Voices Chorale NJ Presents: “Singing for Peace” with the Berks Sinfonietta chamber orchestra, at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Trinity Church. 33 Mercer St., Princeton, N.J.
VCNJ’s Artistic Director, Dr. David A. McConnell, and the board of trustees are delighted to announce this in-person and live-streamed concert. Accompaniment will be by chorale pianist Dr. Akiko Hosaki and the 16-piece Berks Sinfonietta, an intergenerational chamber orchestra co-founded and directed by Dr. McConnell.
The chorale will perform various pieces from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods. These divergent works express the longing for peace through distinct approaches. Though little known, Handel’s rarely performed “Anthem on the Peace” contains musical themes echoing his other works. Selections by Mendelssohn and Haydn reflect peace within the context of Christian musical traditions. Contemporary pieces include “And for a Breath” by Ryan Main,” A Prayer of Compassion” by Gwyneth Walker, and “1000 Beautiful Thing”s by Annie Lennox of the Eurhythmics. Voices Chorale NJ originally planned to perform this selection of music in the spring of 2020. Therefore, the ability to perform together in person now carries even more relevance, especially due to current world events.
According to McConnell, “We will accomplish something good if we have people thinking about their role in creating peace. If they leave comforted and challenged by the texts, we will have made the words speak more clearly through the music.” Ken Guilmartin, chairman of the board of directors of Voices Chorale NJ said, “The mantra of peace has been with the human race for eons, and we’re always relearning that. Now’s a time where it’s important to do that.”
Advance general admission tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and students through the website. At the door, tickets are $25 and $15. Livestream or on-demand viewing is $20 per household. For tickets and information, visit voiceschoralenj.org.
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