Hudson Chorale Concert in Pleasantville – Celebrating American Composers: Gershwin, Bernstein and More


Hudson Chorale, rapidly becoming the area’s premier mixed-voice chorus, will present an evening and matinee performance of its spring concert in central Westchester on Saturday, June 2, 8:00 pm, and Sunday, June 3, 3:00 pm, at the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church, 400 Bedford Rd, Pleasantville, NY. The program, entitled Celebrating American Composers, features four exemplary American composers and their works:  Vincent Persichetti’s Celebrations, based on the poetry of Walt Whitman; the world premiere of two original commissioned works by composer Robert Convery, also based in part on American poetry; a choral arrangement by Leonard Bernstein of a popular Hebrew folk song; and, Highlights from the first truly-American opera, George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. The audience will experience texts, sounds and rhythms as unique and fascinating as American culture itself.

 

Music Director/Conductor, Ira Spaulding, promises a musical and emotional journey from rural farmlands to the urban south, bringing together the thoughts and feelings and ups-and-downs of ordinary people. A singer/soloist himself, Spaulding will also perform the baritone solos in the Porgy and Bess Highlights.

 

Vincent Persichetti’s Celebrations for chorus and wind ensemble (1966) is a very moving, joyous, large-scale choral setting of nine of Walt Whitman’s poems, culminating in the poet’s Song of MyselfRobert Convery, who has composed commissioned works for the National Endowment for the Arts, the Rockefeller Foundation, and several other organizations in addition to Hudson Chorale, debuts two new works in the program: Sappho, 620 B.C. based on ancient Greek love poetry, and Two Cows whose lyrics are simple yet touching text from beloved American poetry. Leonard Bernstein’s contribution is a lively and engaging arrangement for chorus of the popular Hebrew folk song, Simhu Na. Tribute is also paid to George Gershwin by performing Highlights from Porgy and Bess, America’s most recognized and successful opera of the 20th century.

 

Following the concert, the audience is invited to an informal reception to meet and chat with the conductor, soloists, orchestra and chorus members while enjoying some delicious refreshments, a long-standing Hudson Chorale tradition.  Ticket Prices: Advance Sale-$25;  Door-$30;  Students-$10.  Advanced Sale tickets can be purchased on-line at www.HudsonChorale.org or by calling 1-800-838-3006.  Handicap parking is available at the venue.  For additional chorus or event information, visit the chorus website.

 

Event Location and Ticket Information

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Pleasantville Presbyterian Church
400 Bedford Road
Pleasantville, NY
Handicap Accessible? Yes

Date: Sunday, June 3, 2018
Times: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Ticket pricing:

Get tickets now
$25 - Advance Sale
$30 - Door
$10 - Students

Presenter: Hudson Chorale
Presenter Phone: 1-800-838-3006
Presenter Website: http://hudsonchorale.org/