Sierra Master Chorale Holiday Concerts on Dec. 17-18

What:
InConcert Sierra presents
The Sierra Master Chorale Holiday Concerts

When:
Saturday, December 17, 2011
6:15p.m. pre-concert forum
7pm concert
Sunday, December 18, 2011
1:15p.m. pre-concert forum
2 p.m. concert

Where:
Seventh-day Adventist Church
12889 Osborne Hill Road, Grass Valley
Off Hwy 174

Tickets:
$24 general; $13 youth under 17
available at:
www.InConcertSierra.org
or call 530-273-3990
and Briar Patch Community Market, Grass Valley

Sierra Master Chorale to offer special holiday music

InConcert Sierra’s 60-voice Sierra Master Chorale holiday concerts will lift your holiday spirits on Dec. 17 and 18 under the direction of conductor Ken Hardin.

This season’s offering includes several rhythmically unusual pieces, featuring “Misa Criolla” (1964) by Argentine composer Ariel Ramirez. The contemporary mass is based on traditional Latin American rhythms.

The main soloists for the Misa Criolla are tenor Ken Getz (known locally for his musical direction in Sierra Stages), and baritone Steve Nicholson, who states, “I’m very excited about singing Ariel Ramírez’ Misa Criolla.

It’s historically significant as one of the first non-Latin Masses which also gives it a great emotional depth and exuberance.” Other solo parts will be sung from groups within the choir to give everyone a chance to participate.

The Chorale’s musical talents will be further showcased in a few a cappella selections including “African Noel” and the West Indies spiritual “The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy.” Local composer, Jerry Grant’s “But Have Not Love” (2010) along with a variety of very special short pieces, a unique rendition of “Silent Night” and traditional carols for a lively audience sing-along will round out the program.

The small select orchestral group will highlight Tony Unger (guitar), Aileen James (harspichord), David Eby (cello), Kit Bailey, Gary Campus, and John Basa (percussion), and Ben McClara (bass) accompanying the Chorale.

The master chorale under the direction of conductor Ken Hardin is in its third season. “Our director, Ken Hardin, continually raises the bar—choosing music that challenges us. It seems that the more daunting a piece is when we first receive it, the more rewarding it is by performance time. That music, for me, this cycle is the first five movements of piece by Argentine composer, Ariel Ramirez, Misa Criolla. What a challenge—fast-paced and all Spanish—but oh, what a reward awaits us, and our audience, ” says Carolyn Valle, Alto I.

Pre-concert forums will be led by musicologist, Aileen James. As always, refreshments will be available during intermission provided by the chorale. Concerts are 7 p.m. Saturday, December 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, December 18 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church 12889 Osborne Hill Drive off Colfax Hwy in Grass Valley. Tickets and information are available at InConcertSierra.org or by calling the office at (530) 273-3990.