The Festival Chorus 'Gives their regards to Broadway' on May 5, 3:00pm
Some people count the time with watches or calendars. Others catalog the passage of events or holidays. Perhaps for some it is the school years melting from one grade to another until reaching adulthood. The Harper Festival Chorus choses to measure time with music. The opening half of THE Festival Chorus Spring Concert 2019 is a medley arranged by Mac Huf entitled 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY. The opening tunes set the stage to let the audience hear the melodic changes from Tin Pan Alley to the standards of Rogers and Hammerstein and their contemporaries. The Golden Years of Broadway feature tunes from the likes of CABERET, GYPSY, PAINT YOUR WAGON and MY FAIR LADY, to name just a few. Shows the likes of COMPANY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and CATS broke new ground and moved listeners to the more contemporary performances in shows such as LES MISERABLES and SWEENY TODD. The Lyrical "Lights of Broadway" continue to shine. This half of the show reminds us all "There's no business like show business."
Moving BACK in time, the second half of the Spring Concert begins with ABRAHAM LINCOLN: A Lasting Peace. With words by John Jacobson and music by Audrey Snyder, it was written to honor and commemorate President Lincoln's 200th birthday on February 12, 2009. Following the five numbers in this work are two timeless songs: "The Blue Tail Fly" arranged by Richard Nance and the John Rutter arrangement of "When the Saints Go Marching In." Before leaving the performance, rest assured you will understand "Why We Sing."
Get your tickets now for 3:00, May 5, at The Harper Performing Arts Center. General admission tickets for THE FESTIVAL CHORUS SPRING CONCERT 2019, with professional orchestra accompaniment are $18. Senior citizens and Harper students and faculty cost $12. Other student tickets are $15. Children 12 and under are free. Call the Harper box office at 847-925-6100 or visit harpercollege.edu/boxoffice.
Under the direction of Greg Tipps, a new season of singing will begin at Harper College in room P202 on Monday, August 19. Although rehearsals usually begin at 7:30, all are asked to come at 7:00 the first night to get registered and to pick up music. The Festival Chorus always welcomes any adult singers who are interested in joining the group. No audition is required, but you may need to do a voice placement to make sure you are in the right section. For additional information check the website at festivalchorus.org or contact Marcy at president@festivalchorus.org