Nothing But Treble to host ‘Lineage: Wisdom From Our Mothers’ concert April 27
On Saturday, April 27, Nothing But Treble, an Elgin area women’s choir, will celebrate through music women’s strength and wisdom in “Lineage: Wisdom From Our Mothers” at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Elgin.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the church, 340 Grand Blvd. The suggested donation is $15 or $5 for children.
The evening’s program will feature an array of the diverse cultures present in the greater Elgin area.
Andrea Ramsey’s “Lineage,” a setting of a poem by Chicago Black Renaissance poet Margaret Walker, is a poignant reflection on the strength and resilience of our foremothers. She asks, “Why am I not as they?”
Mexican immigrants have lived in the Elgin area since the Mexican Revolution. “Las Amarillas” is in the huapango style from the east-central region, with dancers making the traditional rhythms come alive.
Honoring the German heritage of some of our early settlers, Nothing But Treble sings a choral arrangement of a work by Romantic era composer Clara Schumann.“
“Dandansoy” is a traditional Filipino folk song, sung in Hiligaynon, the language of the central region. Celebrating the South Asian heritage of some community members, Nothing But Treble will sing a joyful Bollywood song — with many thanks for the coaching in Hindi from fellow singer Priya Damaraju.
Nothing But Treble is grateful to have been awarded a grant from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission Individual Artist Grant. This has made it possible for Nothing But Treble to strengthen its connection with other artists in the Elgin community.
This concert features dancers from Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl (also known as BFH), as well as the talents of professional percussionist Joe Beribek and a student percussionist from the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Nothing But Treble celebrates connections between women of different generations and walks of life. Ensemble members’ musical backgrounds range from high school, college, and church choir singing to music teaching, conducting, and performing. Kathi Bernhard, a gifted conductor and vocal coach, is the musical director. They are accompanied by Jeff Neufeld.
Nothing But Treble draws on an outstanding repertoire for treble voices, emphasizing female poets, composers, and arrangers from diverse cultures. They offer two concerts per year, and perform at a variety of community events. All adult treble voices are welcome. Interested singers may contact Kathi Bernhard at kbernhard@elgin.edu.