Sierra Master Chorale – Singing Out on May 15

InConcert Sierra presents the Sierra Master Chorale, conducted by Alison Skinner, for an afternoon of magnificent choral music on Sunday, May 15, at 2pm in Grass Valley.

The program is replete with some of the most popular works for classical choral music.

 “We are singing three of my all-time favorite pieces of all time, Mendelssohn’s “Verlaih uns Friedan”, Brahms’ “O Schone Nacht”, and Mozart’s “Ave Verum Corpus”, said chorister Gwendy Reeder.

The program also includes excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah” and Whitacre’s “Five Hebrew Love Songs,” as well as the spiritual “Sing Out, My Soul” by Marques Garrett.

The 45-voice auditioned chorale is joined by an ensemble of local and professional instrumentalists: Jolán Friedhoff and Helen Graham, violin; Randy Fisher, viola; Jia-mo Chen, cello; Stephen Rice, bass; and ICS Artistic Director Ken Hardin, piano and organ.

 “The choristers have commented on the pleasures of rehearsing together again and loving the music selected for this program. Choral singing creates a social glue that bonds us all, the performers and listeners,” said Executive Director Julie Hardin. “For me, this performance brings beauty and joy at a time when we could all use the restorative experience of being enveloped in song.”

“It is a joy to be rehearsing again as a whole choir, singing beautiful music while being able to see other’s smiling faces. I’m looking forward to performing for the community,” said chorister Charlie Zimmerman.

In response to our currently low community case numbers of Covid and recommendations from the Nevada County Health Department, ICS will not be checking vaccination status. However, because of the very nature of choral music, ICS will strongly encourage masks be worn indoors for the safety of choral members and audience.

“We acknowledge that everyone has their own thoughts around masks and vaccines, yet many performers feel uneasy about the restrictions being lessened at this time. Because we wish to honor those concerns as the musicians share their gift of beautiful music with us all, we will request that those attending wear masks, but we will not mandate masks,” said Hardin.

The concert will be approximately 70-minutes in length with no intermission.

The Sierra Master Chorale is an auditioned choir founded in 2008.  It is part of InConcert Sierra, a Nevada County non-profit organization presenting high-caliber classical music performances and robust music education offerings for all ages.  Founded in 1946, ICS is celebrating 75 years as a vital part of Nevada County’s arts community.