At Lessons and Carols, St Paul’s Episcopal, Haymarket, Virginia
Music
Messiah
The 53rd(?) annual performance by Fredericksburg Community Chorus, directed by Chris Ryder (photographed above in dress rehearsal). The concerts were 3pm and 7pm, with 13-piece paid orchestra with harpsichord and organ, and about 80 singers including 12 soloists. The choruses were And the Glory, Purify, Oh Thou that Tellest, Unto Us, Glory to God, Surely, Stripes, Sheep, and Hallelujah.
UMW Spring Choral Concert
Chris Ryder directs all three University of Mary Washington choirs combining for the spring concert. This was my second time singing with the college/community group, Fredericksburg Singers. I was particularly pleased that it included Schubert’s Mass in G. Photo clipped from the concert video. About 33:50 is the start of the first piece I’m in, but the Mass in G starts at about 43:05.
Rhys, Recitalist
In the Messiah
Somehow our friend Jane managed to pick me out from a choir of 60 and orchestra of 15 during our Messiah concert December 3rd, Fredericksburg. Even Nick thought that looked like him on violin, but no, that’s a stand-in. Notice the trumpeter, biding his time, until the trumpet shall sound.
Same piece, same place, opposite direction, the night before the concert.
Duke Chapel
Marty checks the dates of James Buchanan Duke, 1856-1925, before we enter the chapel to hear a wonderful performance of Handel’s Messiah. Thanks to Jan, who’s been in the choir many years, for our great seats right up at the front.
Columbus Day Weekend at Dad’s
portrait & group photo by Elspeth
SRCS concert: Let’s Drink!
June 25th, Stafford Regional Choral Society’s light opera concert, “Let’s Drink”, led by Jason Michael. Program: A Capella Overture, arr Andy Beck (Fidelio, Barber of Seville, Die Fledermaus, Magic Flute, Figaro, William Tell); Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, from Nabucco; the Drinking Song from the Student Prince; Finale from the Gondoliers; Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly; Italian Street Song from Naughty Marietta; Polovetsian Maidens from Prince Igor; Soldiers’ Chorus from Gounod’s Faust; Anvil Chorus from Verdi’s Il Trouvatore; Stouthearted Men from New Moon. Concert stream may still be available on You-Tube below. Pictured above, front and center, director Jason Michael, and to his left, basses Ken Todd, William Schall, Arthur Les Johnson, Edwin Ridout, Jonathan Shell, then, in blue, accompanist Cathy Hoskins.
Cora’s Opera Debut
Cora appearing in Semele at Wolf Trap — the wedding party fearing Jupiter’s lightning bolts. One critic said “Semele drags her heels to the altar, encouraged by a scene-stealing flower girl with impeccable comedic timing (Cora McCormick).”
Cora’s Dance Recital
At the Hylton Center in Manassas, June 11th. Photo collage by Tim & Elspeth.