Hudson Chorale - Myths & Meditations: A Tribute to 20th Century Composers

Following its acclaimed January 2011 debut, the Hudson Chorale, now the largest chorus in Westchester County, is once again ready to inspire concert-goers with a memorable evening of music for chorus and orchestra.  On Saturday, May 21, 2011, at 8:00 pm, the new 90-voice ensemble will offer a program entitled, "Myths and Meditations," which features three prominent 20th century composers: Morten Lauridsen, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Arthur Bliss

The 1997 premiere of Lux Aeterna swept composer Morten Lauridsen to international fame and has earned him the distinction of being the most-performed American choral composer of our time.  He was named an "American Choral Master" by the National Endowment for the Arts and awarded the National Medal of Arts by the US government in 2007 "for his composition of radiant choral works combining musical beauty, power, and spiritual depth that have thrilled audiences worldwide."  The Lark Ascending, an incandescent work by Ralph Vaughan Williams for violin and orchestra, found inspiration in a poem by George Meredith.  Long a favorite in the British orchestral repertoire, this piece debuted in 1914 and blends English folk music with themes inspired by Bach, Handel, Ravel, and Debussy.  The program also includes Pastoral by Sir Arthur Bliss who was appointed Master of the Queen’s Music in 1953 and was knighted for his musical compositions.  Following a visit to the Italian countryside, Bliss collected an anthology of poetry depicting a Sicilian day from dawn to evening, and set these poems to music for voice, flute, timpani, and strings.

The performance will take place at Irvington High School, 40 North Broadway/Route 9, Irvington.  Michael Conley, Music Director, will be conducting.  Mr. Conley is a celebrated composer, pianist, organist, and singer as well as conductor.

Tickets are $25, $10 for students, and can be purchased at the door - or in advance by calling (914) 462-3212 - or through the website: www.hudsonchorale.org.  Irvington High School has ample parking and is handicap accessible.