AMERICAN VOICES PART II: American composers inspired by American Writers & Poets

Hudson Chorale, Westchester’s largest chorus, will conclude its 5th season on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Irvington Middle/High School Auditorium at 7:30 pm with the second of a three-part series – American Voices – featuring American composers who found their inspiration in American writers, with accompaniment by a full orchestra.  The composers range from Randall Thompson, considered by many to be the best of the 20^th century, to still-living artists who are capturing positive critical attention: Cecil Effinger, Michael Conley and Paul Basler.  As an extra bonus, audience members are invited to a pre-concert talk starting at 6:45 pm by Michael Conley regarding his composition based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson, and by book author, actress, and expert/lecturer on Dickinson, Barbara Dana.

The program will feature Thompson’s Americana, a delightfully entertaining work in which he puts to music the simple writings of everyday Americans that appeared in local newspapers during the 1930’s, and that illustrate – and often poke fun at – what was going on in the country.  Composer Cecil Effinger of Colorado was so moved by fellow Coloradan and “Poet of the Rockies,” Thomas Hornsby Ferril, that he lovingly set his Four Pastorales poetry collection to music.  Hudson Chorale Music Director, Michael Conley, is an accomplished composer in addition to being a conductor and singer.  The chorus will perform his tribute to America’s own Emily Dickinson in a collection titled This Bequest of Wings, based on a sample of her prolific writing.  Composers all have a different take on the one-word lyric and title Alleluia; the program will include the Paul Basler version which is rich in dynamics of tempo and rhythm, featuring conga drums and tambourines in the accompaniment.  Don’t miss this fabulous red-white-and-blue concert!

The Irvington Middle/High School Auditorium is located at 40 North Broadway, Irvington, NY.  Handicap parking is available.  Following the concert, the audience is invited to an informal reception to greet the conductor, the chorus, and members of the brass ensemble, a long-standing Hudson Chorale tradition.

Ticket Prices:  Advance Sales $25;  Door $30;  Premium Reserved (purchased in advance only) $40;  Students $10 (Advanced Sales and Door only).  Premium Reserved Seats can be purchased by calling (914) 462-3212;  Advance Sales can be purchased by phone or via the chorus website:  www.hudsonchorale.org.