A Musical Journey of Light and Hope: Sierra Master Chorale and Orchestra

Grass Valley, CA — The Sierra Master Chorale and Orchestra, under the baton of Musical Director and Conductor Alison Skinner, presents two powerfully moving performances on Sunday, May 18 at 2:30 PM and Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 PM.

Through “A Musical Journey of Light and Hope,” Skinner brings together themes of resilience, transcendence, and connection, celebrating the human spirit through an emotionally rich collection of choral works.

The concert program features music by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Rutter, Lauridsen, Hagenberg, Hasse, and Ola Gjeilo, along with a moving choral arrangement of “For Good” from the Broadway musical “Wicked” and “Over the Rainbow” from the “Wizard of Oz.”

 “This will be one of those concerts where you sit back, close your eyes or gaze out at the trees swaying in the breeze, and allow yourself to be swept away by the lush and sweeping melodies from sixty voices singing as one,” says InConcert Sierra Artistic Director Ken Hardin.

Among the program’s highlights is Splendor from “Illuminare” by Elaine Hagenberg, inspired by the image of eagles soaring and the luminous text of Saint Ambrose. Mozart’s “Te Deum,” composed when Mozart was only 13 years old, sparkles with youthful clarity. Morten Lauridsen’s “Sure on This Shining Night,” beloved for its lush harmonies, is described by singers as “hopeful” and “kind.”

The program also includes three powerful choruses from Mendelssohn’s oratorio “Elijah,” including “Lift Thine Eyes” and “Be Not Afraid,” and Ola Gjeilo’s cinematic and soul-stirring “Luminous Night of the Soul.”

While preparing for these concerts, the chorale engaged in a full-day workshop that included not only intensive musical rehearsal but also thoughtful exploration of the texts and their emotional impact. Reflections from singers are shared in the program, offering the audience a window into the meaningful journey behind each piece.

“The variety and depth of this Spring’s program is beautiful and challenging. The music stirs my artistic side,” said tenor Mark Grove.

The Sierra Master Chorale comprises auditioned singers, drawn from across the local and regional community. The ensemble is known for its high musical standards, expressive performances, and commitment to artistic excellence.

The choir performs with an orchestra of professional instrumentalists, many of whom also perform in leading orchestras throughout California. They bring depth and nuance to each performance, enabling the chorale to present complex and richly textured repertoire.

Tickets are $50 for Sunday’s matinee and “Pay What You Can” with a suggested minimum donation of $20 for Tuesday’s evening performance. Youth tickets (18 and under) are just $5 for either concert

Since its founding in 1946, InConcert Sierra has brought world-class classical music to the Sierra Nevada Region. The Sierra Master Chorale began in 2008 as part of InConcert Sierra’s rich programming. ICS offers outreach programs, educational opportunities, and collaborations to inspire a passion for classical music. ICS is currently constructing the Crown Point Venues, which will include a new acoustic concert hall, conference center, and black box theater.