The Well-Tempered Ear

Classical music education: The many Madison Youth Choirs perform their 10th anniversary Winter Concert series – with music by J.S. Bach, Handel, Britten, Bernstein, Poulenc, Schubert, Telemann and others — this coming Sunday. Plus, the “Met LIve in HD” offers Verdi’s “Aida” on Saturday.

ALERT: Just a reminder that this Saturday will see the “Met Live in HD” production of Verdi‘s “Aida.” It features Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska (below). Performances are at 11:55 a.m. at Point and Eastgate cinemas in Madison. The opera lasts 4 hours and will feature English supertitles. For information, a cast listing and program notes including a libretto summary, visit: http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/liveinhd/LiveinHD.aspx 

By Jacob Stockinger

The Madison Youth Choirs (below) will perform their 10^th anniversary Winter Concert series on this coming Sunday, Dec. 16, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ at 1609 University Avenue, in Madison.

Concerts are at 1:30 p.m, 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $9 plus a processing fee in advance or $12 at the door.  Children 7 and under are free.

Selections from the programs among the three concerts include:

Excerpts from J.S, Bach‘s Cantata BWV 196 “Der Herr denket an uns” featuring Trevor Stephenson and musicians from Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orcheras (WYSO);

Three pieces by Roger Bourland with text by Francisco Alarcón.

“Seigneur, je vous un prie” by Francis Poulenc; from his 4 pieces with texts by St. Francis of Assisi;

Several songs from the shape-note tradition including an arrangement of “Idumea” by Rick Bjella;

“Cuncti Simus” from the red book of Monserrat;

And “Gloria Tibi” from Leonard Bernstein‘s “Mass.”

In addition, works by Benjamin Britten, Handel, Schubert, Telemann and others favorites from the past 10 seasons will be performed.

Tickets and more information are available at www.madisonyouthchoirs.org

Special guests include musicians from the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO), Madison harpsichordist Trevor Stephenson, below), cellist Eric Miller, violinists Amber Dolphin and Carol Carlson, and local bluegrass band Off the Porch.

Here is a schedule:

At 1:30 p.m. the high school ensembles Cantilena, Cantabile, and Ragazzi; at 4 p.m., the boychoirs Purcell, Britten, Holst, and Ragazzi; and at 7 p.m. the girlchoirs Choraliers, Con Gioia, Capriccio. (Below is a photo by Harriet Chen.)

Here is a statement about the Madison Youth Choirs (MYC) from artistic director Michael Ross:

Madison Youth Choirs strives to create a community of young musicians dedicated to musical excellence through which we inspire enjoyment, enhance education, and nurture personal, musical, and social development, by the study and performance of high-quality and diverse choral literature. To this end, we focus on the process and provide singers a rich rehearsal experience where thoughtful discussion and activities lead to larger connections and a music education that becomes a springboard for understanding the world.

Please note that MYC has moved its headquarters to 160 Westgate Mall, Suite I, Madison, WI 53711. You can email mross@madisonyouthchoirs.orgor call (608) 238 7464 and fax (608) 278 7992.