InConcert Sierra and Sierra Master Chorale roll out new programs

THE SIERRA MASTER CHORALE PRESENTS some of the most memorable musical performances in the foothills. Shows we’ve enjoyed include “The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace,” the whimsical “MusicaliTea” and their holiday concerts.

On Thursday, May 15, and Sunday, May 18, the group—now under the wings of InConcert Sierra—will present two spring concerts with drama, excitement, emotion and lush melodies. The 70-voice choir will be joined by a 26-piece orchestra for this performance.

“My assistant music director Toon Vandevorst and I have created an eclectic program with great variety for both the choir and the audience, with something for everyone to enjoy,” says Artistic Director Ken Hardin. “I describe the program as being like a trip in a time capsule.”

The program includes music from Handel, Bach, Johann Adolph Hasse, Arvo Pärt, Gjeilo, Mendelssohn and Faure. The Sierra Master Chorale will be joined by bass-baritone soloist Gary Aldrich, who made his Carnegie Hall debut on New Year’s Eve 2004-2005, in the title role of Johann Strauss’ operetta Die Fledermaus.

He has performed many times at Avery Fisher Hall in New York’s Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and with opera companies and symphonies throughout the United States, Canada, Russia, the Middle East and Europe. For more information, visit InConcertSierra.org.

Sneak Peek at New Season

InConcert Sierra has some exciting performances planned for 2014-15.

The season opens September 21, with Hardin conducting an orchestral work.

On October 19, InConcert opens its Third Sunday chamber series with the Israeli Chamber Project, which includes top young performers who are winners of prestigious international competitions.

On November 16, the group presents former American Pianists’ Association fellow Christopher Taylor playing the only double-keyboard Steinway concert piano in existence. “Clearly forces beyond the normal are at play,” the Los Angeles Times has written.

Clerestory, one of the Bay Area’s premier male a capella ensembles, performs February 15, 2015. Cellist Amit Peled returns March 15, 2015 with a program that celebrates the work of Pablo Casals, playing on his cello.

Here’s Amit Peled:

Here’s Clerestory: