INFORMATION PACKET 2019 SEASON - Berkshire Choral International
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INFORMATION PACKET
2019 SEASON
Travel with us to locations around the
world for the choral singing experience
of a lifetime. We begin on the west coast
in Sonoma before we go cross country
to Boston, and then Richmond, before
capping things off with a trip to Prague.
Come sing with us!
GREAT MUSIC. GREAT CONDUCTORS. GREAT VENUES.
Sonoma, CA June 9 – 16, 2019 Craig Hella Johnson: Considering Matthew Shepard Gary Thor Wedow, conductor Green Music Center About the Location California’s Sonoma County is known worldwide for its magnificent coastline, stately redwoods, and award-winning wineries. This Berkshire Choral International singing week is located at Sonoma State University, an hour north of San Francisco in the city of Rohnert Park. The Pacific Ocean is just a 45-minute drive west, and some of the best wine country in the world is just north and east. If you’re not too busy enjoying the nearby state parks and protected beaches, there are 375 wineries in Sonoma County. About the Music Considering Matthew Shepard is a poignant piece of work from Craig Hella Johnson in response to the murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998. Shepard was a young, gay student at the University of Wyoming when he was kidnapped, beaten, and left to die in a field by two men simply because of Shepard’s sexual orientation. Considering Matthew Shepard is Johnson’s first concert-length work and incorporates a variety of musical styles to take listeners through a range of emotions. The piece includes passages from Shepard’s personal journal, interviews and writings from his parents, newspaper reports and a range of poetic and soulful texts, and debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Traditional Classical Chart in Septem- ber 2016. Craig Hella Johnson has previously conducted with Berkshire Choral International (2006 and 2012), and we are extremely excited to be showcasing his work in 2019. GREAT MUSIC. GREAT CONDUCTORS. GREAT VENUES. BCI INFOPACKET | 2019
Boston, MA June 23 – 30, 2019 Felix Mendelssohn: Elijah Erin Freeman, conductor Boston Symphony Hall About the Location Join us in one of America’s oldest cities for a week you won’t forget. Relish the history of Massachusetts’ capital city as you visit landmarks along the famous Freedom Trail. In your free time, head to one of the city’s renowned art museums, see the penguins at the New England Aquarium, and take a stroll along the beautiful Charles River esplanade. Choristers will stay on the Tufts University Campus, just a 30-minute commute to the center of Boston. Founded in 1852, Tufts is located on a lush hill in between the cities of Medford and Somerville. Enjoy a picnic on the picturesque President’s Lawn and head over to the beautiful Granoff Music Center for rehearsal. When in the mood for food and entertainment, a quick 10-minute walk will bring you to popular Davis Square, where you can indulge in a wide assortment of delicious food and soak in the perfect Boston summer weather. About the Music This oratorio written by Felix Mendelssohn revolves around the Biblical prophet Elijah, featured in the Old Testament. Influenced by Bach and Handel, the lyricism and use of orchestral and choral color is indicative of what made Mendelssohn famous as an early Romantic composer. The work is scored for four vocal soloists (bass-baritone, tenor, alto, soprano), a full symphony orchestra, and a large chorus singing in four, and occasionally eight, parts. The popularity of Elijah has remained strong for 170 years due to its melodrama, appeal, and stirring choruses. GREAT MUSIC. GREAT CONDUCTORS. GREAT VENUES. BCI INFOPACKET | 2019
Richmond, VA July 7 – 14, 2019 Morten Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna Benjamin Britten: Saint Nicolas Tom Hall, conductor Carpenter Theater About the Location Founded in 1727, Richmond has always had a strong presence in American history. Patrick Henry famously declared “Give me Liberty or give me death” in St. John’s Church in 1775. Since then, Richmond has grown into a bustling and exciting metropolitan destination! Surrounded by the famous James River, Richmond hosts multiple cultural hot-spots and countless places to grab a bite to eat. Enjoy a trip around town to explore the Edgar Allan Poe museum and local history at the American Civil War Museum. Afterwards, head to Belle Isle for a picturesque walk around the city’s beautiful island park. When not exploring Richmond, enjoy your stay at the University of Richmond and its 350 acres of open lawns just within the city limits. The university was founded in 1830 and was the host for the first televised “Town Hall” of presidential nominees George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot in 1992. About the Music Benjamin Britten: Saint Nicolas Morten Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna Saint Nicolas was written in 1948 for the centennial Morten Lauridsen composed the requiem Lux celebrations of Lancing College in Sussex by Aeterna in 1997 after the death of his mother. The Benjamin Britten. The nine-scene cantata was five-movement work is based on several Latin texts Britten’s first professional work intended primarily for and their various references to light. The piece has performance by amateur musicians and was scored become Lauridsen’s most performed thanks to its specifically for the resources available to him. Eric lyrical melodies, poignant harmonies, and tonal Crozier wrote the text of Saint Nicolas based on the consistency. It’s ability to express the human legendary life and faith of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of journey often brings audiences to tears. The Los Myra, Lycia. Britten’s music and Crozier’s text Angeles Master Chorale premiered the work in dramatically work together using striking contrasts 1997 and their recording won a Grammy in 1999. in instrumentation, vocal style, and musical textures. GREAT MUSIC. GREAT CONDUCTORS. GREAT VENUES. BCI INFOPACKET | 2019
Prague,
August 4 – 11, 2019
Czech Republic
Antonín Dvořák: Stabat Mater
Heinz Ferlesch, conductor
Žofín Palace
About the Location
Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague
is best known for its breathtaking architecture,
including colorful baroque buildings, Gothic
churches, and a medieval Astronomical Clock.
The capital city is full of culture and beauty, including
the iconic Charles Bridge and the bustling Old Town
Square. Choristers can soak in views of the Vltava
River and grab local fare at a classic Czech tavern.
BCI choristers will be residing at the Hotel
International, located in the Prague-Dejvice
district, just a quick tram ride away from the major
sites. When not exploring the city, choristers will be
busy rehearsing Stabat Mater, a piece originally
premiered in Prague in 1880 by Czech
composer Dvořák.
About the music
Stabat Mater is a religious cantata by the Czech
composer Antonín Dvořák based on the text of the
Stabat Mater, an ancient Roman Catholic poem
detailing the Virgin Mary’s grief over the crucifixion
of Jesus. Dvořák started composing the piece in the
wake of tragedy after the death of his daughter
Josefa in 1876. He later finished the cantata in 1877
while grieving the death of his two remaining children.
Dvořák composed and premiered the 10-part piece
in Prague at the concert of the Association of Musical
Artists in 1880. It was met with great success and led
to the rise of Dvořák’s fame in the UK, and eventually
the US.
GREAT MUSIC. GREAT CONDUCTORS. GREAT VENUES. BCI INFOPACKET | 2019
Testimonials
“It’s been a really great experience
and I am happy to be a part
of the community.”
—Vincent James,
24-year chorister
“I couldn’t imagine a summer
without it. It’s just my favorite
week of the year.”
—Joan Stevens,
13-year chorister
“There is so much talent here. The
apprentices, the faculty members,
the accompanists, the conductor.
You feel like you’re definitely
getting your money’s worth.”
—Megan Helm,
First-time chorister
Ready to attend a BCI singing week?
As we get closer to our open enrollment period, head to
www.berkshirechoral.org for updates and reminders. You can also follow
us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up to date on BCI news.
Contact us with any questions and we can’t wait to sing
with you next summer!
Berkshire Choral International
245 N. Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
413.229.8526
info@berkshirechoral.org
www.berkshirechoral.org
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