“Oh, music, sweet music, thy praises we sing. We tell of the pleasures and gladness you bring. Music, music, gladness you bring.”
Those are the words of a song, an easy to sing round that I learned as a child. Perhaps you know it. Without warning it creeps into my consciousness and never fails to lighten my task and brighten my day. A few weeks ago while driving home from the Christopher High School Fall Concert it suddenly popped into my head, “Oh, music, sweet music, thy praises we sing.”
Director Claire Massey’s first high school concert of the year held in the Christopher High School dining commons was truly “music, sweet music.” An impressive opening number – “Down to the River to Pray” – showcased the school’s combined choirs as well as the CHS Company C Dance Troupe. “Ose Shalom” followed, featuring instrumentalists Beverly Blount on violin, Pat Meyer on cello and Kermit Schrock on clarinet.
The program progressed with selections from each of the seven ensembles. “Yo Le Canto Todo El Dia” (I Sing to You All day Long), one of my favorite choral pieces for women’s voices, was performed with the needed energy to convey the infectious rhythms of native Venezuelan music.
Looking dapper in their choral outfits, the men’s chorus did a fine rendition of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “When I Was a Lad.” Every word of the entertaining patter song was clear and precise.
After an intermission, which gave the audience a chance to purchase homemade baked goods, the advanced women’s chorus and the chamber ensemble performed. Throughout the concert I couldn’t help but notice the focus of every group. All eyes were on their director, a sign of a well-trained choir. The concert ended with the combined choirs singing an uplifting “Shut De Do,” accompanied by percussionists Jared Baumgartner and Samuel Bennett. Soloists for the evening – Ashton Quirke, Shannon McAvoy, Olivia Baxter, Brittini Bombino and Jared Baumgartner – are to be congratulated for their fine singing.
Still humming that childhood tune, I attended the Gilroy High School concert on the following two nights. I was there to listen and to play the primo piano part for two Brahms waltzes, which were sung by the men’s chorus. It was truly an honor.
The concert began with the combined ensembles circling the audience while singing “Sansa Kroma,” an African folk song. Director Jonathan Souza’s expert drumming then led the singers to the risers for their second song: “Oh, My Love’s Like a Red, Red Rose.” Throughout the evening the audience heard a varied, well-chosen selection of choral music well-suited to the four performing groups.
“Silence,” sung the women’s chorus, had the audience on the edge of their seats waiting for the next note. U.K. composer, Cecil Effinger, used text by Elizabeth Jones to create a choral piece with periods of silence. The sometimes dissonant piano accompaniment played by Rachel Romina was hauntingly lovely.
The men’s chorus performed the standards “When I Was a Lad,” “Annie Laurie” and “Coney Island Baby,” but the surprise was the Brahms “Liebeslieder Waltzes. Opus 52” sung in German. Not the usual fare for a men’s chorus. Mr. Souza raised the bar in introducing his young men to the romantic writing of Brahms.
Singing four selections, Gilroy High School’s chamber singers lived up to their reputation of choral excellence. All of their selections were well received, but “Veniki” was clearly a favorite. One could imagine “veniki” – the brooms – sweeping faster and faster as the singers articulated the Russian words.
Ending the concert, the combined ensembles put forth a rousing Gospel song, “Lord, I Know I Been Changed.” Sung with true gospel flair and dynamics, it was uplifting and a perfect end to a lovely evening of “music, sweet music.”
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If you love choral music, mark your calendar for The South Bay Singers concert in December. The nonprofit choir, formerly the Gavilan College Choir, will perform a concert of classical and secular Christmas selections. Under the able direction of Brant Ruggles this dedicated group of adult singers has been practicing every Tuesday evening at the Gilroy Center for the Arts. The concert of classical and secular Christmas music will include selections from Handel’s “Messiah.”
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Be sure to reserve your seat at Pintello Comedy Theater for “Social Security,” featuring Mike Thompson, Rosalind Farotte, Joline Masten, Jon Reed, Ruth E. Stein and Rob Christopher. This outstanding group of actors will jumpstart your holiday season with laughter.
Carol Harris represents the City of Gilroy Art and Culture Commission.
