Master Chorale Performs May 8 at NJC

The Master Chorale, under the direction of Don Johnson, with accompanist Mary L. Smith will present its 30th Spring concert on Sunday, May 8th at 4 p.m. in the Dorothy Corsberg Theater at Northeastern Junior College.

In conjunction with the NJC Foundation, the Master Chorale will award another tuition scholarship to a deserving music student for the next semester.

The first half of the program features Gabriel Faure's REQUIEM in seven parts with English text and editing by Mark Evans: beginning with Introit and Kyrie, then Offertorium with baritone soloist Tony Cristello, Sanctus, Pie Jesus featuring soprano soloist Montel Martens, Agnus Dei, Libera Me with baritone soloist Mike Kiser, and concluding with the Chorus singing In Paradisum, –- a beautiful work to commemorate those lost to Covid 19, other illnesses, and the victims of the war in Ukraine.

After the Intermission, the program continues with SPIRITUALS FOR EIGHT HANDS featuring pianists Mary L. Smith, Nita Gillham, Jennifer Leaf-Linn, and Emily Singer. The Chorale then sings THE STORM IS PASSING OVER, ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS, SINCE I LAID MY BURDENS DOWN, a Spiritual featuring soloist Christine Penner, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, HARK, I HEAR THE HARPS ETERNAL, MUSIC IN MY MOTHER'S HOUSE, CHING-A-RING CHAW, OLD JOE CLARK with Sharon Edgar on spoons, and the Finale of THE GONDOLIERS featuring four-hand piano by Mary L. Smith and Nita Gillham. The Sterling High School Show Choir, directed by Annette Lambrecht sings the next two selections: COME ALIVE from “The Greatest Showman” and YOU CAN'T HURRY LOVE, and then joins the Chorale members in the final piece: BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC.

The Sinfonia for this concert includes: Olivia Courtney and Lindsey Jackson, violins; Holly Evans, viola and mandolin; Phil Found, cello; Rick Fleharty, bass and banjo; Jeff Spielman, bassoon; Tara Edelen, flute; Bryony Trump, clarinet; Janelle Nicolaus, soprano saxophone; Lee Lippstrew, percussion; Mary L. Smith and Jennifer Leaf-Linn, piano and keyboard.

The Master Chorale members include: Soprano: Linda Batty, Cassidy Brekel, Christina Gesford, Nita Gillham, Linda Kiser, Annette Lambrecht, Montelle Martens, Amy Martinez, Christine Penner, Madison Trahern, Bryony Trymp, Camryn Trymp, and Jeneen Trump; Alto: Nancy Bohac, Audrey Carey, Anna Courtney, Tara Edelen, Sharon Edgar, Terri Ann Harms, Deborah Harris, Rita House, Dylan Kaiser, Kathleen Kloberdanz, Lila Koch, and Dana May; Tenor: Jerry Applegate, Amy Forbes, Boyd Forbes, Mary Lee, Tristan Lee, Jacob Reyes, Jerry Skaggs, and Mike Tyson; Bass: Don Carey, Tony Cristello, Warren Dermer, Larry Fetzer, Bryan Kaiser, Michael Kiser, and Sean Mitchell.

The Sterling High School Show Choir members include: Soprano: Courtney Bonn, Ryann Brown, Atlas Butler, Taylor Cranwell, Marianna Gonzalez, Corynn Hensman, Zoe Knight, Supanna Soonthong, Cassidy Wright, and Colleen Wright; Alto: Sara Ballard, Faith Cole, Mia D'Ippolito, Kayla Foward, Jasmine Huey, Faye Milligan, Molly Mitchell, Mary Jane Perez, and Alyssa See; Tenor/Bass: Mason Boeff, Dylan Cox, Anthony Gallegos, Christopher Held, Tristan Lee, Josiah Perez, Marshall Mitchell and Izaiah Wilkins – Drum Set, Aidan Kiser and Andrew Pasko – Upright Bass.

Tickets for the concert are $10.00 and may be purchased at KC's Music & Electronics, Mega Music, Family Food Market, from the Master Chorale members, or by calling 970.526.0519. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of the performance. Students and children under the age of 12, when accompanied by an adult, are admitted free.

COME SING WITH US! Rehearsals for the December Master Chorale concert begin on Tuesday, September 20th at NJC's Tennant Art Gallery at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call: 970.522.5431.