Commonwealth Chorale's Christmas Oratorio To Feature Young Voices
Published 4:13 pm Tuesday, December 3, 2013
The Commonwealth Chorale will present the Bach Christmas Oratorio on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at Farmville United Methodist Church.
Bach had only children and men singing in his choirs. Sopranos were young boys with pure angelic voices. For this performance, local young people, under the guidance of Elizabeth McCutchen, will be featured. Do these new Prince Edward choir members know what excitement and hope they bring?
Michael Keohane, 12, sings by himself — an angel and an echo. All these youngsters share in announcing the newborn Babe.
The following comments are by these young singers:
Emma Lewis: “Singing Bach has been a challenge for me because I have never sang such high notes before. I have really enjoyed the experience singing Bach and learning music from such wonderful instructors. I am so excited for the performances.
Jack Jones: “I have never been in a choir and I have really enjoyed it. I like to sing in the choir. It has really been really exciting being in a choir this powerful.”
Hadley Puckett: “4 reasons! I like Bach because it is very high and beautiful. It is fun, but challenging to sing. I like learning its higher pitched notes. It makes me feel happy when I sing it.”
Lauren Anema: “I like to sing Bach because it adds rhythm to Christian music and that’s what I like. I have never done anything like this before and it was pretty fun. It wasn’t difficult to learn at all but I wanted to go beyond my comfort zone and try something new. Singing is my life and trying something new helps you learn new things and techniques. I know it will help me become successful in the future.”
Harrison Jones: “I have really enjoyed being in this choir. It has been amazing singing with the adults and has sounded so powerful when everyone sings together. I have been playing the piano for over four years and I am starting to play classical music like what we are singing. This has been a brand new experience for me. My church has a choir but nothing this big, I have loved every second of this choir.
Kait Hosmer: “I like to sing Bach because it is very clear what you are supposed to sing. I have done a few things like this before and they were very interesting. I honestly didn’t think it was difficult to learn, that is one of the reasons that I enjoyed singing it. I like singing with the adults because they have many different tones and voices and is very enjoyable to listen to.”
Michael Keohane: “I like singing Bach’s music. I like singing Bach because of the different melodies blending together. I think the sound is awesome. It is hard but once you get the hang of it is really fun.”
Christian Suprenant: “I like to sing Bach because I like the melody. I have sung a solo in church before and I am going to sing with my friends in a cantata. I have gotten the hang of it now and it is not that bad.”