Master
Chorale Wraps Up Debut Season with Sold-Out Houses
Announces Exciting Second Season
The Master Chorale of South Florida ended its first season with
sold-out performances of an all-Mozart program that included
his powerful Te Deum, sensitive Ave Verum Corpus and beloved
Requiem. The performances were held at St. Jude’s Catholic
Church in Boca Raton, Second Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale
and First United Methodist Church in Coral Gables on March 19,
20 and 21.
The
singers were accompanied by four soloists and a 36-piece orchestra
comprised primarily of former Florida Philharmonic Orchestra
players. The ensemble was conducted by the Master Chorale’s
artistic director Jo-Michael Schiebe, DMA.
“The
degree of preparation was evident in the daunting power of the
massed voices in the Rex Tremendae and the fugal writing of
the Sanctus. Skillfully directed by Scheibe, the contrasts of
the Confutatis were firmly pointed, with the confused anguish
of the damned from the low voices alternating with the women's
radiant supplication for redemption. The grief of the Lacrimosa
was movingly restrained, apt balm coming with the Benedictus,”
said Sun-Sentinel classical music writer Lawrence A. Johnson.
The
Master Chorale, comprised essentially of the singers from the
now-defunct Florida Philharmonic Chorus, chose the repertoire
for sentimental reasons as well as its popularity. The Requiem
was the next choral work scheduled to be performed with the
Florida Philharmonic Orchestra when the bankrupt organization
ceased operations. The chorus, however, reorganized and forged
ahead as a separate entity.
“The
hard work, dedication and love of this repertoire that motivated
these singers to regroup were apparent,” said Johnson.
“We
were certain there were classical music lovers in the area who
would come to hear top-quality live performances, and we were
right. They rewarded us with their attendance, and we rewarded
them with passionate performances that were superbly sung and
well played by the orchestra,” said Master Chorale president
Mark Glickman.
Rehearsals
for the 2004-2005 season will begin this summer. The Master
Chorale has contracted the renowned Empire Brass to perform
a holiday concert series November 19, 20 and 21, 2004. On April
15-17, 2005, the Chorale has plans to perform with orchestra
accompaniment in a program that includes Vaughn Williams’
Dona Nobis Pacem and Rutter’s Gloria.
Detailed
information on the Master Chorale, its performances and ticket
sales can be found on www.masterchoraleofsouthflorida.com.
*
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The
Master Chorale of South Florida is an independent, nonprofit
chorus comprised primarily of singers formerly associated with
the Florida Philharmonic Chorus. Led by Jo-Michael Scheibe,
DMA, artistic director and conductor, and Jeffri Bantz, associate
director and accompanist, Master Chorale singers volunteer their
time and talents for the love of choral music. Their goal is
to become renowned for artistic musicality and passion, and
for fostering feelings of joy and excitement that come from
hearing superb performances of classical masterworks, light
classical favorites and thrilling contemporary works.
CONTACT: Nancy Gates-Lee
Chair, Marketing Committee
Cell: 206-849-1256
Florida office: 954-545-4059
njgates@att.net
