Opal Reflections
Perspectives through Prose, Poetry and Photography
Category: Music
Return to Carnegie Hall
How does one get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice! The Masterwork Chorus will be joining forces once again with The Worcester Chorus, under the direction of Maestro Chris Shepard, to perform the dramatic Verdi Requiem on Sunday, October 2, at 2:00 pm. After… Continue Reading “Return to Carnegie Hall”
O Fortuna!
Join the Choral Art Society of NJ when we return to the concert stage on Friday April 29th, at 8 PM, presenting Orff’s exciting Carmina Burana at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield – 140 Mountain Avenue, Westfield, NJ. In addition to professional soloists and… Continue Reading “O Fortuna!”
Roses and Lollipops
As Jack Jones advised ”…Keep them handy, flowers and candy…Roses and Lollipops”. It’s concert day and for as long as I can remember, every time I sing in a concert Bobby always surprises me with flowers and candy. And surprisingly, I’m usually surprised! … Continue Reading “Roses and Lollipops”
Concert Week
This morning, music’s running through my mind, Unending fragments, strains of melodies that play incessant, just beneath – behind my consciousness, a chorister’s peculiarity. Now full awake, I finally realize, Ahead this week, there lies the rationale, Rehearsals, repetitions, parts revised, For many voices,… Continue Reading “Concert Week”
Sheffield Sunrise
It’s been some time since last I scrunched those blades of summer grass, dew-drenched beneath my feet, Yet mem’ries still live, verdant, but now shades of what was once renewal, soul’s retreat. I’d wake before the dawn to catch the sweet, pre-sunrise moments, as… Continue Reading “Sheffield Sunrise”
In Aeternam
This room, this space, this temporary place, Awaiting and prepared for curtain call, Two hundred voices sing, in hallowed space, A timeless opus, swept up and enthralled. “Libera me”, staves fly fast before my eyes, Rising and descending hopes and fears, Pleading desperation, truth… Continue Reading “In Aeternam”
Mornings in The Mist
As summertime returns I feel a sense of something missing, ne’er to be again, My Sheffield mornings, fogged-in valleys drenched in mist, ‘neath Berkshire mountain chain. These memories will ever play, repeat, To make me smile, each time I feel the damp of dewy… Continue Reading “Mornings in The Mist”
Anticipation
She bathes and sets her hair, and hums Faure Her nails fresh polished, trimmed and prepped, “Dona Nobis”, counting in her head, “Keep it light and airy”, Maestro said, Her music rearranged in concert form, Her stockings laid out neatly, ‘side the dress Her… Continue Reading “Anticipation”
Happy Birthday, Lenny!
Today, after a season of rehearsals and an especially tricky rehearsal schedule (thanks to Mother Nature and several Nor’easters that descended upon our area) we in the Masterwork Chorus, under the direction of Chris Shepard, are primed to wish Leonard Bernstein a Happy 100th… Continue Reading “Happy Birthday, Lenny!”
The Morning After
I woke up this morning and the first thought that crossed my mind was “It’s over”! The many weeks spent in preparation, rehearsal and anticipation, mixed with a healthy pinch of performance anxiety, had come to a satisfying conclusion. Yesterday’s Choral Art Society concert… Continue Reading “The Morning After”
Memories in the Mist
I know I’ll never see this tree again, So on this fog-swept morning I arise to venture forth, despite the mist of rain and soft, escaping tears that wet my eyes. For decades, summer songs revitalized, And friends, both old and new, were gayly… Continue Reading “Memories in the Mist”
Traditions: Celebrate Heritage
As if entranced, I paused to gazed upon these well-worn ivory keys and ebony, Though under glass, this once-blank slate lives on, For all to see, artistic legacy. I see each famed “John Hancock” on these keys Perhaps the greatest tribute to the man, Star-studded,… Continue Reading “Traditions: Celebrate Heritage”
Lighthouse in the Mist, Cape May, NJ
Bandit
Festive View from the Pub, Peddler’s Village – Lahaska, PA.
Home Sweet Home
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