December 2008 – By Alan Becker
People coming together in order to accomplish something of a positive nature seems to be a rarity in these times. Yet the Master Chorale
of South Florida, the Empire Brass, and Pine Crest School Choir have conspired (most effectively) to give us a seasonal program that
will lift the spirit from the troubled world of today into a time of contemplation, joy, and hope. All of this took place at the First
Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach, on a serene, if not especially starry Friday night.
Christmas carols, tastefully arranged, formed the bulk of a program that also found time for two Hannukah songs, a carol by Charles Ives,
and pieces by Monteverdi and Praetorius. The Empire Brass threw in a few transcriptions of their own, including the Danse Russe from
the Nutcracker, and the Troika from Lieutenant Kije. If these arrangements did not exactly erase memories
of the originals, they were delightfully effective in their own special way. These brass players could probably play a violin sonata
and make it sound interesting.
Dr. Joshua Habermann conducted the Master Chorale with masterly aplomb. The very resonant church
acoustic might have covered up a few details, but the essence and spirit of the choir were unmistakable. Even the youngsters from the
Pine Crest School Choir were disciplined and sang forth with joy during the Twelve Days of Christmas, South Florida style. That
most of the words were unintelligible was certainly not the fault of Pine Crest conductor Larry Mellone who contributed the arrangement.
The longest work on the program was A Christmas Garland by the American composer Conrad Susa. This student of Bergsma and Persichetti
is chair of the composition department at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The Garland presents a string of several
popular carols arranged with wit and creativity. Susa uses his personal harmonic language and compositional skills without straying too
far from the original. When the carols emerged in their pristine state, the audience was asked to join in. It was easily the highlight
of a program of fun and high accomplishment, and the audience contribution sounded very good indeed.
The program will be repeated 8 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Miami, and 4 p.m. Sunday at Pine Crest School, Boca Raton.
$30, $35 at the door. 954-418-6232. www.masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org
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The Master Chorale of South Florida is South Florida’s premier classical choral ensemble. The talented singers volunteer their time for the satisfaction of performing the most challenging choral repertoire at the highest artistic level in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
The Master Chorale of South Florida was formed to ensure that world-class concerts of major choral-orchestral works remain a part of South Florida’s cultural fabric. Through innovative programming, artistic passion, and superb performances of the greatest music ever written, the Master Chorale of South Florida strives to foster feelings of joy and excitement in the hearts of audiences.
Contact: Nancy Gates-Lee, 954-770-2805
