Schola Cantorum Concludes Season with SPIRIT EARTH Concert

Spirit Earth, the third concert in the season themed Our Mother Earth, featuringSchola Cantorum on Hudson (SCH) performers joined by this season'sCantorum Young Singers group, the New Jersey Youth Chorus, reached "remarkable" status as noted by one audience member. "I was blown away by the way the program unveiled itself and progressed using all ages to communicate with song and chant. Remarkable!" exclaimed Joel Robertson, as he left the venue.Audience members of all ages left the concert with the same enthusiasm as Mr. Robertson-happy to experience this unique and compelling 100- plus voice choral celebration.

Music with a message is the inspiration of the SCH performers, as their vocal music communicates the shared responsibility for honoring and caring for the planet. The performance was intertwined with ethnic influences of indigenous American cultures. With hand percussion and natural flute in several selections, there was a fun opportunity for audience members to join the celebration of Our Mother Earth.

"The performance included many musical styles, from indigenous chant and flute, to stunningly warm choral sonorities, to non-traditional uses of voices to express the pain and fatigue of a stressed planet, to full-out gospel and blues styles," saidSCH Artistic Director, Dr. Deborah Simpkin King, Ph.D.

Drawing on the talents of people from different age groups, the evening's performers ranged from moderately experienced to seasoned professionals. A welcome guest for this final performance included the New Jersey Youth Chorusunder the Artistic Direction of Patricia Joyce.

What's next for SCH performers as this season draws to a close? The search for additional talent prevails as auditions will be held throughout the summer. Plus, a Schola Summer Festival, Mozart in Montclair, is slated for July 16-19. All are invited to have fun and sing at this unique event-no experience necessary! Participants will practice and perform alongside the SCH performers. This concert encourages all music lovers to join in a choral celebration of Mozart's Requiem.Learn more by visiting www.scholaonhudson.org

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