Dear Friends,

As you all are likely aware, due to the current public health emergency, it has simply become unhealthy and unwise for us to continue to meet as a group to make music together. And so, It is with a heavy heart that we must cancel the Spring Season of Orpheus Chorale.  Under present and near future conditions, we will not be able to prepare a program.

This is sad news; especially sad since we didn’t get an opportunity to say a proper “see ya in a few weeks.”   BUT…..

But we live to sing another day !!!  The Orpheus Board will gather as soon as the storm has passed and immediately begin planning for the rebirth of “Jubilate Deo” for Fall or next Spring.   Our passion to make music together is such a strength and blessing.  We’ll be back together before long, and when we are, we will have a fresh opportunity to validate life, and bring joy through our song.  And, when we return, it will be especially welcomed and will be very important.

We’ll be in touch.   Love ya all,

Mark

Hold on to your music (and maybe peek at it once in a while 🙂 – 

Dear Orpheans,

Greetings to Everyone and Happy New Year.

As Ive hope you’ve heard, Orpheus Starts up on Sunday (12th) and i’m excited to jump back into the drivers seat to prepare another outstanding piece by Dan Forrest. The piece is titled “Jubilate Deo”  it is a beautiful masterwork, with some very exciting roof-raising moments.  We will have another outstanding ensemble to accompany us including our harpist from Eastman/RPO (both performances this time). I am writing in the hope that you will all be planning to participate and to ask if you would do some pre-rehearsal listening. Info about Jubilate Deo can be found at http://danforrest.com/music-catalog/jubilate-deo

I know you want a head start so …..Below is some listening homework to prepare for Sunday’s first rehearsal.

Please do what you can.  Im looking for to seeing everyone on Sunday.

Mark

Please listen to the following music!

1-Performance of Jubilate Deo:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Tb1uUeN8Nl4mnMTPQVqolRHuYY6nBiQq

2-Challenge Piece: As well.. it would be most helpful if you could review the following recording of #5 – Ngokujabula.  This is wild, great fun, but one of the more challenging pieces!!!   Recommendation: listen to this piece at least 5x … to get it in your head.  Don’t worry about the Zulu text…ill teach it  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11_boUKeNaGj_cXeVTTS4vCZU4pLDJ7AM/view

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Extra Credit 🙂 

We will also have access to individual practice parts, for every voice part, for every song.  We’ll talk more about this on Sunday but I know some you would like this information now.  If you just can’t wait… below is information on several ways for you to get those practice parts for your part.  

Practice Parts: 3 Ways to Get to Them (Chorus Connection, Google Link, Soundcloud Links)

1) On Chorus Connection (the easiest and best way to get these recordings)

Simply – Login to Chorus Connection (www.chorusconnection.com) – click on “Files” and find your folder (voice part)

2) On Google

• https://drive.google.com/open?id=19mozRo1mAxks05Su3J4zK-yNNZYDIGWN

3) On Sound Cloud: Practice parts (voice part only)

• All-Parts:  https://soundcloud.com/danforrestmusic/sets/jubilate-deo-rehearsal-tracks-satb-balanced

• SOPRANO:  https://soundcloud.com/danforrestmusic/sets/jubilate-deo-rehearsal-tracks-soprano-only

• ALTO:     https://soundcloud.com/danforrestmusic/sets/jubilate-deo-rehearsal-tracks-alto-only

• TENOR:  https://soundcloud.com/danforrestmusic/sets/jubilate-deo-rehearsal-tracks-tenor-only

• BASS:  https://soundcloud.com/danforrestmusic/sets/jubilate-deo-rehearsal-tracks-bass-only

ALSO – VIDEO PRACTICE (video of the score with your part)

• https://youtu.be/OWDXjCxiKHQ?list=PL2RaYtQsOc9O_3KkksPc3HrL7qoJaZncW

“Requiem for the Living” Performance Recordings 2019

Friday May 3rd, 2018 – Hornell Presbyterian Church

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Sunday May 5th, 2018 – Bath Presbyterian Church

 

 

May 3rd at 7pm

United Presbyterian Church of Hornell, NY

150 Main St., Hornell, NY

FREE Admission

and

featuring
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble
Boy Soprano: Douglas Bryson; Tenor: Neil Bryson

Directed by Mark A. Smith

May 5th at 3pm
First Presbyterian Church Bath, NY
6 E. Morris St., Bath, NY
FREE Admission

This project is made possible, in part, with funds from NYSCA’s Decentralization program,
administered regionally by the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes

Hi folks,

Some great news for Orpheus. We have received word that we will be receiving funds from the NYSCA Decentralization Funded Community Arts Grant. The amount of the grant will be $2000, to be used toward our 2019 Spring Concert “Requiem for the Living.  I would like to give a big “Thank You” to Barb Stephens who wrote the grant application.  With out this money we would not be able to put on this kind of program. It pays our musicians.  Again thanks Barb for all you do.  

Also you all should have gotten emails from Mark, please read both, one has an RSVP so we have an idea of how many singers we are going to have.

Thanks

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Lucy

Dear Orpheans,

Busy time I know, but I wanted to get out some Spring Season Startup information.

Most Importantly I want to make sure you Mark Your Calendars .. We Wil Start Up Again on Sunday January 13^th 6:30 at Hornell Presbyterian

As you probably know by now, our spring program will feature the masterwork “Requiem for the Living”  by Dan Forrest.   Dan is originally from Elmira, NY and is one of the most performed new choral composers.   This music is both exciting and beautiful.  

Below is some information for those who are looking ahead..

I wish you all an very Happy and Safe Holiday Season,

Mark

Downloads:  Dropbox – https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4tx0a50fhh0m73r/AABpvzh8G88r-v932pQMdHtSa?dl=0

Includes:

1. Download files
2. Practice Parts
3. PDF of the Score (we will provide real scores for rehearsals)

Recording on YouTube 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlwzWAce0o6VlPHMjSfmqQo1Lt4AXa4b_

Interview with Composer re:RFtL   (6 min.)

Attached Doc.: Dan Forrest’s Program Notes

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our new website at orpheuschorale.org.  Please feel free to poke around.

Read about us, view our updated performance history, and find out what’s ahead for Orpheus Chorale.

As well… check our “What’s Next” section for a sneak peek announcement (and sneak listening preview) of our Spring 2019 Masterwork Program Dan Forrest’s “Requiem for the Living”.  More info to come!  So, stay tuned!

The Orpheus Chorale of Hornell N.Y.