Here are a few photos from last night’s KSO concert, in which the Carthage Choir and Tremper Chorale joined them for an absolutely thrilling performance of Mozart’s Coronation Mass. This is a piece that I know very well – in part because I have soloed in it about a half dozen times. In fact, one of the most memorable occasions was right here in Siebert Chapel towards the end of Dr. John Windh’s long and distinguished tenure as director of the Carthage Choir – back in 1999. Sometime in the late 1990’s, the Concord Orchestra was hired along with a quartet of soloists (I was the bass) to join the Carthage Choir in what was an incredibly exciting performance of this brilliant masterpiece. The solos in this piece are really gratifying to sing because they call for fireworks as well as long, flowing, lyrical lines- the full gamut of a singer’s tools. But it’s also not ferociously difficult, so it’s challenging without being scary – which is why it’s such a terrific gig for a soloist.
Once upon a time, I would have sat in the audience for a performance like last night’s concert and would have felt as much envy of the musicians (wanting to be up there myself) as admiration for their performances. But I must be growing up because last night I didn’t feel one iota of envy- only great pride and pleasure that these young singers from Carthage acquitted themselves so beautifully. It felt great to be in the audience to take in such a fine performance, cheering everybody on – and feeling fortunate that a performance as fine as this can take place in Kenosha, Wisconsin. (And of course, when it’s your own voice students up there singing many of the solos, it makes it all the more exciting and gratifying.)
By the way, one ancillary pleasure I had during last night’s performance was in watching Dr. Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, conductor of the Carthage Choir, as he watched the proceedings from up in the balcony, just a couple of feet from where I was sitting. He is not easy to impress or please, but last night he certainly had a look of great satisfaction and pride on his face- and with good reason. (And if I had been sitting near Polly Amborn, conductor of the Tremper Chorale, I’m sure I would have seen the same thing.)
And I still can’t get over the special pleasure of seeing Tremper and Carthage students up on the risers together- their worlds meshing under such exciting circumstances.
And here are a few shots of some of the soloists in action. I’m really glad that Dr. Garcia- Novelli chose to spread the wealth when it came to the solos – giving a wide array of talented singers the opportunity to have such a valuable and exciting experience.
And at the end, the audience was up on its feet- not in one of those “the concert is over- I guess we’re supposed to stand up” kinds of standing ovations ….. but one that felt completely heartfelt and spontaneous, and a direct reflection of just how much they had enjoyed the performance. It really was a thrilling thing to hear both the orchestra and singers in such fine form; one would never have guessed that they had only one single rehearsal together. That’s a tribute not only to the great preparatory work done by the two choir directors- but also a tribute to Maestro Robert Hasty’s superb work on the podium. He knows how to elicit the very best from his musicians!
So bravi, one and all! It was a night to savor and to remember!
(Pictured below: the final tableaux, with the orchestra, chorus, soloists and directors appreciatively receiving the ovation of the audience.)
