Noteworthy News, November 12, 2021
Upcoming (and updated) dates and times:
Monday, November 15, 6:30 - 6:50 pm, pre-rehearsal warmup/technique time
Monday, November 15, 7:00 - 9:30 pm, rehearsal, FPC
Monday, November 22, No Rehearsal
Monday, November 29, 7:00 - 9:30 pm, rehearsal, FPC
Tuesday, November 30, 7:00 pm , Virtual Trivingo <— New Date!
Judy Rose will be joining us for our upcoming rehearsal (Nov 15). One of the pieces we are performing for our Wintersong concert, Yemaya Assessu, is arranged by Judy.
As requested, here are some recordings from our concert with Andrea Bocelli as found on YouTube. The one from the opening of the second half of the concert (O Fortuna) is from baritone Chris Brown's son who was in the audience.
Portland Symphonic Choir/Carmina O Fortuna: (attached)
Andrea + Virginia/Hallelujah: (YouTube)
Andrea + Mateo/Simple Symphony (encore): (YouTube)
From Claire: I have just a few operational details to remind singers about our lovely space. First of all, the Choir is required by FPC to wear masks properly while in our rehearsal spaces -- fully covering the nose, mouth, and chin. At this time, it remains imperative that singers enter and exit through the Geneva Hall door in the parking garage (though I'm discussing alternative exits for pedestrians, none have been approved yet). Per our agreement with the church, we will be closing the door to Geneva Hall 5 minutes after 7:00 once it is no longer attended. If you arrive late, the doors will next open at the first break at 7:45 pm If you get stuck outside, please contact Dale preferably by text message (503) 720-5355.
I also ask that you take the time to sign our apology card for FPC, which will be located on the counter of Geneva Hall. We will also be making a donation to the church to express our contrition for leaving the door open to the courtyard area two weeks ago.
The equivalent of 52 masks have been reimbursed or donated to the Choir. If you have not yet and are able, here's the link for Mask Reimbursements: (Link)
From Alissa: I hope that you have had a chance to practice with your masks on to investigate what types of sounds create more or less feedback in the mask. After listening to the Choir's performance of O Fortuna at the Bocelli concert again, what became apparent to me is that our excitement and adrenaline gave us the energy required to sing past the mask -- now we must find that energy without the luxury of performing for a crowd of 15,000 people
This Monday's pre-rehearsal warm-up will focus on T/B mixed exercises but those same vocalises are winners for the S/A middle voice too! Creating a steady line in the middle voice is due to balance of registration and breath -- a great conversation and I'm excited to show you some new ways to think about it. See you at 6:30 on Monday!
From Wendy: Can you believe we have only four more rehearsals until our dress rehearsal for Wintersong? By this coming Monday, all texts, notes, and rhythms should be mastered as well as all score markings penciled in your parts. The focus of these final rehearsals should be fine tuning balance, phrasing, and getting used to singing in the sanctuary. We will need time in these rehearsals to work out the logistics of singing in our new space and thank you in advance for your patience. Thank you so much for all of your hard work this Fall and I so look forward to Wintersong!