearsal March 2

2009-02-03T22:56:00.002-06:00

Upon completion of Carmina Burana performances, our next regular rehearsal will be Monday, March 2. Review the full remaining season schedule online at: http://concertchorale.org/addendum/schedule.html .

Concert Week Schedule

2009-01-29T22:14:00.002-06:00

A reminder that all rehearsals concert week are in the Alys Stephens Center. You can check times and dates online at http://concertchorale.org/addendum/schedule.html. Also, ALL REHEARSALS THIS WEEK ARE MANDATORY! This is a standing Chorale rule that has been reinterated for Carmina week by Maestro Brown.

Artists Incorporated

2009-01-26T22:03:00.006-06:00

The BCC's own Barry Ivker invites you to see his and other local artists' work at Artists Incorporated. Visit their website at: http://www.artistsincorporated.com/.

The Morning After

2009-01-08T08:56:00.002-06:00

You might find this interesting . . . a conductor talks about what it feels like the morning after a great rehearsal:

David Griggs-Janower gives us this wonderful summation of "the morning after" a great evening rehearsal or a long teaching day:

A conductor, like a teacher in a classroom, is always "on" in rehearsal. Up, vibrant, alive, enthusiastic, making people glad to be there, making them work hard. Making them appreciate the repertory, from the large-scale greatness to the extraordinary subtleties. From the beauty to the intellectual conception. The greater the piece (like Bach’s St. John Passion), the greater the sheer amount of wonderful things to discover.
And every second on the podium you are doing at least three things at once in three different time zones: preparing by your gestures what’s coming next; showing in your hands, face and body what you want the sound to be like as it happens; and listening and reacting to what you just heard. And also planning ahead as you hear it how to fix what wasn't right. And deciding which things to fix, and whether to stop or not and fix now, as opposed to later, while you are doing all those other things. Because music happens in time, time is intrinsically involved all the, uh, time.
You never get to stop and breathe while conducting. If you do breathe, there are 70 people sitting there waiting for you to say something. And if you let them relax, some momentum is lost, some edge. You also have to plan your stops, to allow the relaxation when it's necessary, but avoid it when rehearsal momentum is needed.
And so on Wednesday mornings I wake up absolutely exhausted.
Fortunately there are some heavy-duty drugs available: I drink two cups of coffee!

Read the whole post here.

Next 3 rehearsals

2009-01-08T08:42:00.003-06:00

Our next 3 BCC rehearsals are:

Monday, January 12
Thursday, January 15
Monday, January 19

All at Briarwood from 7 - 9pm.

A possible Thursday, January 22 rehearsal will be determined later.

The earlier proposed Saturday rehearsal is cancelled.

Upcoming rehearsal plans

2009-01-07T13:27:00.001-06:00

Monday, January 12:

#8 Chramer, gip
#10 Were diu werlt
#18 Circa mea pectora
#20 Veni

Thursday, January 15

#22 Tempus
#24 Ave formosissima
#25 O Fortuna

We WILL REHEARSE on Monday, January 19th, even though it is Martin Luther King holiday.

Oh No! Rehearsal Schedule

2009-01-06T16:41:00.002-06:00

The BCC will have a supplemental rehearsal for Carmina Burana on Thursday, January 15th in our regular rehearsal space at Briarwood. Time is the same as Mondays, 7-9 pm.

There is also a tentative additional rehearsal scheduled for the following Thursday, January 22nd, same time and place. The decision on need for this rehearsal will be made and announced later.

Please be aware these Thursday rehearsals are in addition to our regular Monday rehearsals, not in lieu thereof, and the earlier proposed Saturday rehearsal is cancelled.

Carmina Notes: January 5 rehearsal

2009-01-06T13:19:00.000-06:00

Here are some notes from last night's rehearsal:

Primo Vera

study the words on your own . . . we are fumbling and we have to know them well.
i encourage everyone to write down the translations of the words they are singing. plenty of resources for this - and here is one.
nearly every phrase in Primo Vera has a slur over a break. Our default will be to observe the Slur, not the break.
Pay close attention to dynamics of each verse.
Exception to SLUR rule will be at Circle 18. Break between avivum/silve

Ecce Gratum

3 before Circle 25: make sure the S of tristia comes on the 8th note: Tri - sti - a.
2 after Circle 32: Emphasize K consonant sound on qui, conantur, and Cupidinis

Floret:

ms. 3 break after Floret
carry silva-nobilis (m. 4-5)
After circle 45, put the S of floribus on the &
8 after Circle 45, put quarter rest at end of both measures with half notes
Circle 46: S comes on the & of every Foliis.
Two after Circle 47: change from rehearsal decision. Put the S of antiquus on b. 4 (don't carry like I said in rehearsal)
Three after Circle 47: sing like this: me - u - sa. The S is elided to amicus. We will do the same in all places like that.

Rehearsal resumes January 5

2009-01-04T22:22:00.001-06:00

Carmina doesn't wait!

See you there at 7:00 p.m.

Sad Announcement

2008-12-28T22:47:00.002-06:00

We thought many of you would want to know that Mark Ridings' father passed away Dec. 26. He had struggled with congestive heart failure for the past five years and was 70 years old. The funeral service will be at 11:00 on Monday morning, Dec. 29 at Lemley Funeral Home in Oneonta. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers you consider making a donation to the non-profit company that provided hospice to Mr. Ridings. If you wish to do so individually, details may be found at the following website: http://www.newbeacon.org/donations .

The Concert Chorale has arranged to have a potted plant delivered to Mark's home with our corporate condolences. If you wish to send an individual note, Mark's email address is mridings@vhumc.org .

We hope you have all had a wonderful holiday season, best wishes for a properous New Year and see you at rehearsal on January 5.

BCC Archives

2008-12-24T15:28:00.003-06:00

Remember, you can see our latest review 24/7 (or refer your friends to it) as well as reviews from recent years by going to the concertchorale.org website and clicking on "Member Info" and "Archives."

Five Star Review

2008-12-20T14:48:00.005-06:00

I don't believe in letting others determine my self-worth . . .

but a five-star review sure is nice!

The whole review here.

A portion here:

Leppard molded this exquisite music like raw clay, fashioning it into a sculpturesque masterpiece that surely would have pleased Handel. Everything clicked, from the edgy string playing to John McElroy's piccolo trumpet, from dramatic airs by the vocal soloists to the engaged singers of the 120-strong Birmingham Concert Chorale, who seemed genuinely excited about finding unique insights in a 266-year-old staple.

A highlight reel might begin with the Sinfonia, the ASO strings crisp and lively with incisively-etched imitation in the fugue, and end with a spine-tingling "Amen" that retained its transparency despite full-throttled volume.

The conductor's insistence on concise choral singing, even in the difficult melismas, paid off in "And He shall purify" and "Since by Man came Death," in which a chamber choir of 24 alternated with full chorus. In "But Thanks be to God," the quartet of soloists took a choral role. The three-dimensional depth in these modifications was striking.

---

The "Hallelujah" chorus is hard to upstage, but the BCC, ably prepared by Philip Copeland, delivered just as much heart and passion to the less prominent, and in many ways more difficult, "His Yoke is easy" and "All we, like Sheep."

Leppard has given Birmingham an intelligent and fluid "Messiah" that overwhelmed the heart without numbing the senses, and which is likely to be pondered for some time.

The whole review here.

Opus Article

2008-12-20T09:02:00.001-06:00

A pdf version of the current Opus magazine article on the Chorale is now posted in the archives. You can view/download at: http://concertchorale.org/addendum/archives/opus_winter_08.PDF

the early review: a "Messiah" to be remembered

2008-12-20T01:01:00.001-06:00

more here.

Raymond Leppard's concept of how Handel's "Messiah" should go might be a little risky. Choirs and orchestras don't often take kindly to too much manipulation of the score, even in an oratorio for which it's expected.

But the proof is in the listening, and the 81-year-old maestro's brilliant, sculptural vision of multiple choruses and bands of instruments made this "Messiah" one of the most satisfying in memory.

Everything clicked, from the edgy string playing John McElroy's piccolo trumpet, from dramatic airs from the vocal soloists to the 120 voices of the Birmingham Concert Chorale, who seemed genuinely excited about finding unique insights into a 266-year-old annual staple.

Leppard has given Birmingham a "Messiah" to be remembered.

a great rehearsal with leppard

2008-12-16T11:04:00.003-06:00

There is much to say about last night's rehearsal with Maestro Leppard.

A few quick thoughts:

I was very pleased with his work with you . . . you responded quickly to his ideas and made changes quickly.
Dale Reynolds and the ASC Staff created a great stage for the group.
We need to rehearse in a bigger room. The sound of the choir was not as good at the beginning as it was at the end. You made adjustments as you went along because you could hear . . . and you learned to listen as the rehearsal progressed. We'll talk more about different rooms soon.
Vowel shapes influence pitch. I hope I can address this before rehearsal begins tonight.
You held up well throughout the long rehearsal. I appreciate your stamina and your dedication to this grand event. It's going to be a wonderful performance.

News and Radio

2008-12-14T18:53:00.004-06:00

We're in the news and radio this week.

I do my best to honor you and not make a fool out of myself in a radio interview here and a newspaper article here.

This is a decent quote from me:

Copeland said it will be a "Messiah" like no other, even for those who know it well.

"The thinking that Leppard brings is creative and, I would use the word 'brilliant.' He's not just someone trying to do authentic performance practice. He has embraced the performance practice spirit and brought a unique flair to it."

But here's what I find most interesting:

Leppard is confident his ideas will serve the purposes of "Messiah," which are as much dramatic as spiritual.

"Handel wasn't a great believer, but he was so moved by the whole concept of 'Messiah,' and that's probably true for a lot of people," he said. "Music will do that a lot of times."

I find Leppard's comment about his dramatic and spiritual ideas to be the most fascinating part of the article. That's what I've found most interesting in preparing my first Messiah with you guys . . . the dramatic and spiritual nature of Leppard's ideas. I think we are in for a treat . . . and I'll see you there soon!

plc

Messiah Performance Week Schedule

2008-12-13T08:51:00.001-06:00

Messiah Performance Week Schedule

NOTE: ALL remaining rehearsals for Messiah will be at the Alys Stephens Center!

Enter and check-in at back of Jemison Concert Hall downstairs (entrance at foot of stairs)
Leave all coats, purses, etc. in an audience chair - make sure cell phones are OFF
You may have bottled water on the stage for rehearsals....but no open containers or Starbucks!
Space is very tight so please bring only yourself, score, pencil and water to the stage
Reminder: Do not ask any questions of the conductor....make a note of them and ask Philip or Dale later

CALL TIMES:

Monday, Dec. 15 - 6:30 in Concert Hall (or a bit earlier if possible for seating)
Tuesday, Dec. 16 - 6:30 in Concert Hall
Thursday, Dec. 18 - 6:30 in Concert Hall
Friday, Dec. 19 - 7:00 in formal attire in Hulsey Recital Hall (downstairs next door)

All rehearsals are scheduled 7:00-9:30 for this week - Friday's performance starts at 8:00 p.m.

VOUCHERS:

The performance may be sold out by now (it was very close on Wednesday). However, as a reminder, you may NOT present a voucher the night of the performance as a ticket. It must be redeemed for an actual ticket at the ASO Box Office (on 6th Avenue South between 36th and 37th Street).

Monday December 15 rehearsal

2008-12-12T10:18:00.001-06:00

Rehearsal this coming Monday, December 15 is at the Alys Stephens Center.

Please arrive at 6:30 (for seating/placement issues) ready to go!

Email Issues

2008-12-02T10:29:00.002-06:00

The ASO Ticket announcement just prior to this listing was emailed to our membership Tuesday morning as the article was being posted to the blog. If you did NOT receve this email, it is either because your software is rejecting our mail to you, or we do not have your correct address. Please email concertchorale@yahoo.com if you believe the latter might be the case.

ASO Tickets

2008-12-02T09:04:00.002-06:00

BCC Members,

The ASO has just announced a 15% discount to BCC members on ASO tickets. To take advantage of this offer or to redeem BCC vouchers, you must go to the ASO Business offices, located at 3621 6th Avenue South. You can only redeem vouchers and get the BCC discount at this address, and in person.

If you were not at rehearsal 12/1, please see Vicky Carstens next Monday to receive your voucher for the Messiah performance.

Also a reminder that rehearsal next Monday (12/8) begins at 7:15 pm at Briarwood.

Your BCC Board

Russian conductor story

2008-11-25T04:38:00.000-06:00

Pretty amazing story here from Boston.

Established Russian composer quits after discovering that he wasn't the top billing and seeing where he was placed in the advertising literature for the orchestra.

Here's the central part of the article:

The week's early rehearsals had gone marvelously, he continued, speaking with occasional help from a translator. The trouble began on Wednesday during a rehearsal break, when the conductor and his wife took a stroll around Symphony Hall. They came upon a promotional poster that gave the week's soloist, the cellist Lynn Harrell, top billing, both with large print and a photograph. Rozhdestvensky's name appeared in smaller print as part of the program announcement.

Soon afterward, the conductor came across a copy of the orchestra's season brochure, a marketing tool designed to entice potential subscribers. He found a page with the heading "Artists who inspire" and a smaller section devoted to "Distinguished Conductors." That section, while including the names of two little-known conductors, did not mention his name. It appears only in a third section on the page under the heading "The Cello Shines," in connection with Harrell, this week's cello soloist.

"I felt insulted by the actions of the administration," he explained, "I feel not only slighted but I suffered what is called in Russian a moral insult, and I'm free to take any actions to defend myself in public."

Read the whole article here.

Thanks to A choral musician's blog for the tip . . .

Email Confirmation

2008-11-20T16:51:00.003-06:00

If you have not received any emails from concertchorale@yahoo.com, it means we either have a bad address for you or we are blocked by your software. Please send an email to this address to give us your correct information, or instruct your software to allow messages from this address into your inbox.

Thank you.

Messiah Plans

2008-11-20T16:46:00.001-06:00

If you are planning on NOT singing the Messiah concert this year, please send an email to Vicky at carstensv@yahoo.com and let her know.

Thank you.