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2Concert 2007-2008
Friday, February 29, 2008 at 7:30 pm
First United Methodist ChUrCh, Lewiston, Idaho
Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 7:30 pm
CoMMUnity Congregational ChUrCh oF Christ, Pullman, Washington
Idaho Washington Concert Chorale
VaughanSponsored by John T. Brewer, Miho Nam, and David Seamans
Marsha can submit a 1/4 page ad for tradeout
Williams
2
RONALD B. WEBSTER
A Proud Supporter of
Arts on the Palouse
The cultural climate at the turn of the 20th century helped to mold the distinctive character of
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ music. During Vaughan Williams’ lifetime, the decline of the British Empire, the fading of an agrarian village society, the rise of industrialization, a growing nationalism, two world wars, and issues of religion all worked to effect an inevitable transformation on his culture. His music seems to view vanished times and places through a contemporary lens, not so much with nostalgia as with compassion.
Vaughan Williams’ own spiritual life was a journey through an Anglican upbringing, through declared atheism, to what has been described as “a cheerful agnosticism,” by his wife and biographer, Ursula. Whatever his personal religious convictions, he drew knowingly upon the legacy of English and European sacred music, and he created some of the most profound and uplifting Christian-inspired music for worship and concert settings.
His education and privilege served to deepen his sensitivity to the human condition, making him an “extraordinary, ordinary man,” in the words of his friend and colleague Michael Kennedy. The composer was also steeped in English poetry. In choosing his lyrics, he sought verses that uncannily
convey particular musical intentions, whether narrative ballad, religious experience, or profoundly humanistic sentiments.
Ralph Vaughan Williams was an early collector of English folk songs, which find their way into much of his music. In a musical world long dominated by German and Austrian concert music, he brought to prominence both English traditional music and a contemporary “English style.” Many of his choral works were composed for local festivals, supporting the long British tradition of amateur music-making. In that spirit, marking the half-century since Vaughan Williams’ death, conductor John Weiss has selected a representation of his choral works that shows the many facets of this remarkable composer.
Six Choral Songs to be Sung in Time of War (1940)
Composed and first performed under the shadow of constant military threat from Germany, these unison songs utilize fragments of longer poems by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822). For each song, the composer’s title gives a new and meaningful context to the timeless verses. With poignant relevance for our own time, the songs reflect on the virtues of forbearance, courage, and relentless hope, as they celebrate the universal longing for peace. Composed in the style of solo art song, the melodies gather power in the many voices singing together.
Program Notes
3Program Notes
Alfred M.Fairbanks,DDSJonathan M.Fairbanks,DDS
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Mass in G Minor (1922)
Listeners familiar with Renaissance polyphony will recognize that the Mass derives its style from the model 16th century masses of Palestrina. The reiteration of themes from movement to movement, imitative passages, alternations between solo quartet and double choir, and modal polyphony, are formal Renaissance conventions. But the Mass is no attempt to recreate an “authentic” Renaissance Mass. Though Vaughan Williams’ signature harmonies may evoke an ancient ambience, they are achieved by a distinctly 20th-century juxtaposition of chords.
The Kyrie, introduces a recurring theme. Each voice could be considered plainchant, calling upon the godhead. “Christe eleison”, a luminous invocation for the four soloist, is followed by a choral “Kyrie”.
The double-choir Gloria suggests that those of good will can achieve peace. In an exuberant expression of praise, stepwise contrapuntal lines lead to a noble statement of thanks. While the soloists reflect on absolution, the chorus urgently begs forgiveness. Bursting into the familiar stepwise theme, the full choir celebrates the holy spirit,
The Credo opens with the two unison choirs in canon, and features responses between the two choirs. In the most
dramatic portions, quartet and choirs alternate to show both the heavenly and human aspects of Christ’s life and death.
Described by scholar, Wilfrid Mellers, as “the most archaic and most modern” of the movements, the Sanctus drifts into the ear “like bells floating from beyond the horizon.” Suddenly, the chorus is dancing the glories of heaven and earth, fairly waltzing through the first Osanna. The soloists intone the tranquil “Benedictus”, while the chorus responds like a congregation. The second Osanna concludes the movement.
Agnus Dei, composed in “a mode associated with suffering and healing,” begins with an invocation by the solo quartet that is repeated by the full choir. The soloists cry for mercy in the motive of the Kyrie, as the chorus supports the plea. Solo voices punctuate the collective prayer that concludes with a fervent appeal for peace.
This work was composed in the aftermath of World War I, “the war to end all wars.”
Elizabethan Songs and English Folk Songs
The Chamber Choir performs two pieces from Three Elizabethan Part Songs (1891-1896), and three from Vaughan Williams’ vast body of folk song arrangements (1913-). The
4Program Notes
two Elizabethan songs are excellent examples of the “old yet new” quality of his writing. “O Mistress Mine,” whose tender words are to a song in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (1623), bears a fanciful, romantic resemblance to renaissance dance tunes, while “Sweet Day,” on a reflective poem by George Herbert (1593-1633), seems to emulate early 17th century hymnody.
A ballad on the theme of the unrecognizable lover returned, “The Dark-Eyed Sailor” is known to have been popular in the early 19th century, along with “Just as the Tide Was Flowing.” The roots of “The Turtle Dove” are much earlier, and there are hundreds of related texts and melodies. Vaughan Williams himself collected these particular variants, whose arrangements show the composer’s versatility, attention to text, and consideration for the folk genre.
Five Mystical SongsFor this song cycle, Vaughan Williams returned to the verses of George Herbert, whose mystical poetry, like that of many cultures, speaks of an intimate relationship with God that is filled with a confident faith. Herbert blends the metaphysical and the psychological into a religious expression that is earthily human, which may have attracted the composer. The first
four of the Mystical Songs feature a rapturous baritone.. In the opening song, alchemy, the lute, and music describe the redemption experienced at Easter. “I Brought Me Flowers,” has a lovely melody that relates a visit to Christ’s tomb, in which the chorus underscores the last line. In “Love Bade Me Welcome,” the choir intones the communion chant, “O sacrum convivium,” whose text on the Eucharist accompanies the metaphorical banquet in the poem. “The Call,” for baritone solo, invokes forces at once heavenly and earthly, with perhaps no clear distinction between the two. “Let All the World” shows the chorus to full effect in a joyous finale.
b Paula Ellio t
We are proud to support the arts in our communities.
Thank you for joining us tonight! Please turn off all cell phones, pagers & recording devices.
Please refrain from using flash photography during the performance. Musical Alchemy, Inc. is recording our
performance this evening. Friday night patrons: Please help us reduce our printing costs by recycling your programs in the box provided as
you leave this evening.
5
Ralph Vaughan Williams1873 - 1958
Six Choral Songs To Be Sung in Time of War Poems by Percy Bysshe Shelley
I. A Song of Courage
II. A Song of Liberty
III. A Song of Healing
IV. A Song of Victory
V. A Song of Pity, Peace, & Love
VI. A Song of the New Age
Mass in G Minor Jill Freuden, soprano Will Grubaugh, tenorCheryl Blackburn, al to Shon Parker, baritone
Elena Panchenko, organ
6 Vaughan Williams
k Intermission k
Selections from Three Elizabethan Songs & Five Folk SongsChamber Choir
I. O Mistress Mine
II. Sweet Day
III. The Dark-Eyed Sailor
IV. The Turtle DoveBill Dugger, tenor (L ewiston)
Joseph Erhard-Hudson, tenor ( Pul lman)
V. Just As The Tide Was Flowing
920 SE MainPullman,
Washington
(509) 332-6223
7Vaughan WilliamsFive Mystical Songs
Poems by George HerbertChris Thompson, baritone
I. Easter
II. I Got Me Flowers
III. Love Bade Me Welcome
IV. The Call
V. AntiphonPlease turn the page to read the texts of these songs.
Chris Thompson, baritone
Chris Thompson has been hailed “as a lyric baritone possessing a rare
combination of velvet tone, comic timing, and elegant stage deportment.” A favorite with Lyric Opera San Diego, he returns there in February 2006 to sing Dandini in Rossini’s Cenerentola. Additionally, he has sung regionally and internationally in principal roles in operas ranging from: The Barber of Seville, The Merry Widow, The Mikado, The Marriage of Figaro, Die Fledermaus, to the title role in a staged version of Elijah.
In concert, Chris has sung Bach’s B minor Mass, Magnificat, St. John Passion, and St. Matthew Passion; Requiem by Faure, Brahms, and Willan; Handel’s Messiah and Judas Maccabeus, and Monteverdi’s Vespers among many others.
A strong advocate of new music, Chris has appeared in several world premieres including: Guest from the Future, The Scrimshaw Violin, Box and Cox and Hester Prynne at Death. In addition, Chris made his Off-Broadway debut in Fermat’s Last Tango (Original Cast Recordings) and is a featured soloist on Impetuosities (Albany Records), a CD of music by New York composer Joshua Rosenblum.
Chris joined the faculty of the University of Idaho in the fall of 2003 where he teaches voice and opera workshop, is director of the Palouse Opera Project, and is musical director for the Idaho Repertory Theatre. His conducting credits include: The Pirates of Penzance, My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, A Chorus Line, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Oklahoma and the northwest premiere of Michael Ching’s opera, Corps of Discovery, based on the journals of Lewis and Clark.
8Vaughan Williams
9
Currently assistant professor of music at Washington State University, John Weiss earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music
education at Boston University’s School for the Arts, a Master of Fine Arts degree in choral conducting at the University of California, Irvine, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from the University of Arizona. Past choral groups under his direction have won numerous first prizes at state, regional and national competitions. He has been a guest clinician and conductor at MENC regional and state conferences in Massachusetts, Vermont, and Oregon, and choral director for North American Music Ensembles’ 1991 European tour. As a bass, Dr. Weiss was a Metropolitan Opera Regional Finalist and won First Prize in the Associazione Lirica Italo-Americana Mario Del Monaco Voice Competition. He has performed leading and supporting roles with Boston Lyric Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Ash Lawn-Highland Summer Festival, Raylynmor Opera, Commonwealth Opera, Longwood Opera, Vermont Opera, Oakland Opera, and Sacramento Opera, and also soloed for such organizations as the Harvard-Radcliffe Chorus, College of the Holy Cross Choirs, and the Oakland Chamber Orchestra and Oratorio Society. Some of his favorite roles include Leporello in Don Giovanni, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Mustafa in L’italiana in Algeri, Alfie Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, Colline in La Bohéme, Bartolo in Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore. In May 2005, he sang the role of
Sparafucile in Rigoletto with Granite State Opera in New Hampshire. Dr. Weiss presented a recital at WSU on January 16, 2007, and performed the same program in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Mobile, Alabama.The University of Arizona nominated Dr. Weiss’ doctoral research, Operatically Trained Singers in the Collegiate Choral Rehearsal, for the Julius Herford Award sponsored by the American Choral Directors Association. An article based on this research appeared in The Choral Journal, August 2002 and he presented his findings at the Second International Physiology and Acoustics of Singing Conference in Denver in October 2004. Last spring he presented the same research at the Washington Music Educators Assoc. State Conference in Yakima, and at the American Choral Directors Association NW Division Convention in Portland.
John Weiss, Conductor
Elena Panchenko, Accompanist
Elena Panchenko, originally from Ukraine, studied at the Moscow Conservatory,
where she earned her degree in piano performance, music history and music theory. She served as the Musical Director of the Penn State Opera for four years and performed the debut of two new operas, including Mrs. Satan, an opera about the life of the first woman presidential candidate, Victoria Woodhall. Working extensively as an accompanist and church musician, Elena has performed with groups as varied as a children’s dance group to such well-know musicians as Francis Orval and David Shifrin, clarinetist and Music Director of Chamber Music at Lincoln Center. In addition to Elena’s duties with the chorale, she is also the Music Director at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Pullman. Elena’s family includes her husband, Alex, WSU Math Professor and former Ukrainian rock star (as is Elena); her son Ivan, a student at UW; and their dog, Tasha.
10
SopranosKathy AndersonSusan BeamerLaurie CaraherShari CarterPaula Elliot e Jill Freuden eMeredyth Goodwin eNancy GrunewaldMonique C. LillardHelen LombardJanet MountAnn NortonJennifer Parker eRebecca Ricks eMelissa Smith e Janice Willard
TenorsKevin BrackneyBill Dugger eJoseph Erhard-Hudson eWill Grubaugh eJohn Haugen Guthrie HorganChris McIntosh e Don Willows e
The Idaho-Washington Concert ChoraleAltosCheryl Blackburn eJohna BoulafentisJudy CampbellKami Cornwall Mimi Dimitrovska eSandy FieldJudie Hanley eJan Keller eHolly KelleyEllen KittellSarah MarhevskyHolly McCollisterLaura McMichaelMaureen Miller Miho NamHeather Nelson eJan PatrickSusan StokesKaren Weathermon
BassesAllen Alstad Tom Brandt eJack Keller eKirk McMichaelShon Parker eMatthew PetersenJim Reece eGordon Thomas
e Chamber Choir
IWCC is an auditioned choir of community members from the Palouse and surrounding communities. We perform a 3 concert series each season and rehearse
Monday nights at Moscow High School in Moscow, Idaho from the end of August through the first week of May.
Auditions for the rest of the 2007-8 season will be held on March 3, 2008. If you are interested in joining us, please contact: Carole Wells, cwells@uidaho.edu, 208.885.6159.
Sing with Us!
Chorale LeadershipAlice BarbutMarketing/Fundraising
Cheryl BlackburnDatabase Manager
Tom BrandtTenor Section Leader
Judy CampbellAlto Section Leader
Laurie CaraherBox Office Manager
Kami CornwallAdvertising Manager
Heather DixonDress Coordinator
Jill FreudenMarketing DirectorSoprano Section Leader
Jack KellerBass Section Leader
Mary MaceyChorale Librarian
Ann NortonChorale Librarian
Laura McMichaelFront Door Manager
Jim ReeceRiser Crew Coordinator
David SpencerWreath Craftsman
Maureen MillerReceipts Treasurer
Gordon ThomasWeb MasterBox Office AssistantSignboard Wrangler
Board of DirectorsMeredyth GoodwinChorale President
Barbara HayesPatron of the Arts, Lewiston
Jan KellerChorale Treasurer
Janice O’TooleChorale Vice-President
Janet PatrickChorale Member-at-Large
Chris ThompsonUI Faculty, Moscow
Karen WeathermonChorale Member-at-LargePress Releases & NotecardsSignboard Artist
Charmaine WellingtonChorale Secretary
Music Director &Principal ConductorJohn Weiss
Rehearsal AccompanistElena Panchenko
House ManagerSherry Caisley-Wilkinson
11Chorale Member Profile
Sponsors, $1500 +Decagon Devices, Inc.John Brewer, Miho Nam,
and David SeamansEdmund O. &
Beatriz SchweitzerDavid & Kathy Spencer
Benefactors, $500 +Gordon & Dene ThomasBest Western University Inn
Chamber Choir CarolingCactus Computer Co. &
Turbonet (in kind donation)Moscow High School
(in kind donation)
Patrons, $250 +Helen Lombard,
Tupperware Fundraiser
Chorale DonorsRosemary & Barney
WaldropFriends, $100 +Kathy AndersonWalt AsbeEdward & Margery BennettJudy CampbellSteve Carlton ConstructionSusan Bohm & William
SchmickRichard Domey & Diane
GillespieShaun & Jill FreudenMeredyth GoodwinHoward & Barb HayesFred & Helen KoehlerKirk & Laura McMichaelMaureen Miller &
Tom TammLinda PurdySandra RistowSylvia & Bob Staab
Karen WeathermonJohn & Cheryl WeissRalph & Valerie Yount
Associates, $25 +Mary Burg, Schleeburg FarmsLaurie CaraherMary & Jack CarloyeGerald & Carol DruffelSandy FieldArthur & Elizabeth GoodwinRandy & Deloris HallJeanne & Bob JacobsonBob JahnsJack & Jan KellerMonique C. LillardM. E. LutzHolly McCollister &
Leonard WestDwaine & Marianne McIntoshCarolynne M. Olsen
Jim Reece Jim Reece (Bass I) is a familiar face to those who regularly attend Chorale concerts. A
member since 1990, Jim is a core member of the bass sections in both our full and chamber choirs. However, unlike many in the group, Jim is a relative newcomer to choral singing. A native of Palo Alto, Jim grew up singing hymns as a child in the Lutheran church, and he was exposed to lots of choral music during his undergraduate years at Pacific Lutheran University, but his own first participation in a choir was in the University of Idaho Chorus in the mid-1980s under the direction of Harry Johansen. Jim reports that, following several years in that group, he and colleague Gerd Steckel decided to audition for the Chorale, thinking that director Paul Klemme would either have to take them both or reject them both since they had carpooled to the rehearsal together! Happily, both have been long-time members of our group, and Jim reports that the Choral concerts he’s sung in have been a series of high points for him. Jim teaches German and is the Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages at the University of Idaho—at least for a few more months until his retirement this spring. In addition to singing and listening to choral music, Jim and his wife, Patricia Hine, enjoy hiking in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Wallowas. They also look forward to spending more time in Seattle with grandchildren Ada (nearly 4) and Ian (1 this spring).
12
Our AdvertisersAitken, Schauble, Patrick,
Neill, Ruff & ShirleyAmerican West BankArtisans at the Dahmen BarnAt Home DesignsBella DolciBennett & AssociatesBookPeople of Moscow, Inc.Brused BooksColeman Oil/Chevron
DynaMartsCowgirl ChocolatesCreason, Moore & DokkenDissmore’s IGAEastside MarketplaceEleanor’s Corner SaloonExplorationsFor Arts SakeFree & ClearGail Byers Real EstateHall’s Corner Bar
Helen Lombard, TupperwareHill’s Valley FloralHodgin’s DrugKHTR/KQQQJack Porter, Attorney at LawJohn H. Norton, Attorney at LawLes SchwabMain Street BooksMarcoPolo ImportsMcDonald’s of Pullman,
Stadium WayMeadowlark MelodiesMoscow CoopMusical Alchemy, Inc.Neill’s Flowers & GiftsNew Garden RestaurantOne World CafeOpen Eye Consignment ShopOtto’s ProducePacific NW Kiwanis -Louise
Regelin, District Governor
Palouse Enological SocietyPalouse PediatricsPalouse View Dental CenterPrecision Engraving Premier Alpacas of the PalousePullman Civic TrustRose Creek GraphicsSam Dial JewelersSt. Joseph’s Regional Medical
CenterS&S Custom Cabinets, Inc.Sumptuous SoapsTaylor EngineeringTeam Idaho Real EstateToday’s DentalTokyo SeoulWebster & Frey, P.L.L.C.Wine Company of MoscowWoodland Enterprises,
Northwest Showcase
Albert & Ellen EngShirley EngerbretsonFirst United Methodist Church,
LewistonLeah JordanKirstin MalmLiz McNealThe Owl Southway PharmacyPalouse Industries, Inc./Early
Learning Services/Young Children
Other Chorale Supporters
Our FamiliesOur Season Ticket HoldersAmerican West Bank, UniontownEleanor AsbeAthena DesignChurchyard Inn Bed & Breakfast &
Cheryl WallerCity of ColtonCity of UniontownSharon & Eugene Dixon
& Families of the PalouseGary PetersonJulia PomerenkSteve SmithSt. Boniface Church, UniontownSt. James’ Episcopal Church, PullmanAnn SwannackDave TurnbullLeonard WestWSU Parking Services
We would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their support, contributions, and assistance.
13Wine Barrel Table Auction
Wine Barrel Table Silent Auction ends April 6, 2008
at our annual wine tasting fundraiser
HARMONYA Chorus of Wine, Cheese, and SongApril 6, 2008 at 5:00 pmSt. James’ Episcopal Church, Pullman
This beautiful handmade table was crafted by Pullman craftsman, Dick Domey.
The wine barrel was donated by Merry Cellars Winery with custom metalwork donated by
Chuck Gearhiser of Bill’s Welding.
The table is available for viewing and silent auction bids at Merry Cellars Winery in the Old
Post Office Building, Pullman.
Bids may also be submitted via email to: winetable@mac.com.
Go to www.iwchorale.org to see the highest bid. You do not need to be present to win the auction.
Minimum Bid: $300
Mark & Sherry Culbertson101 N. Montgomery, Uniontown509.229.3389 cell 509.432.6525
eleanors@inlandnet.comBest burgers on the Palouse & an ever-changing selection of Micro-brews
14
Sid’s in Store Pharmacy
1205 N Grand Avenue, Pullman509.332.2918 fax 509.334.7072
OPEN 24 HOURSNow featuring full
US Postal Services!Lotto • ATM • Money Orders
Photo Finishingwww.mydissmores.com
Tradition since 1937
Program Notes
Exceptional Health Services Since 1902
415 6th Street • Lewiston, Idaho 83501 • 208-743-2511 • www.sjrmc.org
15Our Business Supporters
The Shop at the Barn selling creations of more than 90 regional artisans
artisans at work in their studios classes & workshops for all ages
music performances & dances Thurs-Sun 10-6 www.ArtisanBarn.org 509-229-3414
bringing fine & folk art to the public
Uniontown WA
16
sumptuous soapsNow at the Dahmen Barn!
Kathleen Tetzlaff
509.334.1890www.sumptuoussoaps.com
• buy • sell • trade• hardbacks - paperbacks• science to science fiction• literature to psychology
235 E MainPullman, Washington
Monday - Saturday10-6 pm
Open Sunday 12-5pm
509-334-7898
BrusedBooks
Sounds of the Season
Creating memoriesis our Specialty
234 E Main Street, P.O. Box 218, Pullman, WA 99163509.334.3545 800.752.5287
17Our Business Supporters
Come over for Friday Nite - Steak Night!P.O.Box 447, Walnut Street, Genesee, ID 83832
18Our Business Supporters
Premier Alpacas of the Palouse
Ranch & Guest Home Uniontown WA
socks, scarves, gloves, hats, yarn and teddy bears
www.PremierAlpacas.com 509-229-3655
19Our Business Supporters
Support our local & regional artists!
20 Our 2007-2008 Season
Sam Dial,
255 E Main, Suite #101, Pullman509.334.DIAL (3425)
www.samdialjewelers.com
PO Box 8274, Moscow, ID 83843
March 1 Beresan/Bolboa Winemaker
April 6 Chorale Benefit
May 17 Clearwater Canyon
Wine Companyof Moscow
The best selection of importedwines & cheese on the Palouse!
113 E Third, Moscow, Idaho 83843 208.882.6502
Tuesday-Friday 12-8pmSaturday 10-6pm
Gifts & Awards
PRECISIONENGRAVING
409 West 3rd St.Moscow, Idaho
208-882-4384
www.pega.ws
Birthdays Anniversaries Weddings Graduations Sports Awards
W" e're More Than " a ! T pr oophy Sh
John h. Norton
Attorney at Law208.882.5169
109 S Washington, Moscow, Idaho 83843Licensed in Washington and Idaho
Harmony A Chorus of Wine, Cheese & SongApril 6th at 5:00pM a St. JaMes’ Episcopal Church a PullmanThe chorale’s annual Wine & Cheese fundraiser hosted with the Palouse Enological Society.
$25 with wine a $15 food only
Concert 3: Merry Month of MayApril 25th at 7:30pM a April 27th at 6:00pM
St. Boniface Catholic Church a UniontownMusic celebrating the month of may. works by Brahms, Janequin, Mendelssohn and Weelkes.
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