Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Oregon Music News: Oregon Repertory Singers in 'Scott Joplin’s Choral Suite from Treemonisha'

[Scott Joplin's Treemonisha; Original Cast Recording; Polygram 435709 (1992)]

OregonMusicNews.com
by James Bash on October 11, 2010
“The Oregon Repertory Singers, under the direction of Gil Seeley, will give two performances of classic opera choruses this weekend. The first performance will take place on Saturday, October 16, at 8:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (3228 SW Sunset Boulevard ), and the second will be held on Sunday, October 17, at 4:00 on at First United Methodist Church (1838 SW Jefferson Street).

“Here’s more information from the choir’s press release:
'This concert event of the fall includes, Habanera from Carmen, Final Chorus from The Magic Flute, Scott Joplin’s Choral Suite from Treemonisha, Benjamin Britten’s Choral Dances from Gloriana, Bell Chorus from Pagliacci and many other choruses. The 60-member choir is conducted by ORS Artistic Director, Gil Seeley, who announced his retirement at the end of the Season after being the organization’s visionary leader for 35 years.'

'The role of the chorus often serves as commentary to the main action as represented by soloists with the celebrated arias, duets, etc. With so many choruses and composers to choose from, it was not an easy task, but I feel the examples we present in this concert are richly representative of the wide tapestry that is found in the collection of classic opera choruses. I know the audience will enjoy these delights of far ranging emotions and storytelling magic.'

“Tickets, priced at $10, $20, and $30 each, are available through Oregon Repertory Singers by calling 503-230-0652. Tickets will also be sold at the door beginning approximately one hour before concert start.” [Scott Joplin (1868-1917) was a Ragtime and Classical composer and pianist. His page at AfriClassical.com explains Treemonisha was completed in 1910 but was first staged in January, 1972 in a concert performance orchestrated by T. J. Anderson. It was staged in Atlanta, Georgia by the Afro-American Music Workshop of Morehouse College and the Atlanta Symphony under Robert Shaw, conductor.]

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