Friday
December 09, 2005
SGN.org
Volume 33
Issue 49
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Monday, Jan 05, 2009
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Relive childhood magic this month Babes in Toyland, Seattle Women's Chorus 2005 holiday concerts begin Dec. 12 |
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| Relive childhood magic this month Babes in Toyland, Seattle Women's Chorus 2005 holiday concerts begin Dec. 12 | ||
| By Rev. Barbara Allen
- SGN Contributing Writer
With the beauty of classical holiday music, delightful brand-new carols, the sparkling wit of Sensible Shoes and the traditional on-stage performance for children, the Seattle Women's Chorus Holiday Concert is a "must-experience" for the whole family. "I'm getting better at figuring out women's chorus humor that is authentically women's humor," says Dennis Coleman, artistic director. "Audiences see that the women are doing the same kind of good-natured humor that the Seattle Men's Chorus is famous for, but from a woman's unique point of view." In that spirit, there is Christmas in the Convent, featuring nuns, holiday punch and a debate over the centerpieces for the convent tables. There is also a rib-tickling piece called The Feminist Holiday Song Book. And, for good measure, a bit from the movie Sister Act, a hilarious send up of a gospel choir so moved by the power of the holy spirit that the choir director has a hard time staying in control of the singers. There will also be songs and sketches by Sensible Shoes, the Seattle Women's Chorus ensemble that recalls the humor of Captain Smartypants, its counterpart in the Seattle Men's Chorus, and magical staging. As is its tradition, the chorus will invite children in the audience to the stage for part of the performance. This year the women will sing to the children an a cappella version of Sergei Prokofiev's beloved Peter and the Wolf. Kelly Crandell, a Brussels-based composer formerly from the Bay Area, has arranged the familiar suite with its musical cast of characters for women's voices. "Peter and the Wolf fits perfectly with the concert theme of grown-ups looking back at their childhood Christmases and the magic those memories can spark," says Coleman. "The chorus will sing the notes of the instruments and individual women will sing the roles of the hunter, Peter, the duck, the wolf and other characters," says Coleman. The concert also features a piece with words written by an 8-year-old girl about the true meaning of Christmas, and a piece called Grown-Up Christmas List, a plea for peace and understanding. In addition, the chorus will sing a hauntingly beautiful Ave Maria by César Alejandro Carrillo, one of several moments in Babes in Toyland with Hispanic tones. The chorus will perform Carols and Lullabies, subtitled Christmas in the Southwest, a suite of 10 carols by the contemporary composer Conrad Susa. The carols are taken from the traditional carols of Mexico, Spain and Puerto Rico, and Coleman describes the suite as a rich tapestry of Latin and Latino music. The suite will include accompaniment by harp, guitar and marimba. Seattle Women's Chorus (200 members), mission is "to entertain, enlighten, unify and heal our audience and members, using the power of words and music to recognize the value of gay and straight people and their relationships." Tickets for the December 12th performance at Skagit Valley College's magnificent new McIntyre Hall are just $15, a significant discount and incentive for attending this premier out of town opening. This concert benefits Skagit and Oak Harbor PFLAG, which are badly in need of funding, and the Evergreen Aids Foundation. It's a winning opportunity. Driving Directions from Interstate 5 are as follows: Take I-5 North Take Exit Number 227, College Way Go East on College Way until you pass the light at LaVenture Ave. Go Past the entrance to Skagit Valley College Turn left into the McIntyre Hall parking area, just east of the Hall For tickets or help with directions contact the McIntyre Hall office at 360.416.7727. Tickets for the Seattle Performances, on December 17th and 18th can be purchased at: http://www.flyinghouse.org/swc/bit/ |
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