Valley Concert Chorale
News Release
Media Contact Only:
Heidi Massie
VCC Publicity Manager
(925) 519-5158
Photos attached
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2015
Valley Concert Chorale to Perform Gabriel Fauré Requiem
Livermore, Calif. – The Valley Concert Chorale, celebrating its 51st season as the Tri-Valley’s premier chorus, will perform the beautiful and moving Fauré Requiem among other musical selection for its March concerts.
Saturday, March 14, 7:30pm
Trinity Lutheran Church,
1225 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton
Sunday, March 15, 3:00pm
First Presbyterian Church
2020 Fifth Street, Livermore (at 4th and L streets)
“One of the great masterworks of all time, Gabriel Faure’s ever popular, serene and peaceful Requiem is an elegant, graceful, and tender composition,” says Artistic Director and Conductor John Emory Bush. “It is filled with lovely sounds that strive to bring comfort and promise.”
A short requiem lasting 35 minutes, is written for orchestra, organ, mixed chorus and two soloists, soprano and baritone, and performed in Latin. It consists of seven movements, the most famous of which is the central soprano ariaPie Jesu.
Fauré’s Requiemhas been described as a contemplative work that offers clear and simple textures, drawing the listener into the magic and mystical power of music. This Requiem is filled with beautiful melodies that capture the proper mood of the text making it a favorite among choral singers.
Also featured is the music of acclaimed Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo’s which has been performed in over 30 countries. At age 36, this rising star is one of today’s “hottest”
choral composers. Recordings of his music have hit the top of the charts including that of
Billboard and Gramaphone. Described by American Record Guide, his “plush and ecstatic music is irresistible”. He is described as “one of those young composers who writes choral music in an approachable idiom.”
Adds Bush, “I can’t imagine any music lover not being enchanted with this music.”
Inspired by film music, his works are lush, warm and exuberant. The Chorale will be joined by string quartet and piano for Gjeilo’s Luminous Nights of the Soul, The Ground and Serenity across the Vast Eternal Sky.
Also accompanying the Chorale for the March concerts is organist Jerome Lenk and pianist Daniel Glover.
Tickets
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. High school and college students $10 with valid student ID. Children are free. Advance tickets may be ordered by visiting the Chorale’s website at www.valleyconcertchorale.org, or by calling the Chorale’s information number at (925) 866-4003 to order tickets
More information about the Valley Concert Chorale is available at www.valleyconcertchorale.org, or by calling the general information line at (925) 866-4003.
About Valley Concert Chorale
The Valley Concert Chorale is in its 51st season as the Tri-Valley’s premier chorus. Under the direction of John Emory Bush, the Chorale has offered a variety of musical performances to serve the diverse musical tastes of its audiences.
Valley Concert Chorale’s mission is to engage audiences in the transforming power of music by sharing our passion and joy in live performance. We are dedicated to excellence in singing choral music of all genres, nurturing the next generation of singers, and supporting musical endeavors in our Tri-Valley community.
The all-volunteer, non-profit chorale receives financial support from grants, ticket sales, membership dues, and donations.
About the Director
John Emory Bush has been the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Valley Concert Chorale since 1998. He holds a Master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music and is also trained as a pianist, organist and harpist. He was Music Director and Conductor of the San Francisco Concert Chorale for eighteen seasons and Director of Music and Organist at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Dallas from 2000-2010. Mr. Bush is Principal Organist at First United Methodist Church, McKinney, Texas. For the past twelve years, Mr. Bush has divided his time between the Bay Area and Dallas, contributing to both musical communities.
####
Heidi Massie
Leave A Comment