Music evokes images as well as emotions. “This Shining Night” is a program that is luminous and evocative - a choral performance of musical treasures by the Island Consort chamber choir; an eclectic mix of Early Music, Opera, Art songs and Folk. This accomplished 18-voice choir, directed by Bruce Farquharson, sings with sincerity and clarity.
=0D=0A=The evening begins with Durufle’s serene “Ubi Caritas” which leads to William Byrd’s Renaissance work, “Mass for 4 Voices”. Two selections from operas follow: Sharon Sinclair and Elizabeth Grenon to sing the soprano-alto duet, “Abendsegen”, from Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, and Skye Donald to sing the soprano aria “Vissi d’Arte, from Puccini’s Tosca. What follows is a set of 3 pieces by early 20th century Irish composer, Charles Stanford; two motets, “Justorum Animae” and “Beati Quorum Via” and art song,” The Bluebird”. And a beautiful arrangement of a popular Latvian folk tune, “Blow Winds” – by Imant Raminsh – brings the first half to a close. The second half opens with two movements from Buxtehude’s Baroque cantata “Membra Jesu Nostri”, with accompaniment by Peter Orme (organ) and strings players from the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra.
=0D=0A=This work also features soprano and alto solos by members of the choir. Then, a nod to the Christmas season with a contemporary arrangement of a Renaissance carol, “Now May We Singen” by Cecilia McDowall, followed by Morten Lauridsen’s “Sure On This Shining Night”, based on lyrics by American poet, James Agee.
=0D=0A=The concert will end with a new arrangement by Casey Rule of everybody's favourite, “Danny Boy”.
DTSTART:19691231 DTEND:19700101 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR