I’ve spoken with an interesting cross-section of people involved in today’s concert, from performers to audience members, guarantors, first-time listeners, and seasoned audience members.  The unanimous conclusion (with which I heartily concur) was that our performances today and last night were something special, even among a group whose performances are frequently thus.  I learned this… Continue Reading »

Well then!  Our first performance of the 2012 Christmas Concerts was a grand success!  I realize that I’ve been promising surprisingly powerful performances of the Britten St. Nicolas on the blog, and I can happily report that even I (who was prepared to be moved by the experience) was surprised by the magnitude of the work.… Continue Reading »

[slideshow] Friday Night Update, 12/7/12:  One might be tempted to say that tonight’s rehearsal was grueling – we had a lot of music to synchronize in our big orchestral rehearsal.  But, there was such a remarkable sense of joie d’vivre, that I suspect most of us left on a cloud!  Our fabulous Bach Festival Orchestra… Continue Reading »

Wednesday Update, 12/5:  It’s the eve of the Feast of St. Nicolas, and Steve Siegel has penned a wonderful preview of the concerts.  It’s going to be in the Morning Call, appropriately, in tomorrow’s issue.  He gives an excellent description of Britten’s St. Nicolas, with lots of great quotes from our conductor, Greg Funfgeld.  He also previews… Continue Reading »

Monday Night Update, 12/3:  The Choir united with the Bel Canto Children’s Chorus for the first time for our last piano rehearsal on Britten’s St. Nicolas, before Friday’s orchestral dress rehearsal.  These kids are fierce!  Some of the singers are pictured above with their director, Dr. Joy Hirokawa, in the foreground.  As I’ve mentioned, Britten’s parts… Continue Reading »