Schola Cantorum on Hudson 2011-12 Season

With the awareness that we are approaching ten years beyond the event that permanently altered the psyche of all Americans—one might hazard, all the world!—it seems to be a good time to consider the concept of ‘healing,’ on its many levels. Ancient civilizations have known the power of sound vibration to the process of physical healing; and modern research has verified much that has been ‘artfully’ understood since long before records have been kept. Spiritual and emotional responses to music are understood by most who have involvement with any form of worship. Our observation would be that an element of communal healing might also be a enhanced through music, as we never forget, yet seek ways in which to incorporate the blessing that each life lost represents, for those of us for whom life on this earth continues.

Remembering...and healing in their honor

10 and 11 September, 2011

Darkness to Light
3 and 4 December 2011

Focus will be on the Isaiah 35 prophecy: “The eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped; the lame shall leap as the hart; the tongue of the dumb shall sing.” Suite Noël, by Wayne Eastwood, for mezzo-soprano, a cappella mixed-voice ensemble, percussion and an optional corp of dancers, will be premiered. The work also includes texts by metaphysical poets Richard Crashaw and Robert Southwell, along with William Barney.

Rebirth
10 and 11 March 2012

'Healing' as a type of 'inner rebirth' through human suffering is our approach to Season 17's 'theme concert.' J. S. Bach's magnificent Cantata #4, Christ lag in Todesbanden, will be our centerpiece--in which performance SCH will be joined by the increasingly acclaimed Con Vivo instrumental ensemble, based in Jersey City at our very own rehearsal home, St. Paul's Lutheran. Several additional compositions are still under consideration for filling out the concert.

Thresholds
19 and 20 May 2012

As our Ethnic-Series offering, SCH looks as cultures—some extinct or on the verge of extinction--whose very character is fundamentally defined by healing in-part derived through music. The recent research undertaken by Project : Encore™ composer and ethnomusicologist Andrea Clearfield is fundamental in its presentation of some melodies newly discovered by modern ears. Just such ancient roots, in combination with evidence of healing through music found in research of the past half-century, form our 'ethnic' perspective--with the Africa collective of nations as our heaviest musical source. Several specific local stories serve as points of departure, as SCH explores notions of musical apothecary. It is in this final concert set of Season 17 that we will be joined by our Cantorum Young Singers ensemble--soon to be announced!

Looking ahead to Season Eighteen: Our Mother Earth