| Press Clippings and Media Coverage
Up Close with the Masters
The Signal, September 2008
A Drive to Sing
Elite Magazine, April/May 2008
A Fine Midwinter Knight’s Tale
The Signal, January 2008
Santa Clarita Master Chorale Celebrates Two Gifts of the Season
Santa Clarita Magazine, October 2007
A Joyful Celebration for the Master Chorale
The Signal, September 2007
The Whole World in Their Hands
The Signal, June 2007
Master Chorale Takes "Elijah" by Storm
The Signal, April 2007
"Chariots of Fire" to Showcase Style, Substance, Genius
élite magazine santa clarita valley, April/May 2007
Midwinter Madrigal Feast Delights
The Signal, February 2007
SCV Master Chorale Sings in the Holidays
The Signal, January 2007
Master Chorale Lights Up the Holiday
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, January 2007
Master Chorale Singers Fete Founders
The Signal, October 2006
SC Master Chorale Celebrates the Spirit of America
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, July 2006
An Exceptional Performance by the SC Master Chorale
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, May 2006
Magical Madrigal Feast
The Signal, February 2006
Master Chorale Serenades Santa Clarita
The Signal, June 2005
SC Master Chorale's "Holiday Splendor" Fulfills Expectations
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, January 2005
SC Master Chorale Celebrates Five Years of Success!
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, July 2004
SC Master Chorale and SC Symphony Greet Spring With Beautiful Music
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, May 2004
Master Chorale Treats Us With "A Winter's Eve Celebration"
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, January 2004
Musical Youth: Program Exposes School Kids to Choral Works
Santa Clarita Valley Daily News, Monday, December 1, 2003
Master Chorale Entices With "A Little Night Music"
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, July 2003
"Spring Songs" Show Diversity and Flair
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, May 2003
SC Master Chorale Triumphs in "Spring"
The Signal, May 23, 2003
Master Chorale Opens 2002/2003 Season with "Let It Snow!"
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, February 2003
Chorale Sounds of the Season
The Signal, December 13, 2002
Master Chorale Finishes Season with a Magical Flourish
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, July 2002
Master Chorale Revisits movie classics at concert:
Season Finale of Santa Clarita Master Chorale
features music from Hollywoods' heyday
The Signal, June 28, 2002
Santa Clarita Master Chorale Members Sing at Highlands Elementary
The Signal, May 29, 2002
Master Chorale Raises the Roof with Mozart and Beethoven
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, April 2002
Master Chorale Embraces the Spirit of the Season
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, February 2002
Santa Clarita Master Chorale's Mozart and Friends" Concert Rated "Best-Ever"
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, August 2001
The Power and the Majesty of Mozart and Master Chorale:
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale ends season on a high note
with Concert featuring 'Mozart and Friends"
The Signal, Escape, July 6, 2001
Master Chorale Educates and Entertains: SC Master Chorale
adds pre-concert lecture to sounds of French composers
The Signal, Escape, April 20, 2001
Master Chorale Sets Tone for Holiday Season:
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale is in the holiday spirit
with performances of ‘Gloria!’
The Signal, December 22, 2000
Master Chorale: More than worth it
The Signal, December 13, 2000
Melody Makers: The Santa Clarita Master Chorale,
45 members strong, loves to make beautiful music.
The Signal, November 24, 2000
Interns Join SC Master Chorale: Talented high school students
join Chorale in new intern program.
The Signal, November 3, 2000
Bach to Broadway is Season Swan Song
The Signal, June 23, 2000
'From Bach to Broadway' is Final SC Chorale Concert
of Impressive Season
The Signal, Friday, June 9, 2000
Master Chorale Raises Requiem to New Heights
The Magazine of Santa Clarita, May, 2000
Master Chorale Enchants Listeners with Holiday Concerts
The Santa Clarita Magazine, January, 2000
It’s all about soul food (excerpt)
The Signal, Monday, August 2, 1999
Chorale Debut Electrifying
The Santa Clarita Magazine, July, 1999
Chorale has Stellar Premiere
The Signal, June 11, 1999
Letters to the Editor
The Signal, March 30, 1999
My Audition with the Master Chorale
The Signal, March 24, 1999
The Signal, September 4, 2008
Up Close with the Masters
By Michele Buttelman
A Valencia neighborhood received an unexpected concert recently when a slimmed down version of the Santa Clarita Master Chorale treated an invited audience to a selection of chorale music that wafted from the backyard of Sherry and Don Klahs.
The "meet and greet" with Chorale conductor and artistic director Allan Petker, featured wine, hors d'oeuvres and beautiful music.
The annual "Meet the Conductor" event brought dozens of supporters and Master Chorale members together to hear plans for the Chorale's new season of three concerts, which kicks off in December.
The Chorale will begin its 10th year of performances with the season's final concert in June.
Petker is the Chorale's second artistic director, he replaced founding artistic director Peter Pocock in January, 2004.
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale was founded in 1998 by founding directors Jill Hackett and Deb Baur. Nearly 60 voices strong, the Chorale is holding auditions for new members on Saturday, Sept. 13. An intern program is also available for high school students under age 18.
Pianist Jan Sanborn is the current Chorale accompanist. She has performed as accompanist with the Roger Wagner Chorale and is a published composer/arranger. A CD of her music was distributed in a gift basket with a travel mug and cookies to event guests.
The Chorale rehearses once per week from September through June and performs three concerts per year in December, March, and June. The Chorale performs a wide repertoire including major classical masterworks and works by living composers to Christmas carols and Broadway music.
"We have such wonderful talent in this community," said Diane Trautman, attending her first "Meet the Conductor" event. "I'd love to see more of this group and others. I think the arts is something that everyone can enjoy."
Members of the Chorale shared experiences from a summer tour of Eastern Europe where they performed in a number of historic locations, including Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, Slovakia.
"We sang in churches where the acoustics are remarkable," said Petker. "It was unbelievable... five to six seconds of reverberation... that sound, you can't replicate, it's a beautiful, beautiful sound."
The tour was the first by the Chorale.
"It was such a wonderful experience," said Sherry Klahs. "It was an exciting and beautiful experience."
Guests listened in rapt attention as the "mini Chorale" of little more than a dozen members sang a short program that included "Lux Aurumque" and several fun American choral pieces.
"I am going to start the program the same way we stared at every venue we sang (on the tour,)" said Petker. "The entire concert program was American composers and it was all acapella music. We started with ‘Hail Sacred Music Hail' - a piece by William Billings."
Billings is regarded as the father of American choral music.
Among those sharing experiences of the Eastern European tour was Chorale singer Tom Burkdall.
“When we were in Vienna, there was one chord near the end, that came together perfectly, and it kept resounding through this beautiful dome above us and it moved our director (Petker) to tears," Burkdall said. "We realized it had been a magically emotional moment."
The group also performed an energetic Hungarian number - "Daemon Irrepit Callidus" by Gyorgy Orban.
"The text is about how the devil, despite his sneaking around during praises and dances, is frustrated because he remains worth less than the heart of Jesus," said Petker.
As the outdoor concert concluded a faint smattering of applause could be heard from a nearby backyard. It brought forth laughter from the "Meet the Conductor" guests.
Petker said the experience of traveling and performing abroad was extremely moving and when he returned to the U.S. found a grateful e-mail from an American ex-patriot living in Trnava, Slovakia.
"Dear Mr Petker, thank you for what you do. Cultural exchange is so important in the world; it uplifts the spirit with hope, broadens and deepens our expectations, exemplifies world citizenship, overcomes lingering national prejudices, sheds light on assumptions formed in the absence of light, and above all redefines quality and expertise as global resources. The Slovaks of our generation in the audience in Trnava greatly appreciated witnessing first hand the best of choral culture from a part of the planet to which many of them were denied access in the past. They were moved. You are travelling with a talented ensemble of voices and all of us (including a couple of ex-patriot Americans) send them and you our gratitude ... Regards, Joseph Roy Sheppherd"
"When you speak to another country through music, you don't realize the impact you have," said Petker.
top
Elite Magazine, April/May 2008
A Drive to Sing
By Susan Chapman
It all began with two signers sharing a typical Los Angeles experience—a long commute. Jill Hackett and Deb Baur attended a concert in Pasadena in the spring of 1998, and their drive back to Santa Clarita inspired them to consider establishing a chorale closer to home.
“What Deb and Jill have done is unprecedented in the history of chorales,” says Allan Robert Petker, the chorale’s artistic director and conductor. “Ordinarily, chorales are formed by conductors. But here we have two singers, who did a tremendous amount of research to make sure that all of the elements were in place, founding a chorale that is truly excellent.”
Entering is 10th year, the Santa Clarita Master Chorale has grown into an acclaimed group of talented singers, led by Allan, who is also a sought-after composer, and accompanied by Jan Sanborn. Though not affiliated with a church, the group rehearses at Valencia United Methodist Church and performs a full concert season, September through June, at Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons. The group sings an array of choral arrangements, including sacred, ethnic and popular music. Its upcoming June 1 concert, “Fasten Your Seatbelts,” for instance, will feature the works of Handel and Beethoven as well as Broadway show tunes.
“It’s titled ‘Fasten Your Seatbelts,’” Allan says with a laugh, “because it’s so good, you’ll have to hold onto something.”
The chorale is audition-only, with singers, new and returning, vying for a place each September. During auditions, singers are required to perform an art song and demonstrate sight-reading skills. The group also offers opportunities for instructor-recommended college and high school students to join its ranks through its internship program.
“As a group, we are trying to provide an outlet for choral excellence and artistic expression, something that will be a voice for Santa Clarita,” Allan explains.
To that end, the chorale welcomes individuals from the community, who are not singers, to be part of its group and enhance the experience for the broader community. Volunteers often serve as concert and special-event staff and assist in publicity and fund-raising.
In the summer, the Santa Clarita Master Chorale will reach out to a new audience, partnering with the San Francisco Bay Area’s Consort Chorale, which Allan founded and also directs, and performing in Budapest, Prague and Vienna.
“I am thrilled about everything the Santa Clarita Master Chorale is doing,” Allan enthuses. “When you pursue excellence artistically, it takes you to a place that is way beyond yourself and way beyond what you can accomplish; that is very powerful.”
top
The Signal, January 31, 2008
A Fine Midwinter Knight’s Tale
By Annemarie Donkin
Twas a dark and stormy night when more than 100 intrepid music lovers ventured out to celebrate the 3rd annual Midwinter Madrigal Feast on Saturday to benefit the Santa Clarita Master Chorale. But the weather only added to the Olde English ambiance.
“Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast,” penned playwright William Congreve in his 17th century play, “The Mourning Bride.”
Whether it be ample breast or savage ‘beast,’ both were soothed aplenty as the attendees gathered at the King’s Castle to ward off winter’s chill and bask in the warm glow of sumptuous food, wonderful wine and beautiful women.
Songs filled the air as guests arrived through the stone archway that transformed the Arena room of the Santa Clarita Activities Center into a Medieval castle. Once inside, everyone sampled tasty hors d’oeuvres and sipped wine as they perused tables laden with lovely gift baskets donated for the silent auction. Many of the attendees were members of the United Methodist Church, who are loyal supporters of the Chorale. The Master Chorale rehearses at the Valencia United Methodist Church on McBean Parkway.
The Play’s the Thing
But of course, there must be entertainment. Accompanied by guitarist Sam Besse, the Chorale’s Musical Director, Allen Robert Petker, lead Chorale members in period music including “Sing Ye All Tra-la,” “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People,” “Fair Phyliss I Saw,” and “All Hayle To the Dayes.”
The King’s singers were Legend Ackley, Linda Bonar, Liliana Castelblanco, John Fairbanks, Nancy Flores, Nancy Honaker, J.P. Jones, Jeanne Jordan, Cara Kowalczyk, Marybeth Margrave, Brad Thurlow, Susie Woo and Larry Wood. Their fair and pleasing voices lent a festive air to the evening.
City Councilman TimBen Boydston was the emcee for the evening and bid the guests to settle in for Act I of “Tale of a Tail,” a comic play by Jay Hugely.
This was the first year that TimBen and Ingrid Boydston were able to attend the Midwinter feast, as they are usually busy with the Canyon Theatre Guild.
“I am really impressed with the play and it is such a wonderful evening,” Ingrid Boydston said later. “This is really great, we are so glad we could make it and at every table we went to, we saw someone we knew.”
“This is fabulous, the music is fabulous, the food sublime and the company is magnificent,” TimBen said. “This (the Chorale) is such a beautiful art form...there is nothing like the magical sound of people raising their voices as the music makes its way to Heaven.”
When everyone finally settled into their chairs, the players presented Act I of the “Tale.”
The tender snippet of a play was pretty much Shakespeare meets “Saturday Night Live,” based on the predicament of a kingdom plagued by an evil dragon. To protect the Kingdom, the court’s jester and his not-so-jesting nobleman had to find a way to safeguard their land. Suddenly, the somewhat suspicious Fettucini brothers arrive with a plan to rid the land of the dragon, but it was really more of a means to sell the King “dragon insurance.”
Ironically, the only evidence was a dragon’s tail (conveniently tied to the back end of Linguine Fettucini)
But the only damage done were to the ears and sensibilities of the guests due to the plethora of painful puns that flowed as freely as the wine.
All in jest, of course.
For instance, after cutting off the dragon’s tale to save the Kingdom, Sir Prancelot declared “All I have is a holy wretched bit of tail.!”
“Who’s talking about my wife?” quipped the Town Crier. Ouch.
To make the merriment happen, the band of royal players included the drunken Town Crier (Michael Simpson); The Court Jester, (an hilarious J.P. Jones); Meltonia, the Mistress of Misrule (the buxom Catherine Simpson); the totally bored King (jolly Chuck Spadaro); his Queen (the adorable Susie Woo); Sir Treachery (Brad Thurlow, boo, hiss); the plotting Fettucini brothers, Alfredo (a deceptive Mike Andrews) and Linguine (a slithery Larry Wood); the overworked ‘Execousntutomassecutoner’ who is always trying to ‘get ahead,’ ahem (a droll Steve Krogh); the gallant and light on his feet, Sir Prancelot (the noble John Fortman) the lovely Eugenia (the always lusty Collete George) and finally the fiery Fiona (a lovely Nancy Flores).
The simpering courtiers were played by Liliana Castelblanco, John Fairbanks and Cara Kowalczyk. The costumes were designed by Mary Rosebrock and sewn by Jeanne Jordan. Christine Enns (the Choir director at Valencia High School) did the sound.
Between the two Acts of the play, Chorale member Sheri Klahs said a few words about the evening.
“Thank you all for coming; this was a truly profitable fundraiser, especially since Macaroni Grill was our dinner sponsor and donated the food,” she said. “A big part of what we do is to let the community know they have a professional, high-quality international program right here in the SCV. As this event continues to catch on, next year we will need a bigger room!”
Klahs said they will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Master Chorale in June.
Attendee Steve Hart said he was really enjoying his first Midwinter Madrigal Feast, who attended with his mother-in-law Francis Land.
Hart joined the Chorale last year after singing with the College of the Canyons Choir for 10 years. He said his wife, Gail, teaches at Hart High School.
“This is a great opportunity to be a Chorale member and such a wonderful experience,” Hart said. “They are such nice people and really allows us to raise our voices to new levels because (Musical Director) Allan Robert Petker raises the standards so high.”
Fyne Food and Drink
For dinner, the guests sat at tables laden with a 16th-century baronial dinner fit for a king. Dinner Sponsor Kevin Black of Romano’s Macaroni Grill provided the provender for the royal feast with a delightful fare of grilled salmon, chicken piccata with lemon butter sauce, rice pilaf, vegetables and a delectable lemon cake with caramel sauce. Wine Sponsor Peter Goosens of Loose Goose provided the fine wines and Steve Erenberg of SCV Pools was the Knight Table Sponsor.
Raffle and Silent Auction
After the play, Erica Camara pulled the ticket for the big raffle prize and revealed that Steve and Debra Mann had won the one-week trip to Kona donated by SCV Pools. After the raffle, Klahs thanked some of those who had volunteered to pull the event together.
“I want to thank Jay Hugely for writing the play, Collete George, who did a yeoman’s job of silent auction and Deb Bauer, who as usual did anything and anything that needed to be done,” Klahs said. “And I want to thank Leslie Garman for putting the whole thing together. We can now release her from the terror of the event and her duties.”
Garman, the event chairperson, said in spite of the gargantuan effort, she actually had a wonderful time.
“We are seeing new faces this year, we had more tickets sold and we made more money,” she said.
Madrigal attendees Dennis and Leslie Anne Dreith were guests of Violinist Dave Ewart.
“It is a really nice move up for a smaller, local charity,” Dennis Dreith said. “We are hoping the community will continue to support the event with even more vim and vigor.”
Sponsors and Donors
As always, the Midwinter Madrigal Feast attracted a wide variety of fine gift baskets to benefit the Chorale. Many top companies, organizations, individuals and local businesses donated gift baskets and bought sponsorships for the fundraiser. They included the Canyon Theatre Guild, Repertory East Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Pro Golf of Valencia, Robinson Ranch, Valencia Country Club, Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Southwest Chamber Music, “The Tonight Show;” Vargo Physical Therapy, Walt Disney Company, Warner Home Video, Warner Music Group; Vine’s Restaurant at the Hyatt Valencia; Claim Jumper, Cookbooks Plus, Fox Music Studio, Glen Ivy Hot Springs; Hollywood Bowl, LA Center Studios, MedSpa, Michele’s Beauty Escapade and the Pacific Chorale.
Individual donors included Deb Baur, Dave Berg, Linda Bonar, Pete and Kim Brosnan, Jane and Gary Brooks, Lana Clancey, David Ewart, Clare Macauly, DDS; Sue Emerson, Collette George, Jill Hackett, Janet Hedke, Ronda Herrington, Frank Kraus, Patti Lerman, Marybeth Margrove, Mary Purdy, Michael Millar, Randy Phillips, Sandra Smith, Marina Tellis, Penny Wallace and Debbie Wolpert.
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale is dedicated to fostering and stimulating interest in fine choral music in the Santa Clarita Valley and Southern California through an annual concert series of outstanding quality. For their spring concert, the Chorale will perform “The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace,” by Karl Jenkins in honor and memory of our war veterans.
On June 1, the Chorale will celebrate their 10th anniversary with a rich and varied program of light classical music, “Fasten Your Seatbelts,” to jump start your summer. Both concerts will be held at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center.
For ticket information, visit the Chorale’s Web site at www.scmasterchorale.org or e-mail info@scmasterchorale.org or call (661)284-8886. Santa Clarita Master Chorale, P.O. Box 800459, Santa Clarita, CA 91380-0459.
top
Santa Clarita Magazine, October 2007
Santa Clarita Master Chorale Celebrates Two Gifts of the Season
By Kimberly Ayers
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale begins its season with two gifts – first, a two-season grant from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and next month, an evening of diverse musical offerings from Friends of the Chorale.
The two-stage grant -- $12,750 for 2007/2008 and an additional $12,750 for the following year – continues the tradition of funding from the Arts Commission, which has provided financial support for the Chorale’s programming since 2000.
“We are grateful for the Commission’s continued recognition of our efforts,” said Sherry Klahs, the Chorale’s chair. “These funds will allow us to continue offering our concerts at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center.”
“It’s an ongoing testament to the enthusiasm for great music,” said artistic director Allan Petker.
Another gift is in store for the evening of Saturday, October 13th, when friends of the Chorale gather for a benefit concert and reception:
Fresh off a well-received run in The Pirates of Penzance with Musical Theatre West, tenor Kristopher McNeeley will be performing, along with his wife, Ali Spuck, an actress and mezzo soprano. Those who’d heard tenor J.P Jones’ solo performance with the Chorale last season will be glad to see him on the program. He was on stage last year with the Los Angeles Opera Chorus for Porgy and Bess.
Master Chorale artistic director Allan Petker will pick up his fiddles again this year to play with pianist Jan Sanborn. Also, the Chorale is pleased to announce that Sanborn has accepted the post of Chorale accompanist. Jan is a composer and arranger who also served as accompanist for the Roger Wagner Chorale and the Los Angeles Chamber Singers.
Director of Vocal Studies and Opera at The Master’s College and mezzo soprano Kimberlyn Jones is part of the Valley’s gifted musical community who will appear. Dashing baritone Kelby Thwaite returns to the Friends concert, and Viki Hilferty joins the benefit this year. The Los Angeles Times has called the lyric soprano “a delight.” You might find contributing artist Steven Applegate directing musicals or playing at the piano and organ at Valencia’s United Methodist Church. Applegate even did an early turn as musical director for the San Francisco production of the Rocky Horror Show.
top
September, 2007 (The Signal)
A Joyful Celebration for the Master Chorale
by Annemarie Donkin
In the grand tradition of European musical salons friends, donors of the Santa Clarita Master Chorale gathered at Don and Sherry Klahs' beautiful home in Valencia Wednesday for the annual "Meet the Conductor" event to celebrate the successful season past and promote the upcoming 2007-2008 season beginning this Dec. 2.
Sherry Klahs, a Chorale member and chairman of the board of directors, puts together these intimate musical events throughout the year for Chorale supporters. And, what a wonderful conductor to meet. The delightful and witty Allan Robert Petker is a conductor, composer, music educator and music educator.
He has been the artistic director of the SC Master Chorale since 2004.
As guests arrived, they sipped chardonnay and enjoyed an outstanding selection of gourmet hors d' oeuvres prepared by Chorale members and L.A. Catering, who provided the Southwest wraps and a party favorite, sweet and sour meatballs. While about 40 guests congregated at candlelit tables around the pool, Petker began the evening by introducing the vintages he selected to compliment each song, "to fill us with the Holy Spirit," he said.
Food, Wine and Song
To start the evening, Master Chorale members J.P. Jones, Wally Purdy, Mike Andrews, Nancy Honaker, Alex Nassief, Jill Hackett and Deb Baur gathered around the pool and while Petker conducted the first of four songs, "Fill Me Up," with Mike Anderson on percussion drums.
They followed with the "Hosanna" from the "Mass for Two Worlds" by Ariel Quintana, which they performed in its entirety at the their spring "Songs Without Borders," concert. Petker paired the music with a light and refreshing Pope Valley Sauvignon Blanc,
John Fortman, of Fortman Insurance Agents and Brokers and a member of the Chorale commented that the wine was very light, refreshing and nearly carbonated.
Petker then led the group in "The Circle," with music by poet Edwin Markham and words by Allan Petker. For this one the conductor chose a gorgeous light and astringent Markham sauvignon blanc, with qualities of grapefruit, very light, astringent and a good compliment to the spicy Southwest wraps.
Appropriate to the warm evening, then they sang "Moon River" (by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer). For this pairing, Petker chose an Old Moon zinfandel or blueberry juice for the teetotalers. Now, in any grand tradition of wine pairing, there can only be so many courses, so guests didn't overdo.
So, for the final musical offering, Petker and the Chorale sang "Amen" combined with an outstanding port zinfandel (slightly sweet, rich and fruity with notes of plum and blackberry) Fortman described it as having dark plummy notes, port is also sweet. It was a perfect way to end the evening, especially when they passed out cake brownies and exquisite meringue cookies both made by Chorale member Jeanne Jordan.
"It's a great little event, Fortman said. "I would like to see more people make donations though." Fortman has been with the Chorale since 1999 and played "Machismo" in last year's hilarious Madrigal Feast at the Sports Center.
New Season
After the music and desserts, Sherry Klahs and Petker made some timely announcements. Klahs said they plan another pre-season Oct. 13 event at the United Methodist Church for the Friends of the Master Chorale. The official season opener will be their popular Christmas concert Dec. 2 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons.
"I encourage everyone to come to the Christmas Concert, it will blow you away," Petker said. "The concert always starts with traditional holiday music and in the second half, they sing fun and the playful side of the Chorale. "Come to our Christmas concert where you will be blown away by the some of our excellent with a full orchestra. We start with more traditional holiday music and the second half shows off our more playful side."
Petker was especially enthusiastic about their March production of "The Armed Man," based on a 15th century poem. In addition to the Chorale, the piece will be expanded with choirs from local schools, Including Valencia High School, Saugus High School, Canyon High School and College of the Canyons.
"It is a mass for peace, it has great strength, which is what we need to bring about peace," Petker said. "With nearly 300 voices combined and a full orchestra, it should be a spectacular event."
New Members
The Master Chorale will welcome some new members this year. Long-time piano accompanist Ann Moore is leaving to spend more time with her family, (no, really) and long-time Chorale supporter Jan Sanborn is coming on as the official accompanist. One of the Chorale's board members, pianist Jan Sanborn also conducts master classes at California State University, Northridge and said the Chorale works at many levels in the community - to bring high quality music to the audience, a musical outlet for local residents and a training ground for young singers.
"The Chorale provides internships to students at CSUN," Sanborn said. "They just love it."
Petker said Dr. Kimberlyn Jones of the Opera Department of The Master's College is also joining the Chorale for the upcoming season.
Chorale intern J.P. Jones officially joined the Chorale for its new season. He studies music at CSUN and sang and extraordinary version of "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" at their spring concert. Jones also recently appeared in the L.A. Opera's "Porgy and Bess."
Comprised almost exclusively of Santa Clarita Valley residents, the 45-member Chorale ranges from amateur to professional. "Everyone has to read music to acquire a spot," Petker said. "This is not a place for beginners." In addition to their three annual performances, the mission of The Santa Clarita Master Chorale is to educate the public about the importance of chorale music as an art form. Their "Keep America Singing" program provides fifth-graders at local schools to learn and experience through classroom instruction and live demonstrations. Additionally, the Chorale works at many levels in the community - to bring high quality music to the audience, a musical outlet for local residents and a training ground for young singers. The Chorale also provides internships to students at California State University, Northridge.
Hidden Talents
Among the many guests, Murray Siegel, a member of the Arts Advisory Committee and immediate past president of Carousel Ranch, attended the Chorale's salon with his wife, Mary. It was the first time attending and they had nothing but praise for the level of talent displayed among the members. "It is so amazing to sit here and listen to these wonderful people," Murray Siegel said. "I love this event. It is an opportunity to come and see so many hidden talents, among the people in our community, the same people you work with all year long- who knew they had such talent. It is astonishing to hear such wonderful voices."
Another "Friends of the Santa Clarita Master Chorale," fund-raising concert will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Valencia United Methodist Church, 25718 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Tickets are $25. Santa Clarita Master Chorale, P.O. Box 800459, Santa Clarita, CA 91380-0459; (661) 254-8886, www.scmasterchorale.org.
Copyright:The Signal
top
June 29, 2007 (The Signal)
The Whole World in Their Hands
by Annemarie Donkin
With a magnificent program of beautiful and inspirational music from around the world, the Santa Clarita Master Chorale concluded its season with some outstanding performances for their "Songs Without Borders."
The concert at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons June 3 was truly eclectic, presenting a wide variety of songs ranging from Africa, Israel, Europe, the United States, Broadway to an outstanding "Mass for Two Worlds" by a brilliant young composer from Argentina. Anyone who attended the concert heard one of the most innovative and interesting concerts presented yet by the Chorale.
Artistic Director Allan Robert Petker once again delved deeply into the divine to compile a group of seemingly unrelated processionals, songs and spirituals to create a unified whole to support the theme of world-wide unity and peace.
"Songs Without Borders" started appropriately with a joyous percussive processional, "Jambo rafiki yangu" by David Montoya, sung in Swahili as the Chorale members entered from stage right. Baritone Mike Andrews lead the group on drums with piano, guitar and percussion accompaniment. They followed the interesting opening with "Hiney Mah Tov" by Iris Levine. The Hebrew folk tune is based on the Psalm 133:1 ("Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live in unity). Next, two small groups sang "Bogoroditse Djévo (Mother of God and Virgin) by Estonian composer Arvo Prt (often associated with the school of mystic minimalism) and Nie Bede Plakala (I Will Not Cry) by Polish composer Juliusz Luciuk. The delightful piece describes the joys and tricks at a Polish wedding. They followed these moving pieces with the uplifting "Ise Oluwa," a Nigerian praise song by American composer Ron Kean. Once again, the Chorale singers split into small groups accompanied by layers of percussion to create as the singers create a chorded harmony and the instruments creating rhythmic independence.
Following the Nigerian chant, we moved to Scotland with the plaintive and traditional "My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose," by Robert Burns.
What was most compelling were most of the chorale works chosen were written by young composers, lending the concert a greater sense of urgency for its theme of peace and unity throughout the world. Highlighting the introspective program was the outstanding "Mass for Two Worlds" by Ariel Quintana. Quintana began playing piano at age 3 and was accompanying his kindergarten classmates on piano when he was 5.
The Mass starts with a gentle and melodic Kyrie (which Quintana originally wrote as a solo piece) and was followed by a gorgeous, rich and full Gloria and Credo. The Mass was highlighted by solos by sopranos Jeanne Jordan and Debbie Wolpert and alto Alex Nassief. Soprano Jill Hackett soloed on Credo and alto Marybeth Margrave sang the Benedictus just beautifully. By the time the entire Chorale stood up and sang in full at the end of Sanctus "Osanna in Excelsis" (Hosanna in the highest) the entire PAC virtually swelled in exhalation. Followed by a gorgeous Agnus Dei, the Mass was a triumph. After intermission, the Chorale assembled for a fun medley of Broadway tunes by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Highlights included solos on "Memory" (from "Cats") by alto Penny Wallace and "Light at the End of the Tunnel ("Starlight Express") by baritone Mike Andrews. Alto Linda Bonar and tenor Steve Krogh sang "Unexpected Song" (from "Song and Dance") and soprano Christine Enns broke our hearts with "Think of Me" (from "The Phantom of the Opera").
One of the most outstanding and heartbreaking performances that brought a tear to more than one eye was when the young tenor, John Paul Jones, came downstage to sing the heartbreaking spiritual "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child." There was not a dry eye in the house after Jones, who studies voice at California State University, Northridge, hit the last perfect note. The Chorale followed with "A Native American Prayer" by 39-year-old composer Nolan E. Schmit.
Another highlight of the concert was Pianist Ann Moore's glimmering and ethereal performance of Arabesque No. 1 by Claude Debussy.
The talented and tireless accompanist for the Chorale finally had a chance to shine and she was magnificent. She dedicated the piece to her parents (who were in the audience) because, as she said, they put up with her years of practice at home. "I even sent them practice tapes after I went away to college," she laughed. Moore said among his pieces, this Arabesque ("as delicate as a spyder's web") is her favorite.
The concert continued with a robust medley from "Fiddler on the Roof" arranged by Ed Lojeski and narrated by John Fortman. Alto Janet Hedke sang a spirited "Matchmaker" and mezzo-soprano Cara Kowalczyk and baritone Wally Purdy sang a sobering "Sunrise, Sunset."
The program ended on a tear as the entire Chorale gathered again for "Danny Boy" arranged by Mark Hayes.
Once again, the Master Chorale provided the audience with a provocative, interesting, melodic and memorable program for a lovely Sunday afternoon. Adding to the experience is their wonderful program, with full translations of the text, composer Bios and a wealth of information. Just reading the program is like taking a Music 100 class and worth every minute. So, come and listen and learn when the SCV Master Chorale starts again in the fall with their wonderful holiday programs and lovely Madrigal Feast. It is well worth the wait!
Santa Clarita Master Chorale, P. O. Box 800459 Santa Clarita, CA 91380-0459 (661) 645-4472.
Copyright:The Signal
top
April 27, 2007 (The Signal)
Master Chorale Takes "Elijah" by Storm
by Annemarie Donkin
The Master Chorale triumphed with a spectacular "Elijah," by Felix Mendelssohn during the group's spring concert at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center. "Elijah" is a massive 3 1/2 hour religious oratorio scored for four vocal soloists, a symphony orchestra and a large chorus. The performance, under the direction of Allan Robert Petker - the Chorale's artistic director - proved to be a real tour de force.
From the balcony one could actually feel the power of all 50 voices rising up - sending chills up my spine.
"Elijah" draws upon books of the Old Testament, primarily from I Kings and Psalms, and tells the tale of a struggle among the prophet Elijah, Ahab, a King of Israel and the seductress Queen Jezebel during a horrible drought.
Elijah spurns Jezebel's gods during a brutal showdown and predicts doom. In response to Elijah's actions and utterances, Jezebel retaliates by hunting him down, bent on his destruction. Defeated, desperate and wishing to die, Elijah flees into the wilderness, where he sings the aria "It is Enough." But God vindicates Elijah's faith, strength and resolve with a massive storm, dust, wind, fire and lighting to answer their prayers and break the drought. The people are terrified and think it is God's punishment. But in the end, after a massive crescendo, the music becomes very quiet, declaring God speaking in a "still, small voice." The angels then sing God's praises while a chariot of fire appears to sweep Elijah up into a whirlwind to heaven.
It was a stunning performance by the Chorale, the orchestra and the four outstanding soloists. The role of Elijah was sung by bass-baritone Bradley Ellingboe. A guest soloist who performs throughout the United States and around the world, he appeared in the Chorale's "Messiah" in March, 2005. Tenor soloist Steve Amerson joined the Chorale for his third appearance. Called "America's Tenor" - Amerson was one of three singers chosen to record tapes used by Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras in preparation for their performances of "The 3 Tenors."
A frequent soloist for the Chorale, Caroline McKenzie sang the soprano role beautifully. Trained as a a pianist, she studied voice at Princeton and made her operatic debut in 1989 playing Anna in Verdi's "Nabucco" in New York.
Playing both the Angel and the evil Queen Jezebel, the elegant mezzo-soprano Tracy Van Fleet sang with the Chorale for the first time. She has been a concert and operatic soloist for the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Music Center Opera, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the Los Angeles Bach Festival. Van Fleet was outstanding as the gentle Angel and then, throwing on a blood red shawl, transformed herself into the evil and terrifying Queen.
With the clear high voice of a Cherub, the most delightful soloist was 9-year-old Richard Rivale, who sang the role of the "Youth," who spots the tiny cloud over the water, heralding the storm that ends the drought.
Already a singer, pianist and composer, Rivale is a frequent soloist at the Crystal Cathedral (and the only one who had his part memorized). Throughout the performance, there were gorgeous solo ensembles, as when Chorale members Jill Hackett, J.P. Jones, Mary Purdy and Wally Purdy sang the recitative about the drought-plagued land: "The deep affords no water, and the rivers are exhausted..." (I Kings 17:7, Lamentations 4:4). Later, John Fairbanks, Leslie Garman, Mimi Hiller, Nancy Honaker, Cara Kowalczyk, Wally Purdy, Brad Thurlow and Larry Wood sang the lamentable double quartet and recitative of Angels, "For He shall give his angels to watch over thee..." (Proverbs 3:2, 3, Psalm 91:11, 12) Then, Mike Andrews, Jill Hackett, J.P. Jones and Catherine Simpson sang the Angel quartet, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He will never suffer the righteous to fall." (Psalms 55:22).
Later, Deb Baur, Linda Bonar, Nancy Flores, Jeanne Jordan, Marybeth Margrave, Mary Purdy, Penny Wallace, Debbie Wolpert and Susie Woo came down stage to sing the beautiful "Trio of Angels."
Christine Enns, Christine Hedke, Sherry Klahs and Alexandra Nassief sang praises to Heaven with the glorious angelic choir "Holy, holy, holy is God the Lord..." (Isaiah, 6:3,2) After the concert, Petker looked triumphant, but spent. It was, after all, a nearly four hour ordeal. But the reaction from the audience was overwhelming.
Petker said he always wants to give the Chorale a challenging piece to sink their teeth into at least once a year.
"We have wanted to perform this piece for a long time," Petker said. "Our co-founder, Jill Hacker, suggested we sing it several years ago and we felt now was the right time. We knew we would lose some of the audience, but we will get them back for the (next) concert."
Petker was excited about the upcoming program June 3 at the PAC. He said "Songs Without Borders" will be a celebration of triumph in a celebration of music, the universal language. The Chorale will sing international folksongs, excerpts of Broadway musicals and a medley from "Fiddler on the Roof." Yet for those who attended "Elijah," they were richly rewarded, for the heavens opened up and the Chorale's voices rose up to be heard.
Santa Clarita Master Chorale presents "Songs Without Borders" June 3, at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center, featuring Ariel Quintana's "Mass for Two Worlds," excerpts from Broadway musicals and a medley from "Fiddler on the Roof." Tickets range from $14 to $26 and may be purchased by calling (661) 254-8886 or by mail at P.O. Box 800459, Santa Clarita 91380-0459. Order forms can be obtained at www.scmasterchorale.org. The COC Performing Arts Center is located at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia.
top
April/May 2007 (élite magazine santa clarita valley)
Chariots of Fire" to Showcase Style, Substance and Genius
by Elliot Peterman
When the torrential music of Felix Mendelssohn's "Elijah" comes storming into the Santa Clarita Valley this March, it will be on the energetic shoulders of artistic director Allan Robert Petker and the passionate talents of Santa Clarita's own Master Chorale. There is nothing of the stodgy, classical stereotype in Mendelssohn's masterwork nor in Petker's conducting style. Sit in on one of his rehearsals, and his infectious enthusiasm for Elijah is immediately apparent.
"It's a tremendously dramatic story of clashing prophets and kings, despair and elation," he says. Indeed, Mendelssohn's musical treatment of this story rightfully ranks Elijah among the greatest oratorios ever written, second only in audience popularity to Handel's "Messiah." The composer drew from the popular Italian opera style, expertly assigning the chorale, solos, duets, and ensembles The interweaving of narrative, pleading, melancholy, and drama takes the listener on a whirlwind musical journey worthy of this Old Testament story. Mendelssohn, often regarded as the greatest musical child prodigy after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, began composing at age 6, first performed in public at age 9, and by his teens had already composed numerous symphonies, cantatas, piano and string quartets.
Petker recalls playing viola for Elijah many years ago and being instantly impressed with the oratorio's energy and style. His conducting of the work now is just one facet of his eclectic professional life. "I describe myself as a self-employed musician. Mainly, I do conducting -- two chorales and a church choir. As a composer, I compose primarily on commission, mostly for churches, community choirs and schools. I do five commissions per year, and I'm booked for the next three years. I publish choral music and textbooks through Pavane Publishing, a company I started some time ago. We publish about 20 works a year."
Petker himself has more than 250 published works to his credit, including multi-movement choral works with orchestra. Allan's five-volume "Choral Questions and Answers" has become a staple teaching text for many school and community choirs. His passion for curing musical illiteracy culminated in the publication of his ADVANCE learning series. Concert-goers will get the chance to see all of those talents come together on the stage of the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at College of the Canyons on Sunday, March 18th at 3:30 p.m. when the Master Chorale presents Elijah.
Petker's delight with these singers is obvious. "A chorale like this is a community treasure and a big part of what makes living in Santa Clarita such a great experience. The singers are wonderful people who share the same musical values I do. They work extremely hard to make good music, and they're passionate about it. It is simply lovely having a group that's so committed! Another thing that's fabulous is that we have a lot of young people in the group, many are college-aged - we even have a high school intern program."
Of performing at the PAC Allan says, "It looks so professional, and performing in such a high-quality venue brings out the best in our singers. Bravo to the City and College of the Canyons for putting up the funds so we could have a formal concert hall in Santa Clarita."
Petker's music-making has taken him "across the pond" to Europe on several occasions over the past three decades. He was the American guest conductor/composer for the Cathedral Choir Tour in England, where he shared the podium with British composers Andrew Carter and John Rutter. He was invited back to England in 2003 as the featured guest conductor and clinician for the National Association of Choirs annual conference in Winchester. They even asked "the Yankee" to conduct "God Save the Queen."
Back here in the Valley, Santa Claritans are demonstrating an ever-increasing admiration for fine choral music, a fact not lost on Petker. He makes no secret that he loves "the way they support this Chorale. The fact that we can sell out 900 seats of a Christmas concert is great!" And he's also looking forward to the Chorale's next musical offering.
"This June we will present 'Songs Without Borders.'" The centerpiece of the concert will be Mass for Two Worlds, composed by Ariel Quintana, music director at Hollywood Presbyterian and the newly-appointed Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale. We have repertoire planned for the next three years - including a tour to Prague and Budapest slated for 2008. In March 2009 we will do Orff's Carmina Burana, and in 2010 Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms, plus a Schubert mass."
As if he wasn't busy enough, Allan also is Minister of Music at the First Presbyterian Church, San Pedro. He just completed his thirteenth season with Consort Chorale, an ensemble of 40 select voices in the San Francisco Bay Area and is in his fourth season with the 55-voice auditioned Santa Clarita Master Chorale.
A favorite pastime of Allan's is camping, although he hardly has time for it any more. He also collects wines, belonging to several wine clubs, and loves traveling Europewhen time and work allow. And Petker never picked up a string instrument he didn't like: you can find him "sitting in" at the local pub in San Pedro, or tuning up after dinner with friends -- a violin, viola, mandolin or guitar - doesn't matter, he loves them all.
Ask him what his favorite job is and Allan Petker will answer: "whatever I'm doing at that very moment." So on Sunday, March 18th in the middle of a fine late winter afternoon, you can be sure it'll be Santa Clarita's own Master Chorale, and the epic story of Mendelssohn's Elijah.
Tickets are available by mail or phone, and an early sellout is expected. An order form with mailing information is available at www.scmasterchorale.org, or you may call (661) 254-8886.
top
February 6, 2007 (The Signal)
Midwinter Madrigal Feast Delights
by Annemarie Donkin
It was a wonderful way to spend a rainy Saturday evening, with joyful dancing, singing, music and feasting with the Santa Clarita Master Chorale, highlighted by a feisty farce about love. Led by Musical Director Allan Robert Petker, the Chorale performed a mini concert of carols and madrigals to a group of more than 90 loyal supporters and subscribers for the second annual Midwinter Madrigal Feast held Jan. 27 at the Santa Clarita Activities Center.
The Arena Room was festooned with royal banners and colorful pageantry, thus transforming it into the King's Royal Castle for a feast and bit of merriment in which two court jesters competed to see who could make the jovial the King laugh first. Naturally, the King couldn't have been more "bored," but the rest of Court was delighted.
As always, event chairwoman Sherri Klahs went above and beyond to make this the best Madrigal Feast yet. She was helped by long-time Chorale volunteer, Lana Clancy.
"I have been with the Chorale since the inception, my husband (Peter) used to be a member," Clancy said. "It is a fun show, they did a great job and it is bigger than last year."
The centerpiece of the evening was an hilarious fractured Shakespearean-esqe farce, "Labored Love Lost," written and directed by Jay Huguely and performed by members of the Chorale. The "goodly" players were called upon to entertain the King (Chuck Spadero), his Queen (Susie Woo) and their Courtiers (Legend Ackley, Linda Bonar, John Fairbanks, Sean Goodman, Cara Kowalczyk and Alex Nassief)
The Town Crier (Erica Camara) cheerfully tried to make sense of the whole affair as she introduced the court jesters, Perrier (Mike Andrews) and Castillia (Marie Gilbert). The "plot" concerned the dismal romantic affairs of Duke Luis, (Michael Simpson) who can't pronounce his "L"s. Meanwhile, the lovely and weepy Nofelia (Jill Hackett) who can't pronounce her "W"s, pines for a mate.
Her friends, a trio of the unpleasant including Crabia (Collette George), the irritable Hornia (Leslie Garman) and the "over-the-top" Buxomia (Catherine Simpson) fight over the available men; Nerdio (Larry Wood), the lustful Machismo (John Fortman) and the boastful Oregano (Steve Krough). After all the complicated machinations, mostly involving love potions, all's well that ends well and everyone fell in love with the one they deserved.
The play was accompanied by instrumentalists Jerry Danielsen on guitar, Nancy Flores on percussion, Nancy Honaker on recorder and Marybeth Margrave on flute and Petker on viola.
At the end of the evening, amid confetti and noisemakers, Marcia Tannehill of Valencia won the big raffle prize, a seven-day cruise for two on Holland America Line. Her husband, Steve, works at Countrywide in Calabasas and sits on the Newhall School Board.
"We came because of Laura Hall," Tannehill said. "The evening was fabulous, the music, food, it was fun!"
Tannehill works with Hall at Home Decor, a private interior design firm. They just finished a one-year remodel of Don and Sherry Klahs' home.
"This is wonderful, she deserves the cruise," Hall said. "She works long and hard making sure all the 'I''s are dotted the 'T's are crossed." The Tannehills and Halls plan to take the trip together, but they don't know when any of them will get the time off.
Enjoying the feast were Doug and Jean Stockdale, who traveled up from Orange County to be with their friends, Bob and Donna Bennett, Dan and Jeanette McGreevy and Bruce and Jane Solomon, all from Valencia.
"This is awesome," Doug Stockdale said. "The Master Chorale always puts on an excellent evening."
The guests feasted upon delectable fare, all of it fit for a king and presented by RSVP Catering.
The repast began with tiny mincemeat pies and walnut and cheese stuffed cucumbers. The entreé was leaf herb, nut and dried fruit salad, savory pork loin with prunes and apples, chicken Wellington, herbed Yorkshire pudding, roasted vegetables with rosemary and rustic breads. For dessert, a sublime roasted pear and almond trifle. It goes without saying the food was best paired with generous quaffs of wine - to toast the players, of course!
A silent auction to benefit the non-profit Chorale included baskets from Chorale supporters Deb Baur, Sue Emerson, Collette George, Lisa Heath, Christine Hedke, Jeanne Jordan, Don and Sherry Klahs, Betsy Lessard, Clare Macaulay, DDS, Marybeth Margrave, Sure Purviance and Sandra Smith. Other goodies included a day at Glen-Ivy Day Spa and a foursome of golf at Valencia Country Club. The Spectrum Club donated a three-month membership and Jordan donated a beautiful necklace.
Pete and Kim Brosnan donated a behind the scenes tour of Los Angeles Center Studios and Mimi Hiller of Cookbooks Plus donated a treasure trove of kitchen supplies including four cookbooks. The Hollywood Bowl, along with George, Hiller, Mary Purdy, Sherry Klahs and Purviance, donated a "Merry Night Out and About at the Hollywood Bowl." There was also a romantic "Valentine's Fancy" basket, including VIP tickets to an upcoming Guild production, dinner at El Trocadero and a 1 lb. box of See's Candies.
Other baskets filled with delights were donated by Valencia United Methodist Church; Michele of Michele's Beauty Escapade; Linda Freyre of Innovations Salon and Spa; Six Flags Magic Mountain; Kids Art; Pasadena Playhouse; Warner Music Group; Frank Kraus of Warner Home Video; Dave Berg of the Tonight Show; The Pasadena Playhouse; Pasadena Symphony Association; Angeles Chorale; Pacific Chorale and Agua Dulce Vineyards.
Guests proclaimed that overall, it was an outstanding night of fun, music, merriment and outstanding fare.
Copyright:The Signal
top
January 19, 2007 (The Signal)
SCV Master Chorale Sings in the Holidays
by Annemarie Donkin
With a medley of favorite Carols, an hilarious "Twelve Days of Christmas" sung to different tunes and a gorgeous and reverent "Magnificat," the Santa Clarita Master Chorale launched its eighth season with its "Holiday Lights" concert at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center.
It was an outstanding performance and a wonderful way to officially ring in the holiday season! The enthusiastic crowd blew in from a cold and blustery day into the not much warmer auditorium. But while the packed audience shivered through the concert, the Chorale warmed them up with the lovely "Sing Gloria," by Allan Robert Petker, the Chorale's conductor and Artistic Director. They were accompanied by the superb pianist, Ann Moore and a wonderful chamber orchestra. The next piece was the shimmering and beautiful "O Lux" by Audrey Snyder and the fervent and melodic plea for world peace, "Light One Candle," by Peter Yarrow of "Peter, Paul and Mary." With the soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections mixed together throughout the group, the Chorale blends as one voice to create a truly magical sound.
Following was a complete change of pace, the delightful and energetic Nigerian carol "Keresimesi Qdun De O" arranged by the musicologist and collector of African folk songs, Wendell Whalum.
Then, the Chorale launched into the afternoon's tour de force - British composer John Rutter's "Magnificat" - the canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke I: 46-55) traditionally performed as part of the ancient service of Vespers in the medieval Roman rite. The Magnificat was first performed in 1990 in Carnegie Hall, N.Y., conducted by the composer and the UK premiere followed a year later in Coventry Cathedral.
Sung in Latin, the Magnificat is an awesome and moving piece. Sopranos Leslie Garman and Christine Hedke nearly brought the audience to tears with their glorious solos. One will be lucky to hear the Chorale perform the "Magificat" in a future concert.
The second half opened with Craig Courtney's "A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas," an hilarious version progressing from a Gregorian chant through various musical styles including Bach, Mozart and Beethoven - culminating in a Philip Sousa march complete with American flags. Let's just say the feathers were literally flying in a silly and funny bit every time they sang "Three French hens!"
In a beautiful contrast, accompanied only piano and oboe, the Chorale softly sang "No Longer a Baby," by local pianist and composer Jan Sanborn, set to text by Bryan Jeffrey Leech.
Singing "a cappella," the 16-member Chorale Carolers (four members from each section) uncovered the unconventional meters on American jazz composer Dave Brubeck's take on "We Three Kings," and then conquered pianist Jeffrey Biegel's delightful, "Christmas in a Minute," set to the music of Chopin's "Minute Waltz," that zips through the stress and strain of holiday preparations!
Deserving of particular praise were the orchestra's wind and percussion sections - with Pat Maki on flute; David Kossof on oboe; Patricia Massey on clarinet; John Campbell on bassoon and James Atkinson on French horn. Throughout the concert, timpanist Kris Metalla and percussionist Allen Peck were spot on and harpist Amy Wilkins brought in the "Angelic Choir" with her magical fingers. Concertmistress Carolyn Osburn kept the strings harmonious with violinists Kirsten Fife, Sam Fischer, Yi Huan Zhao and violists Robin Ross and Caroline Castillo. Also outstanding were Cathy Biagini on cello and Ann Atkinson on double bass.
The concert ended with Randol Bass's splendid medley, "Christmas Flourish," including the soul affirming "Silent Night" with soloist Jill Hackett singing in German. The encore was Sanborn's "Heart of Christmas," leaving the audience weepy and full of more holiday spirit than one could imagine.
Join the Santa Clarita Master Chorale for the Midwinter Madrigal Feast, Sunday, Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Activities Center Arena Room, 20800 Center Point Parkway, Santa Clarita. Described as an evening of merriment and revelry with a royal dinner, theater in the round, strolling minstrels and a silent auction to benefit the non-profit Chorale. Tickets are $100 and it is black tie optional. For ticket information, call (661) 254-8886 or by mail at P.O. Box 800459, Santa Clarita, CA 91380-0459. Order forms can be obtained at the Chorale's website, www.scmasterchorale.org.
Future Master Chorale concerts are: "Chariots of Fire: Mendelssohn's "Elijah," Sunday, March 18 at 3:30 p.m., with a free pre-concert lecture at 2:30 p.m. Also, "Songs Without Borders," Sunday, June 3 at 3:30 p.m. - a program of folk songs from around the world. Both concerts will be performed at College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Individual concert tickets are $26/$22/$19 general admission and $21/$17/$14 for seniors (62+) and students. Individual tickets are available by mail about six weeks prior to each concert and group rates are also available. All tickets sales are final, no refunds or exchanges.
Santa Clarita Master Chorale. For ticket information, call (661) 254-8886 or by mail at P.O. Box 800459, Santa Clarita, CA 91380-0459. Order forms can be obtained at the Chorale's website, www.scmasterchorale.org.
top
January 2007 (The Magazine of Santa Clarita)
Master Chorale Lights Up the Holidays
by Tonya Chrislu
Now in its eighth concert series, the Santa Clarita Master Chorale lit up the holiday with its joyful and spirited performance at College of the Canyons’ Performing Arts Center on Sunday. The 50-member ensemble, supported by orchestra, presented a wonderfully varied Christmas program. Each piece was so meticulously prepared that the audience was left to enjoy the awe and delight of this beautiful choral music.
Allan Petker, the Chorale’s conductor, is a prolific composer and arranger with over 250 published works. His “Sing Gloria” set a thrilling, celebratory tone for the concert. The chorus started with a single melody and added others that intertwined while the orchestra played an interesting and energetic accompaniment. The quick-moving lines came together at the end with singers united in full voice.
The next piece, “O Lux” (O Light) by Audrey Snyder, started quietly, almost shimmering, with dissonant but beautiful clustered chords. A single, sweet high soprano voice above the chorus seemed to be the light in the text, “O light most blessed fill the inmost heart. Grant us peace.” And, indeed, it did. The singing was warm, lovely and peaceful.
With “Keresimesi Qdun De O,” a Nigerian Christmas song arranged by Wendell Whalum, the mood once again became joyful and upbeat. Accompanied only by traditional percussion instruments, the chorus sang in eight parts. This folk song provided a nice change of pace and was fun to hear in another language.
Peter Yarrow, singer and songwriter of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, is not usually associated with choral music, but his “Light One Candle” was moving. The simple tune had a Hanukkah flavor and started simply but built in intensity to the end. Here the audience got to enjoy the dynamic range of this group, always controlled, with a warm rich tone. It finished with conviction as the sopranos nailed the last high note. Beautiful!
The centerpiece of the program was John Rutter’s “Magnificat.” Like many other Rutter pieces, this is unpretentious and accessible. The women’s voices were especially sweet on “Of a Rose,” a contemplative setting of a 15th century poem highlighted by oboe and strings. Soloists Leslie Garman, on “Et Misericordia” and “Esurientes,” and Christine Hedke on “Gloria Patri,” each performed with remarkable warmth and focus. The “Gloria Patri,” sung in 12-8 time was, as in Bach’s B Minor Mass, representative of the six-winged seraphim. Its syncopated rhythms and beautiful melody punctuated the text.
The second half of the program started with a “Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas” by Craig Courtney, a clever and humorous adaptation of the traditional song. Each verse, accompanied magnificently by Ann Moore on the piano, was presented in a musical style that progressed from medieval Gregorian chant, through the renaissance, baroque, classical and romantic eras, extracting from famous works by Saint-Saens, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, and even John Phillip Sousa. The chorale sang exuberantly with props and feathers flying throughout—truly hilarious!
Then, on a more serious note, came a lovely piece by Santa Clarita resident Jan Sanborn called “No Longer A Baby.” The rich chords in the chorus were perfectly blended, and the piano and oboe accompaniment made this piece truly remarkable.
Sixteen members from the chorale followed with two light-hearted pieces: “We Three Kings,” a jazz arrangement by Dave Brubeck, and “Christmas in a Minute” by Jeffrey Biegel, a frantic and busy waltz, which makes fun of the harried lives we lead in preparation for Christmas. Both pieces were performed with energy and precision.
The concert ended with “Christmas Flourish,” aptly named! It included four well-known Christmas favorites. Jill Hackett gave a superb performance of “Silent Night,” sung in German. Her rounded tone seemed to be that of an alto, but when she went to the higher notes it became apparent that she is really a soprano!
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale is an ensemble not to be missed. This Valley is truly blessed to have such a high-caliber vocal ensemble. The professionalism of Allan Petker, Ann Moore and so many talented singers is very special. This chorale once again performed a tasteful and demanding program in style and musical quality.
If you are not a season ticket holder, be sure to get your tickets early for the next scheduled event, Chariots of Fire: Mendelssohn’s “Elijah,” presented on Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 3:30 pm at College of the Canyons’ Performing Arts Center. A pre-concert lecture begins at 2:30 pm. “Elijah,” considered one of the greatest oratorios of all time, will feature orchestral accompaniment and bass-baritone, Brad Ellingboe, singing the title role. For more information, call (661) 254-8886, visit the Chorale’s website, www.scmasterchorale.org, or write the Santa Clarita Master Chorale at P.O. Box 800459. Santa Clarita, CA 91380-0459
Tonya Chrislu is a music education graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and a former member of the St. Olaf Choir. She has taught junior and senior high vocal music, Kindermusik, a music and movement curriculum for very young children, and private voice and piano lessons. She is a resident of Santa Clarita.
top
October 1, 2006 (The Signal)
Master Chorale Singers Fete Founders
by Annemarie Donkin
What could be more charming than spending an evening under a perfect starry sky enjoying beautiful music, food and wine with your friends? That was the atmosphere as nearly 35 Friends of the Santa Clarita Master Chorale gathered for an elegant evening at the lovely home of Founders Circle members Eric and Diane Schmidt in Valencia for the third annual "Meet the Conductor" event.
"People want to get to know the new person," Artistic Director Allan Petker said jovially.
Petker will begin his third full season as conductor when the Master Chorale kicks off its eighth season Dec. 3 with "Holiday Lights," at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center.
In the grand tradition of European salons, Sherry Klahs, chairman of the board of directors, SCV Master Chorale, puts together these intimate musical events throughout the year for Chorale supporters.
As guests arrived, they sipped Chardonnay and enjoyed an outstanding selection of gourmet hors d' oeuvres prepared by Diane Schmidt while guests congregated at candlelit tables while awaiting the performance. Petker began the evening by introducing the vintages he selected to compliment each song.
"What an elegant experience to sip lovely wine while listening to art songs that compliment it exactly," he said. "It is a beautiful way to open an artsy event."
Brilliantly accompanied by Ann Moore on piano, Chorale member Jeanne Jordan opened with "After the Dream" by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) from the late Romantic, early Impressionist period. Jordan's lovely soprano floated high above the stars as she interpreted the bittersweet tale of unrequited love. Petker combined it with a light and lovely 2002 Louis Jadot Chardonnay.
For the second selection, Petker combined a lusty San Giovisi Merlot with "Doretta's Dream," from "La Rondine" by Giacomo Puccini (1858 -1924). Jill Hackett provided just the right note of passion and innocence.
The third selection was a scintillating version by Jordan of "Popular" from "Wicked," by Stephen Schwartz.
"I was having trouble thinking what wine to choose from New York, but remembered that Schwartz has workshops in California, so I chose a California wine (a Cline Zinfandel)," said Petker.
Naturally, he chose a French champagne for Jordan and Hackett's effervescent version of Lerner and Lowe's "The Night They Invented Champagne."
Pat Modugno and his wife, Joyce, said they thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Modugno, CFO of the Conrad Hilton Foundation and chairman of the Los Angeles Country Regional Planning Commission, said he and his wife are long-time supporters of the Master Chorale. They love the fact that the SCV has its own high quality music group that can easily compete with others they see in New York or London.
"We enjoy all of this," Modugno said. "We appreciate that we don't have to travel over the hill to see quality music."
In addition to their three annual public performances, the mission of The Santa Clarita Master Chorale is to educate the public about the importance of chorale music as an art form. Their "Keep America Singing" program provides fifth-graders at local schools to learn and experience through classroom instruction and live demonstrations.
One of the Chorale's board members, pianist Jan Sanborn, attended with her husband, Loren James, a retired stuntman who doubled for Steve McQueen and performed in films such as "How The West Was Won," and "The Graduate." Sanborn conducts master classes at California State University, Northridge and said the Chorale works at many levels in the community - to bring high quality music to the audience, a musical outlet for local residents and a training ground for young singers.
"The Chorale provides internships to students at CSUN," Sanborn said. "They just love it."
Comprised almost exclusively of Santa Clarita Valley residents, the 45-member Chorale ranges from amateur to professional.
"Everyone has to read music to acquire a spot," Petker said. "This is not a place for beginners."
City Councilwoman Marsha McLean, said she attends local cultural offerings as often as she can.
"I love coming to the events, the talent is amazing," she said. "The Chorale is one of the most beautiful blending of voices I have ever heard."
Another "Friends of the Santa Clarita Master Chorale," fund-raising concert will be held 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 at the Valencia United Methodist Church, 25718 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Ticket prices are $25..-
For more information on Santa Clarita Master Chorale, P.O. Box 800459, Santa Clarita, CA 91380-0459 Phone: (661) 254-8886, www.scmasterchorale.org
Copyright:The Signal
top
July 2006 (The Magazine of Santa Clarita)
SC Master Chorale's Celebrates the Spirit of America
by Joyce E. Baur
As the Santa Clarita Master Chorale ended its annual spring concert in early June, one member of the audience could be heard saying to herself and her friends, “Excellent concert. Excellent. Excellent.” And so it was. To those who have followed the Chorale since its first performance in 1999, this year’s offering was, by any measure, among its finest. Conducted by its accomplished and versatile artistic director, Allan Robert Petker, the 48-voice choral group provided a stunning panorama of musical tributes to the American spirit. Over and over in the course of the performance, the Chorale, along with its supporting cast of instrumentalists and narrator, led a full house of listeners at Valencia United Methodist Church to enthusiastic applause. “Stand Up and Cheer,” the title of the two hour program, could not have been more apt.
Do not be misled. This was not a John Phillip Sousa, salute-the-flag sort of performance. It was rather, in the tradition of the Chorale’s concert programs, a group of serious compositions coupled with a wide spectrum of folk and modern American music, all designed to musically dramatize America, its character and its dreams. “Stand Up and Cheer; the Four Freedoms,” a series of dramatic readings written by Jay Huguely and performed by Jim Brown, spelled out the unifying theme for the performances. Against the elegiac strains of Jay Unger’s “Ashokan Farewell,” Brown’s reading brought Franklin D. Roosevelt’s well-remembered four freedoms into focus. By turns, the music of the afternoon played out freedom of speech, freedom to worship as we choose, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
The opening number, Mark Hayes’ “jazzed-up” gospel arrangement of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” set the standard for an afternoon of music characterized by surprise and delight. Beginning with the lone, deep voice of Sean Goodman, bass, and growing, as sopranos Christine Enns and Cara Kowalczyk and tenor J.P. Jones joined in, the music gathered strength until the whole ensemble brought it to full volume. And so it was, with number after number, some quiet, some majestic and, at times, nearly thunderous, some slyly humorous; surprising and delightful.
If there is anything that has characterized the leadership of Allan Petker, it is his interest in and attention to twentieth century contributions to the field of choral music. Modern music masters Randall Thompson and Aaron Copland both had a significant contribution to this program. Thompson was represented by two selections from “The Testament of Freedom,” based on words of Thomas Jefferson. Copland’s unique contribution to American music—folk tunes at once lyrical and classical—was represented by selections from his award winning opera, “The Tender Land.”
The most noteworthy selection and performance in this year’s concert has to be Ron Kean’s “American Mass.” Kean has taken the basic components of the traditional mass, given them a beautiful and moving new voice, and added a series of counterpoints from American hymnody. His aim has been to “help tell the story of the American spirit in song.” The Chorale responded to the challenge of the composition with enthusiasm and ardor. Solo sopranos Jeanne Jordan and Jill Hackett added a special dimension to the composition.
Throughout the program, many an old favorite took on new significance with modern arrangements. Stephen Foster, Appalachian music and traditional spirituals all received treatments that ranged from exuberant to dramatic. Mike Andrews, bass, provided a special interpretation of the wayfaring stranger in “Going over Home.” Outstanding for her poignant rendition of a demanding aria was Leslie Garman’s solo, “My Man’s Gone Now,” from George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.”
Ann Moore, as always a superb accompanist, had several opportunities to delight the audience with solo compositions. Through the miracle of the modern electronic organ, Ann dazzled her listeners with “American Declaration,” a virtuoso “duet” in which she played organ and piano simultaneously.
The final set of the afternoon was a medley of Irving Berlin favorites, newly arranged by Jan Sanborn. What a lovely, lilting way to finish up a fine afternoon of music! Sopranos Marybeth Margrave and Regina Colombo and bass Tom Brown sang with flair and enthusiasm. Responding to the enthusiasm of the audience, Director Petker led the Chorale in their encore number, Berlin’s “God Bless America.”
Programs of such varied and excellent quality do not just “happen.” An artistic director and his committee first have to have the vision and the knowledge even to dream of such a thing. Fine instrumentalists underscore the musical effects and add greatly to the pleasure. Choral singers have to show up and practice under the expert guidance of their leader. A small army of volunteers has worked on all the behind-the-scenes nitty-gritty to make sure the concert actually happens. And then, voila! The citizens of Santa Clarita are the beneficiaries.
Don’t miss the Chorale’s next concert season. Information will be available soon on website, www.scmasterchorale.org, or call 254-8886.
top
May 2006 (The Magazine of Santa Clarita)
An Exceptional Performance by the Santa Clarita Master Chorale
by Ed Carstens
If you weren’t in Santa Clarita’s College of the Canyons Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday afternoon, March 26, 2006, you missed one of the better performances of a major classical masterwork likely to be heard in the Los Angeles area this year. The Santa Clarita Master Chorale together with professional soloists and orchestra delivered a stunning performance of Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, K. 427 (“The Great Mass”).
In the midst of its seventh season bringing exceptional music performances to Santa Clarita, the Chorale has become known for its quality of sound, impressive range and well-balanced dynamics. In this performance it also demonstrated a new excellence of articulation that brought heightened clarity to contrapuntal passages and excitement to the dramatic moments in the work. From the gently flowing strains of the opening “Kyrie” to the powerful final “Benedictus,” the Chorale performed as one magnificent instrument in the hands of its popular and highly respected Artistic Director, Allan Robert Petker.
Maestro Petker maintained firm control of the forces under his direction throughout the performance. He had command of a very talented and well-rehearsed group of singers and professional instrumentalists, and he made the most of it. Prior to the concert, Mr. Petker delivered an amusing and informative pre-concert lecture to prepare his audience to fully appreciate Mozart’s masterwork. Cautioning his listeners not to take the movie “Amadeus” too seriously as true Mozart history, he described some of the real circumstances surrounding the composition of “The Great Mass” and highlighted some things to listen for, such as influences of Bach and Handel.
Santa Clarita Master Chorale performances have always featured outstanding soloists, often from the ranks of the Chorale itself, but they outdid themselves this time. The guest soloists were sopranos Desiree Hassler, and Caroline McKenzie, tenor Jonathan Mack, and bass Michael Gallup.
Desirée Hassler, a former member of the Santa Clarita Master Chorale, was a finalist in the 2005 Metropolitan Opera Auditions and winner of the Voice Division of the 2004 International Franz Liszt Competition, amongst other awards. In the opening of the Mass, she joined with the Chorale singing a floating legato pattern to which the Chorale responded. Her considerable vocal range was apparent in her flawless two-octave jump from a low A to a high A, followed by lovely trills and melissmas. The true beauty of her voice stood out in the slow and sustained melody of the “Et incarnatus est.”
Caroline McKenzie sang the difficult soprano aria “Laudamus te,” which Mozart had derived from music he had written for his opera singer wife Constanze (who apparently was simply not in Ms. McKenzie’s class). Filled with complex trills and lengthy melissmas, Caroline sang effortlessly, clearly sounding out each note, so that at once one heard a connected, flowing pattern and the individual beauty of each note.
Jonathan Mack, the tenor soloist, sang in a trio, “Quoniam tu solus,” with Caroline and Desirée and joined the other soloists in the “Benedictus” quartet. Jonathan, who has an eighteen-year tenure with the Los Angeles Opera, displayed a powerful, developed voice with a fine tone that he carefully matched to the voices of the other singers.
I would have liked to hear more of the strong rich bass voice of Michael Gallup, who is a regular guest soloist with many major opera companies and a singer of vast musical experience. Unfortunately, Mozart gave the bass soloist only a part in the final “Benedictus quartet.” Perhaps Mozart did not have as good a bass as Mr. Gallup available. The SCMC was fortunate to acquire talent of his caliber, as well as of the other soloists, and it speaks volumes that the Santa Clarita Master Chorale can attract this kind of talent.
If there was a weakness in the overall performance, it was a slightly diminished choral sound due to the stage facilities of the Center. Those of us who have heard the Santa Clarita Master Chorale in other settings realized some of the Chorale’s sound was not reaching the audience. Because of the rather large number of performers (52 singers and 23 instrumentalists), many of the singers were placed toward the back of the stage. In spite of the Center’s sophisticated sound system, and partial shells placed in back of the singers, some of the Chorale’s sound was not projected out to the audience. Perhaps a more complete acoustic shell would enhance future large ensemble performances in the Center.
If you have not heard this outstanding musical ensemble, do yourself a favor and plan now to attend their next concert, “Stand Up and Cheer” on Saturday, June 3, at 7:00 p.m. or Sunday, June 4, at 3:30 p.m. at Valencia United Methodist Church, 25718 McBean Parkway. If you have heard them, you know what I mean. For information, call The Santa Clarita Master Chorale, (661) 254-8886, or look them up at www.scmasterchorale.org.
top
February 14, 2006 (The Signal)
Magical Madrigal Feast
by Michele Buttelman
It was an evening defined by the phrase "eat, drink and be merry." Or as the "King" (played by Dean Smith) commanded - "Drink ale."
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale's inaugural "Midwinter Madrigal Feast" featured a host of "lords and ladies" festively costumed in heraldic and royal attire in a recreation of a 16th century royal banquet as well as an amusing "entertainment." The farcical "Handel and Gretzky: A Tale of Two Kiddies" was cleverly adapted to the people and places of the SCV by the show's director - Jay Huguely.
Between acts the cast - comprised of Master Chorale members who auditioned for their roles - performed chorale works under the direction of Allan Robert Petker, the Chorale's artistic and musical director.
In addition to Smith, featured actors included Heather Rayl as the Town Crier; John Fortman as the Jester; Catherine Simpson as Bob, the Director; Regina Columbo as the Queen; Larry Wood as Lord Mertonsire; Nancy Flores as Daddy/Step Mommy; Collette George as the Witch and Marie Gilbert as Effix. Courtiers were played by Mike Andrews, Linda Bonar, Neil Fleischer, Leslie Garman, Jeanne Jordan, Cara Kowalczyk and Clyde Wright.
Pre-show music (and a wonderful kazoo fanfare) was provided by Petker on the viola, Jerry Danielsen on guitar, Nancy Honaker on recorder, Marybeth Margrave on flute and Paul Sternhagen on percussion.
The elegant evening, which included hors d'oeuvres, champagne, raffles and dinner, attracted 115 guests, which gave the event high marks for entertainment and originality.
"I think it is lovely," said Ann Moore, a pianist who often accompanies the group. "They've all worked so hard on this."
Sherry Klahs, event co-chairwoman and Master Chorale board president, said the group plans to make the event an annual fund-raiser.
"We're looking at this to be our signature event," she said. "We want to be known as a group that puts on a quality affair."
Jill Hackett, event chairwoman, said she was surprised at the "hidden" talents of the Chorale singers.
"We were shocked and pleasantly surprised to find out how many actors we had," she said.
Among the event's attendees were state senator George Runner and his wife, assemblywoman Sharon Runner.
"This is a great way to showcase the local talent," George Runner said.
Money raised from the event will be used to assist in funding the group's sixth season which will present its next concert "Just Mozart" on Sunday, March 26 at the College of the Canyons performing arts center.
The 3:30 p.m. concert will feature a free pre-concert lecture at 2:30 p.m. by Artistic Director Allan Robert Petker. Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth, the Chorale will present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Great Mass in C Minor."
Tickets to "Just Mozart" are $19 for general admission and $14 seniors/students and are available by calling 254-8886.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. For more information visit www.scmasterchorale.org
Copyright:The Signal
top
June 24, 2005 (The Signal)
Master Chorale Serenades Santa Clarita
by Michelle Sathe
Valencia United Methodist Church was recently packed to capacity as the 55-member Santa Clarita Master Chorale made beautiful music during a "Summer Serenade."
From Gregorian chants to early American hymns, and culminating with a "Sentimental Journey" of classic standards, the two-hour event showcased what artistic director Allan Robert Petker called "gems from different time periods."
"The first half is educational, while the second half is crowd-pleasing fun," Petker said. As a composer, Petker has over 250 published works including "The Circle," featured in "Serenade's" first act.
Composed almost exclusively of Santa Clarita residents, experience in the chorale ranges from amateur to professional. "Everyone has to read music to acquire a spot. This is not a place for beginners," Petker said.
Most have had musical training of some sort, Petker continued.
Soprano Desire Hassler was a particular standout with her operatic solo during "Oh! Quand Je Dors" by Franz Liszt, while accompanist Ann Moore provided gorgeous piano throughout the event.
The mission of The Santa Clarita Master Chorale, in addition to its three annual public performances, is to educate the public about the importance of chorale music as an art form. The "Keep America Singing" program helps fifth-graders at local schools learn through classroom instruction and live demonstrations.
"With all the cuts from government and other funding, there's a real lack in music programs. This allows us to expose people to incredible music," said chairwoman Sherry Klahs.
During the second act, an 18-child ensemble from the Valencia United Methodist Church accompanied the adult chorale, adding a touching chorus during the Petker-composed "Early American Hymn Festival."
Carolyn Osborne's haunting violin wafted in and out of favorites such as "What A Friend We Have in Jesus," "I've Got Peace Like a River," and "Amazing Grace."
Valencia's Tom and Penni Royston beamed proudly as they watched two of their grandchildren perform.
"We're enjoying it a lot, we love the singing," Penni said.
Kim Acosta of Canyon Country came to relive the magic she enjoyed as a child.
"I grew up hearing choir music, but I don't belong to a church," she said. "This is great."
Visibly pregnant, she rubbed her belly and smiled.
"I read babies respond to the tones of choir music. I'm here for the both of us," she said.
For more information on Santa Clarita Master Chorale, call 254-8886 or visit www.scmasterchorale.org.
top
January 2005 (The Magazine of Santa Clarita)
SC Master Chorale's "Holiday Splendor" Fulfills Expectations
by Joyce E. Baur
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale, now in its sixth season, provided its anticipated luster to the Valley’s holiday landscape with its annual winter concert on December 10 and ll, 2004 in Valencia Methodist Church. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Allan Robert Petker, the 60 voice choral group offered a sparkling and soul satisfying palette of seasonal music.
Don’t imagine for a minute that this was a program of same old, same old, tried-and-true crowd pleasers. Although it is safe to say that the assembled sold out ‘crowds’ on both Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon were very pleased, it must also be said that the program included a wonderful array of the ‘new’. There were modern compositions as well as new arrangements of familiar music, with the added flavor of brass and bells. In fact, a quick scan of the program showed that every composer and arranger was a product of the 20th century.
Artistic Director Petker set the mood for much of the performance with the triumphant tone of his opening composition, Christmas Prelude for Brass. It was followed immediately with the Gloria, a traditional liturgical piece, in this case composed with grand proportion by Randol Bass in 1990. Using to full effect the 60 voice chorale and 12 instrumentalists, Petker produced magnificent music.
Petker is not only an accomplished director of music, but also a composer and arranger. Deep in a Winter’s Night and Come Thou Long Expected Jesus demonstrated his ability as arranger and director. These traditional carols took on new beauty as the a capella Chorale joined with handbells to produce new harmonies.
The Alchemy Handbell Ensemble, directed by Boude Moore, was a delightful addition to the program. With a medley of traditional carols, the Ensemble nimbly and artfully provided both visual and aural beauty. White-gloved young musicians ably offered horizontal bell-ringing, with each person responsible not for a single note but for a voice.
Selections from The Incarnation, a Christmas cantata composed by K. Lee Scott in 1998, brought the first half of the program to a close. Adding special beauty to this devotional music was soprano soloist Desiree Hassler, who sang the familiar opening words of the Gospel of John.
Another soprano, Bonnie Thomas, brought out the pensive quality of I Wonder As I Wander with an Andrew Carter arrangement of this familiar Appalachian carol. Andrew Carter was also arranger for the Chorale’s rendition of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, a magnificent composition of unusual harmonies, with soaring sopranos supported by choral voices and the dramatic organ accompaniment of Ann Moore.
Changing the mood, Director Petker segued into the very appropriately named Sing a Merry Madrigal, a happy tintabulation of musical syllables sung by a dozen choristers.
There was room in the program for several secular classics, as well as two warm and well-received compositions by Santa Clarita resident and gifted musician, Jan Sanborn: Velvet Shoes and The Heart of Christmas.
The performance ended as it had begun, with the full chorale and instrumentalists together performing magnificent music, Donald McCullough’s Canite Tuba (Sound the Trumpet).
Under Allan Petker’s direction the Santa Clarita Master Chorale has demonstrated once again its versatility, its first rate musicianship and its well-deserved place among valued vocal groups in the greater Los Angeles area.
top
July 2004 (The Magazine of Santa Clarita)
SC Master Chorale Celebrates Five Years of Success!
by Christine Enns
In May, the Santa Clarita Master Chorale celebrated its fifth season running with a wonderful variety concert! The audience was entertained thoroughly with a walk down memory lane as the Chorale mixed memorable and favorite pieces from many of its performances over the last five years. In 1999, the Chorale started under the artistic direction of Dr. Peter Pocock, who recently moved back to his native Australia. Dr. Pocock helped set a high standard of musicality and discipline. Now, with the new tenure of Allan Petker, an internationally-recognized choral clinician and composer, the Chorale is getting the “best of both worlds.” Many audience members commented about the Chorale’s mature sound and the beautiful musicality being displayed from the singers. Also noted was the excellent choice of literature performed.
One outstanding piece that had many audience members humming along was the medley from Les Misérables, which featured solos by John and Lisa Martin, Dean Smith, Randy Pikop, Debbie Wolpert, Katie McFadden, Wally Purdy, Jeanne Jordan and Penny Wallace. As the evening went on, we heard a select group of eight singers in an a cappella rendition of “Michelle” by the Beatles, with Neil Fleischer soloing in his remarkable high tenor range. It was a very impressive moment as seasoned audience members could hear how well the ensemble blended and followed the direction of Petker.
A delightful surprise came in the second half when Petker conducted his own cleverly humorous composition called “Do you carrot all for me?” which names 11 different fruits and vegetables with a romantic play on words. Also noted was the gorgeous full-voiced Wendy Reed soloing in the traditional spiritual, “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child.” Each note Wendy hit was pure and velvety, leaving the audience in awe. The evening also featured the famous “Lakmé Duet” performed by Nylea Butler- Moore and Leslie Garman, which made the house roar with applause for a good minute. It was a bittersweet moment as the Chorale says farewell to Butler-Moore, who is moving to Alabama.
The Chorale saved the best for last when it finished with a wonderful rendition of “In Dat Great Gittin’ Up Mornin’”--inviting all past members of the Chorale to sing together, a symbolic gesture of the celebration and the success of the chorus’s first five years.
All in all, the evening was a delightful display of the Chorale’s past, present and the beginning of future successes that will ring true for many years to come.
top
May 2004 (The Magazine of Santa Clarita)
SC Master Chorale and SC Symphony
Greet Spring With Beautiful Music"
by Joyce Baur
Spring is a time of new beginnings. This year an auditorium full of Santa Clarita music lovers celebrated the arrival of spring with a combination of several special new beginnings.
On Sunday afternoon, March 21, more than 600 listeners gathered in the William S. Hart Auditorium, Newhall, to hear the Santa Clarita Master Chorale join with the Santa Clarita Symphony Orchestra in their first concert together. It was also the Chorale’s first concert under the leadership of their new director, Allan Petker, as well as their first major concert performed not in Valencia but in Newhall. It was a special event which provided special, professionally performed classical music for an appreciative audience.
If spring is a time of new beginnings, it is also the time in the church year to celebrate liturgical music that deepens the meaning of the Lenten season. Together the Chorale and the Symphony produced two stirring masterworks, Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” and Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass.”
The “Coronation Mass,” composed by a young Mozart in the early years of his career, seems to soar and move buoyantly forward, often with lyrical beauty. “The Lord Nelson Mass,” by contrast, is the work of a mature Joseph Haydn. Its music offers a more stately, perhaps even commanding aura. Under Petker’s capable clear direction, the 42 voice Chorale combined with the 20 instrumentalists of the Symphony to match the beauty and tone of each of the two compositions.
The Chorale members who were soloists added moments of special beauty to the performance. They were Leslie Garman, soprano; Nylea Butler-Moore, mezzo-soprano; Legend Ackley, tenor; and Walter Purdy, baritone for the “Coronation.” Leslie Garman, soprano; Wendy Reed, mezzo-soprano; Peter Precht, tenor; and Wally Purdy, baritone, were soloists for the “Lord Nelson.” Of these, it is fair to say that Leslie Garman’s pure and perfectly controlled soprano provided the afternoon’s most moving and memorable vocal performance.
Between the two choral numbers, the Symphony string sections performed beautifully the “Concerto Grosso for String Orchestra and Piano Obbligato” by 20th century composer Ernest Bloch. Robert Lawson, conductor, seemed really pleased to be directing this group of obviously experienced and talented musicians. Pianist Ann Moore, familiar to Chorale audiences, played Bloch’s spirited and fast-paced composition with distinction.
All in all, the afternoon concert was a tribute to the dedication of the fine musicians who live among us in the Santa Clarita Valley, and to the audiences who believe in them and support them. These are economically hard times for the arts, as budgets for support groups are being slashed on every hand. Yet it is the arts which enrich and sustain the heart and spirit of a people. Now more than ever both of the performing groups need the support of the community. The Symphony especially, which was launched only two years ago, needs visionary supporters. To offer assistance or obtain more information about the Santa Clarita Master Chorale, call 254-8886 or visit their website, www.scmasterchorale.org. For the Symphony, call 255-0244, ext. 13, or visit their website, www.scsymphony.com.
top
January 2004 (The Magazine of Santa Clarita)
Master Chorale Treats Us With "A Winter's Eve Celebration"
by Jerry Danielsen
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale excellently presented a program of cultural diversity and timeless music with its holiday celebration on December 5th, 6th and 7th at the Valencia United Methodist Church. Artistic director, conductor and organist Peter G. Pocock led the group of singers who sparkled like sonic glitter throughout the church halls. The skillful piano and organ accompaniment was gracefully executed by Ann Moore. These concerts were Dr. Pocock’s last with the Master Chorale, having been director since its inception in 1999, and he will be missed.
The evening began with the grand “Sing Noel,” featuring brass and percussion accompaniment with great dynamic power. The vocalists then showed extraordinary authority and delicate balance with “Resonet In Laudibus” a beautiful piece. Randall Thompson’s “Glory To God In The Highest” was both modern and joyful. The next pieces demonstrated Dr. Pocock’s infectious conducting style, and showcased the highly adept vocal talents of the group. The angelic “O Magnum Mysterium” was followed by several wonderfully blended, ethereal a capella pieces. “Sir Christèmas” had a jazzy, upbeat swing to it, which left the audience delighted.
We were then treated to traditional pieces “Deck the Halls” and “The Holly and the Ivy” arranged by John Rutter. Rutter’s “Gloria” was both emotionally and intellectually stimulating. The modern piece started mellow and introspective with amazing crescendos, and continued with tremendous virtuosity. Soprano soloist Leslie Garman lent dramatic clarity to each note, and all voices went well with the brass, percussion and organ. A periodic slide show containing lyrics in both English and native tongues was interspersed throughout the show.
After intermission, we heard the triumphant medley “Christmas Day” by Gustav Holst,featuring ebullient solos by sopranos Jill Hackett and Jeanne Jordan and bass Don Jepsen. Pieces by Mendelssohn followed with elegant drama.Mezzo-soprano Caroline McKenzie then led an outstanding African trilogy that started with longing a capella strains and progressed into a revivalist-type choir with syncopated percussion rhythms that had everybody moving. Later the jazzy and sometimes comical “Variations on Jingle Bells” was quite entertaining, and featured soprano Christine Enns.
“Hanerot, Halalu”magnificently concluded the evening, with exuberant applause. The hard work and impressive results of this Master Chorale is a gold mine of cultural excellence in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Jerry Danielsen is an active Composer-Poet-Musician who resides in Santa Clarita, and promotes local involvement in the arts.
top
December 1, 2003 (Santa Clarita Valley Daily News) p. 4
Musical Youth: Program Exposes School Kids to Choral Works"
Fifth-graders at James Foster Elementary in Saugus were treated to a choral music demonstration Nov. 14 as part of the Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s new educational outreach program, “Keep America Singing.”
The program was funded by a $5,000 grant from the city of Santa Clarita and is intended to provide 4th through 6th graders in local elementary schools with an opportunity to learn about and experience choral music through classroom instruction, CDs, tapes, live demonstrations, and free passes to Chorale concerts.
Kay Dell, a member of the Santa Clarita Master Chorale and an elementary music teacher, began the new program with a live demonstration at the school featuring chorale members Larry Wood, Nylea Butler-Moore, Bonnie Thomas and Wally Purdy.
The Keep America Singing program was developed and will be administered by Dell, who has taught elementary music education for over 20 years and is currently serving as an adjunct professor -- teaching music literature for children -- at both California State University, Northridge, and California State University, Channel Islands.
“Many music educators such as myself are concerned that our children, with so much exposure to commercial music, are no longer singing,” Dell said. “Many children today are not even familiar with traditional folk songs that are a part of our American heritage.
“The two main objectives of our program are to promote and encourage singing, and to instill in students the desire to expand their knowledge of and appreciation for choral music.”
According to Dell, current plans are to present the demonstration to 5th grade students in three more schools in February. The outreach program will focus on 5th-graders during its first year, expanding to include 4th and 6th graders in the next two years.
The Keep America Singing program will extend this educational outreach by providing curriculum materials and study guides that can be implemented by classroom teachers.
“Contributing to arts education in our schools has always been a goal of the Santa Clarita Master Chorale. We are pleased that we are launching this program and look forward to expanding it to other grades and other schools in the future,”said Sherry Klahs, chairwoman of the chorale board.
top
July 2003 (The Magazine of Santa Clarita) p. 12
Master Chorale Entices With "A Little Night Music"
by Jerry Danielsen
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale shined with a diverse program of short, graceful pieces on May 30th and 31st at the Valencia United Methodist Church. Artistic Director and conductor Peter G. Pocock lead the group of singers with alternating currents of delicacy and power. The flawless and thoughtful piano and percussion accompaniment was excellently executed by Ann Moore.
The evening began with the joyous and upbeat “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” by Richard Rodgers. The vocalists then showed confidence and grace with a trilogy of elegant pieces by Debussy, Schubert, and Barber’s &ldqu |