This past weekend was a concert weekend for the Greenville Chorale Chamber Ensemble, so I wasn’t able to get much blogging done. We had rehearsals, then the concert itself Sunday afternoon in Daniel Chapel at Furman University.
This year we did the Rutter Requiem, accompanied by a small ensemble that included organ, harp, flute, oboe, cello, glockenspiel, and timpani. That was followed by a set with lyrics about music.
Each year it seems like the sound of this 20 voice ensemble gets more and more cohesive. I thought that this was one of the best blends we’ve ever had. It helped that most of us were already familiar with the Rutter and several other pieces. We were quickly able to get beyond learning the music to actually making music.
The concert went very well. For once there was no threat of an ice storm and we actually played to a capacity crowd. Everything was well received, and we also got a glowing review in the Greenville News.
If you didn’t make it to the concert, never fear. I made audio recordings of the whole thing and have placed these online for download. You can get them here. It doesn’t substitute for actually attending a concert, but it might give one incentive to come to the next one.
Speaking of the next one, the entire Chorale will be performing the Beethoven Missa Solemnis on May 21st with the Greenville Symphony. Should be another great concert.