A Message from the Artistic Director
Dear Friends,
As we look back on the past year and a half, perhaps the most important lesson we’ve all learned is that community is precious. During a time when many, if not most, choral groups didn’t make it, I am proud and gratified to say that The New Haven Chorale not only survived, but thrived. Our community remained steadfastly (digitally) connected and engaged, and our membership actually expanded; moving online allowed us to welcome singers from remote locales—an unexpected silver lining!
As we reflect on what we’ve been through and celebrate our emergence from it, what better way to mark this remarkable moment than with an equally remarkable piece?
We Sing Because was commissioned by the New Haven Chorale to commemorate its 2020-2021 virtual choir season and planned to be the last of its seven virtual choir projects. I approached brilliant composer Colin Britt in late fall of 2020 to write a piece that would not only acknowledge the challenges associated with COVID-19, but also express the hope, determination, and unswerving optimism of the choir. Colin came up with the idea of basing the libretto for the piece on chorale members’ experiences of the pandemic. The result is a powerful composition for choir, piano, and cello obligato that poignantly celebrates the power of music and the human spirit to overcome obstacles and move forward with hope.
This culminating work joins a wonderful repertoire of six previous virtual projects which includes Great Day, a powerful message that honors those fighting for equality and civil rights, Innisfree, composer Gerald Custer’s sweet setting of a text by William Butler Yeats, the lovely Carol of the Lamb by David von Kampen, the exuberant Gloria by Haydn and Hallelujah, Amen by Handel, and our original virtual piece, the uplifting Silver Rain, written by Marianne Zimmerman, with words by Alice Henderson and Peter Amidon, and arranged by Amidon. We’re gratified to be able to make all our virtual works available to you—any time and free of charge—via our YouTube channel, HERE. The amount of work that goes into producing these virtual projects cannot be overstated! But each one is a labor of love, and our gift to you.
As we anticipate a return to live rehearsals and performances, we already have several exciting virtual/live projects underway for 2021, and look forward to continuing to share our music with you via every means possible. As always, we are incredibly thankful for your loyal support of our work. Please enjoy these pieces and keep in touch with us online until we can perform for you in person again.
With every hope that you and yours are safe, happy and prospering,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Bolkovac, Music Director