Thursday, March 17, 2016

Music of the Season

On Tuesday evening, March 15, the Vintage Voices entertained at Kendal. A fine community chorus composed largely of Granville seniors and noted locally for appearing at holiday celebrations, the Voices were bringing their Easter program to Kendal. The group was introduced by Teddy Westlake, a former conductor of the Voices and a resident of Kendal. Their annual concert here is much anticipated, and this year performance was, as expected, beautiful. 

The program included several numbers that were unknown to me – pieces that were moving and dramatic. It was a mark of the strength of the chorus that at least a half dozen singers had solo opportunities. The highlight for many in the audience was undoubtedly the world premier of a new sacred piece by regional composer Cliff Davis who – no coincidence here – is known to many Kendal folks as the son of Kendal resident Irmagene Davis. It is a work that deserves wider and frequent hearings. When the concert ended with a vigorous performance of the "Hallelujah" chorus from Handel's Messiah, the dazzled audience signaled its appreciation with an explosion of applause. The appearance of the Village Voices on the Amelia Room stage was yet another sign of the vitality of musical programing at Kendal. 

No comments:

Post a Comment