Skip to content

Spirited singing in abundance at Choral Guild’s closing concert

AuthorAuthor
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:

Abundance certainly described the Williamsburg Choral Guild’s closing concert for the current season. Its “Spiritual Expressions in Abundance” program, Saturday, in the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, was just that–lots and lots of spirited singing that seemed to hit all the right notes with its appreciative audience.

Based on the season’s “Raves 4 Faves” idea that allowed audience voting to determine this year’s programming, the “Abundance” fare served to meet the evenly split votes for opera, musical theatre, and spirituals.As an overarching theme, artistic director and conductor Jay BeVille, using ways wise and whimsical, managed to thread a theme of spirituality throughout 15 selections that ranged from serious to silly.

The concert opened on a lyrical note with a gentle “Children of Eden,” taken from the musical of the same name, based on the Book of Genesis.From there, the selections ran back and forth between styles and substance.There was “Soon-Ah Will Be Done” of the African-American composer William Dawson that was a somewhat upbeat take on death and what waits beyond, followed by the solemn “O Isis und Osiris” from Mozart’s “Magic Flute,” which was followed with “Get Me to the Church on Time” from “My Fair Lady,” robustly delivered by the men, some sporting top hats. Then it was back to serious singing with the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves and “Oh, Chi Piange” from Verdi’s “Nabucco” and “Regina Coeli” from Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana,” all of which found the Guild in fine, sensitive voice.

Other than the spiritual “My God is a Rock,” which was given an intense and inspired reading, the remainder of the fare was essentially light and easy, nothing particularly challenging except to make it entertaining.And, at that, the effort paid off.

“Set Down Servant,” was a highly spirited toe-tapping piece, as was the catchy “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from “Guys and Dolls” and the energized “Down by the Riverside” that found many in the audience swaying in their seats.

“Hymn for a Sunday Evening” was a paean to the Ed Sullivan television show, which certainly stretched the program’s theme.The Williamsburg Youth Chorale, directed by Ann Porter and Genrose Lashinger, supplied youthful performances of “Let Me Fly” and “Clap Your Hands.”

Everyone, including the Youth Chorale, combined forces for the evening’s closing work, a blend of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from “Sound of Music.”It was a strong musical moment that brought to a close an interestingly varied “Spiritual Expressions in Abundance” program.

Soprano Phaedra McNorton and bass Branch Fields were guest artists, each performing individually and as a team throughout the program.McNorton’s voice is clear and focused and, as always, was a lyrical delight to hear, most notably in the “Children of Eden” and “Regina Coeli,” which also found the Guild in top form.

As for Fields, his bass is deep, resonant across the spectrum of his range, and filled with warmth and emotion.His is a voice that should grace the rosters of all major opera companies.He’s compelling and commanding, especially as heard here in the stately and movingly sung “O Isis und Osiris” and dramatically delivered “Oh, Chi Piange.”

Pianist Jane Alcorn deserves much praise for her excellent accompaniment. Whether it was serious or silly selections, she gave her all in support and musical integrity and provided a solid base for the Guild’s entire efforts.

John Shulson, a Williamsburg resident, has been covering the arts for over 40 years. He makes a guest appearnce in Margaret Truman’s “Murder at the Opera.”