The Children’s Chorale of Pueblo

Ed & PATTI GALLAGHER

The Children’s Chorale of Pueblo presented their annual Fall Concert on Sunday afternoon, November 23, in Hoag Hall on the campus of CSU-Pueblo. True to the title, “The Whole World Sings”, there were songs from all around the world including Germany, China, Polynesia, the Barbary Coast, Japan, Africa, Spain and America with much of the music sung in the native languages.

The Chorale consists of two choirs, the senior Concert Choir and the younger Apprentice Choir. Both groups were neatly dressed in black slacks and white shirts with red bow ties. The senior group wore bright red cummerbunds. And the stage was adorned with very appropriate autumn décor.

And, what a joyous afternoon it was. The joint choirs opened the concert with a spirited version of “Frere Jacques”, (Brother John, The Whole World Round), sung in several languages. The audience that was filled with many parents, grandparents and siblings bolstered the young performers with loud cheers and bravos throughout the entire event. Pueblo is extremely fortunate to have the Children’s Chorale. Not only does it add another dimension to the Arts Culture of Pueblo, but what it does for the future of those children who participate cannot be measured. To some extent it was demonstrated in the last number, “Shalom”, when six former members joined in singing with the choirs. All have benefitted from their “choir days” including one who is now a music teacher. And, there are many more who gained a love of music and contribute to our society.

The Apprentice Choir sang four songs with much gusto and playful stage movement. They showed their most enjoyment with the singing and swaying during the “Tiki Chant”, a Polynesian number.

The Concert Choir did five numbers displaying wonderful ensemble work, especially their rendering of “Jubilate Deo”. Ryan Finney, a percussionist, added much color to the “African Noel”. Anne Bennett proved to have a very special talent as a soloist in “Rui, Rui, Chiu” and in the touching, “One Candle”.

The Children’s Chorale is blessed to have two expert Directors in Jennifer Shadle-Peters and Betsy Barto. The discipline, concentration and performances of the choir members attested to the professionalism of these directors who consistently focused the attention of the audience onto their young choirs rather than to themselves. In addition to Ms Barto and Ms. Shadle-Peters, both choirs were accompanied by Lori Judkins (Concert Choir) and Lynn Gimlin (Apprentice Choir), both being extremely sensitive to balancing their sound with the choirs. And, finally, kudos to the executive director, Christina Anderson.

Stellar Performances by Pueblo’s Youth

SARAH BRUESTLE

Pueblo City Schools presented a fine performance the evening of November 18 at South High School as the All-City High School Honor Band and Honor Choir showcased Pueblo’s high school musical talent. Guest conductor of the band, Mr. Alan Mills, Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Colorado State University-Pueblo, filled in with short notice as the scheduled guest conductor was under the weather. Guest conductor of the choir was Dr. Jennifer Shadle-Peters, Associate Professor of Music at Colorado State University-Pueblo. The audience filled the auditorium as performers’ family members and friends eagerly cheered them on throughout the evening’s performance.

The stage was filled with over 50 instrumentalists; little wiggle room was left for additional chairs or stands. The band played four selections with clarity, unity, and harmony. When I closed my eyes I felt as though I was listening to a theatrical sound track; the movie Fantasia continually popped into my mind. A memorable moment during a Swearingen selection was the horn sound coming from the sides of the auditorium. When I looked behind me I saw two students, one on each side of the auditorium adding to what sounded like a Taps solo, evoking emotion from the audience. This solo accompanied a variety of strong instrumental solos throughout the performance.

Already being amazed by the talented instrumental students, the choir followed with a stellar performance. The vocalists from multiple schools showcased their voices which blended effortlessly. The choir was able quickly sooth crying babies in the audience as they elegantly sang their way through a Schutz/Jennings selection; a calmness from their voices equivalent to the calm under an ocean current. During six selections these developing vocalist were on pitch, part and beat as they sang in multiple languages. With the assistance of their school instructors on percussion, the choir ended the night with an upbeat Spanish selection.

Bonnie Norton, Fine Arts Specialist at the Pueblo City Schools described these young artist well when she stated; “this is the best of the best of the All City Band.” Mr. Alan Mills announced with pride, “I want each and every one of them (band members) in my band at the university”. Dr. Peters admirably announced her enjoyment of working with the choir, and although she does not know the names of all of the youth after two days she feels like friends with all of them. With multiple standing ovations, the students were coached by their conductors to stand and remain standing to accept praise for a job well done.

The Song of Pueblo

By PIERRE KENYON
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

The premiere performance of the long-awaited "Song of Pueblo," a secular oratorio by Daniel Valdez, brought an epic story to life on the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center stage Thursday evening.

An oratorio may be described as a musical setting for voices and orchestra of a text based on the Scriptures or an epic theme. In this case, the epic theme is a history of the city of Pueblo up until the great flood of 1921.

Quite unexpectedly, two men in beautiful American Indian costumes, members of the Apache and Sioux tribes, I believe, offered up a touching Indian prayer honoring those who were killed or injured in the Branch Inn explosion on Thursday afternoon. It was very effective and tastefully done.

The show went on. My overall impression was that the "Song of Pueblo" was quite an extravaganza. It covered a lot of territory, including many events and a great number of people. There was a chorus of 30 children and adults; an orchestra of about 10 instrumentalists and a screen above the stage which projected historical still photos and motion pictures. All of this was composed and directed by Daniel Valdez.

The show consisted of 17 numbers, each carving out a bit of history which was especially memorable. These events and the music were narrated throughout by Sendi Peregrino.

Highlights were numbers about American Indians, Spanish and American settlers, the Mexican cultural influences, a romantic ballad sung by Brent Ritter, a fandango dance, Indian flute music, a catchy tune about Cripple Creek gold, Pikes Peak or bust, Gen. William Jackson Palmer, the railroads, the cattle drives and cowboy music prompting the audience to clap along, the waves of immigrants with corresponding folk tunes, and the birth of The Pueblo Star-Journal and The Pueblo Chieftain, and much more.

The overflowing audience responded with enthusiastic approval with an immediate standing ovation.

There were many people involved in the development and production of this show, all of whom should be highly commended. The show was underwritten by the Hasan Family Foundation and a number of organizations and individuals in Pueblo were involved.

Incidentally, the Saturday performance is sold out, as well. And that doesn't surprise me one bit.

Czech it Out!

By PIERRE KENYON
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

The Veronika Quartet provided a good audience at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center stage with a Sunday afternoon of extraordinarily fine music.

Last things first here. I departed after the concert was over with a feeling of satisfaction and joy. The encore played by the VQ certainly put a smile on quite a few faces. It was a variation of Gershwin's "Nice Work If You Can Get It," played with zest and good humor in marked contrast to what we had heard in the rest of the program.

Well, I'm glad the VQ has the work they have, to follow through with the idea behind that jazzy and charming rendition that was performed by Veronica Afanassieva, violin; Karine Garibova, violin; Ekaterina Dobrotvorskaia, viola; and Mary Artmann, cello.

The program featured a fine guest artist, clarinetist Daniel Silver, who joined the VQ in a vibrant performance of Mozart's Stadler Quintet, K.581, composed just two years before the composer died.

As an aside, this piece was used in the final episode of the television series "M*A*S*H." How's that for a fine bit of musical trivia. Alfred Einstein called this quintet chamber music of the finest kind. And after hearing the performance by Silver and the VQ, I would agree.

Incidently, during the concert, I sat next to a clarinetist who plays with the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra. He knew the guest artist and said that he was a fine player. I certainly share his point of view after hearing him play.

There were melodies in this quintet which closely resembled music in Mozart's Clarinet Concerto which would explain why the piece sounded so familiar.

I hope that Silver returns soon for another engagement.

Two other major works were included in the program. One by Franz Schubert, the Quartett Zats in C Minor. And the other by Bedrich Smetana, the String Quartet in E Minor, "From My Life."

The Schubert piece is an unfinished work in one movement. The Schubert sound is unmistakable. It is so melodic and lyrical with a certain sweetness of harmony and tone. In playing many variations on the initial theme, the VQ was in fine form.

The four movements of the Smetana piece depict a certain part of the composer's life, as its name implies. The first movement with the viola taking the lead was supposed to portray his love of art. The second movement, which was quite obviously a bit raucous and carefree, was playful, and at times even funny, displaying perhaps a more frivolous time in the composer's life.

The third movement was introduced by solo cello. The mood was thoughtful and sentimental, showing an intensity of feelings which might be considered romantic. This was to portray the composer's love for the woman who became his wife. The VQ played vigorously in unison signifying a "oneness" perhaps? Then there was a sweet melodic tune denoting harmony with the second violin in the lead echoed by the viola, then cello. I felt a certain peace and serenity.

The fourth movement was joyous and included folk dance and folk themes reflecting Smetana's interest the national music of Bohemia.

This was wonderful piece of music, beautifully played by the VQ. It might be interesting to note that the composer wrote this fine music when he, like Beethoven, was totally deaf. And further, he suffered from tinnitus at the time having to listen to a piercing high E which, strangely, I thought, was played by the first violin in this fourth and final movement.

Altogether, it was an exciting and highly entertaining afternoon of first-class chamber music. We are very fortunate to have this fine quality of music in Pueblo.

The Beauty of the Earth

By JOANNE DODDS
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

One word sums up the Pueblo Choral Society's opening concert of the 2008-09 season - bravo!

The evening was dedicated to the works of the often-sung but not well-known American composer Randall Thompson (1899-1984).

Dana Ihm conducted the first half of the concert. "The Last Words of David" was the first selection followed with "Frostiana."

Thompson and Robert Frost were acquainted. In 1958, the town of Amherst, Mass., commissioned the two men to compose music using the poems of Frost for their 200th anniversary. Naturally, some of Frost's most loved poems such as "The Road Not Taken" and "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" were selected.

Frost was in the audience on opening night. When the performance was over, he jumped to his feet and shouted, "Sing that again!" I agree! It was delightful with the entire chorale singing the opening and closing portions and only the men singing portions of the composition and the women singing other portions. If this is representative of what happens when poets and composers collaborate, colleges should make it a manditory requirement for graduation.

"Alleluia" was next. Composed in 1940, the piece uses only the single word in the title throughout. "Alleluia" was inspired by Thompson's distress over the fall of France to Nazi Germany. Sung a cappella, one heard sadness, confusion, a cry for help, pleas for salvation and an anguished cry of why. That is a lot of message for a short composition with only one word. It is not surprising that it is Thompson's most often performed composition.

Mark Hudson conducted the second half of the concert. Unfortunately, this will be his last season with the Choral Society. Next year, the very able Ihm will be the conductor.

During his eight years with the society, Hudson has encouraged the group to collaborate with other choral groups and to perform some very exciting concerts.

Don't worry, he is not leaving town. Hudson simply needs the time for other professional pursuits.

Thompson's inspiration for "The Peaceable Kingdom" was a painting by American primitive painter Edward Hicks, which depicts Isaiah 11:6-9: "And the wolf will dwell with the lamb . . ."

Hudson did a beautiful job of introducing the piece. The composition, written when Thompson was a young man, followed the traditional format for a choral composition.

The entire concert was a very satisfying listening experience. The audience agreed, applauding for encore bows from both conductors.

One last comment of praise. The chorale included in the handsome program guidelines for audience behavior, including the request that applause be held between movements for a longer work.

I would like the symphony and choral to print on the program when it is appropriate for applause. People want to know how to express their appreciation and I think they would be very receptive to a little help.

The next Pueblo Choral Society performance will be the annual free Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 6, at Praise Assembly of God.