INFORMATION PACKET 2019 SEASON Great Music Great Conductors Great Venues Berkshire Choral International 245 N. Undermountain Road Sheffield, MA 01257 413.229.1310 info@berkshirechoral.org www.berkshirechoral.org Travel with BCI to locations around the world for the choral singing experience of a lifetime. We begin in Boston, before we head south to Richmond, finally capping things off with a trip to Prague. We can t wait to see you there!
Boston, MA June 23 30, 2019 Felix Mendelssohn: Elijah Erin Freeman, conductor Boston Symphony Hall 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 infamous 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.
Richmond, VA July 7 14, 2019 Morton Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna Benjamin Britten: Saint Nicolas Tom Hall, conductor Carpenter Theater 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 Morten Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna Morten Lauridsen composed the requiem Lux Aeterna in 1997 after the death of his mother. The five-movement work is based on several Latin texts and their various references to light. The piece has become Lauridsen s most performed thanks to its lyrical melodies, poignant harmonies, and tonal consistency. It s ability to express the human journey often brings audiences to tears. The Los Angeles Master Chorale premiered the work in 1 997 and their recording won a Grammy in 1999. Benjamin Britten: Saint Nicolas Saint Nicolas was written in 1948 for the centennial celebrations of Lancing College in Sussex by Benjamin Britten. The nine-scene cantata was Britten s first professional work intended primarily for performance by amateur musicians and was scored specifically for the resources available to him. Eric Crozier wrote the text of Saint Nicolas based on the legendary life and faith of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, Lycia. Britten s music and Crozier s text dramatically work together using striking contrasts in instrumentation, vocal style, and musical textures.
Prague, Czech Republic August 4 11, 2019 Antonín Dvořák: Stabat Mater Heinz Ferlesch, conductor Žofín Palace 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 Vlatava 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.
Testimonials It was just a thrilling week. I found it to be educational. I found it to be entertaining. The fellowship is also something I found here; renewing old friendships as well as seeing new friends. 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 definately getting your money s worth. Megan Helm, First-time chorister