A long bus ride from Cincinnati in a snow storm did not dampen the energy of the Clare College Choir in their concert at Fairmount Presbyterian Church last Saturday. One marvels at how they could have arrived at the church at 4pm, blocked out the program and checked out the acoustics, let alone give time for the organ scholars to register  the organ, eat dinner and dress. But they did that and proceeded to perform a full program for the large audience.

 

The program, based on the Great 'O' Antiphons from the Hymn "O Come, O Come , Emmanuel" was beautifully sung with pure straight tones, perfect tuning and clear diction. The organ scholars added fire and color to the accompanied anthems and the two hymns in which the congregation joined. The choir made excellent use of the space with some of the anthems being performed with the choir positioned the room and in the balcony. Others used antiphonal choirs or soloists placed in the pulpit. The repertoire ranged from Plainsong, to Bach and Mendelssohn, to Tavener and Part and a newly commissioned piece by John Rutter, an alumnus and former director of the choir.

 

At the AGO sponsored reception following the concert, concert patrons were able to chat with choir members, the organ scholars and their director before they went off with their local hosts for the overnight stay. Many thanks to Bob Moncrief and Fairmount Church for presenting this concert. The program was a highlight of my own Christmas celebration and to top it off, we were greeted by a picture postcard world in the form of a beautiful snowfall on the church neighborhood as we left.

 

May your Christmas celebration be filled with beautiful music, warmth, friendship and family.

 

Blessings of the Season,

Fern

 

Gerry Mass, our Cleveland Chapter Placement Officer collects and updates job openings in the area.  Although they are not listed in the weekly updates, there is a link in the "Quick Links" section every week that will take you to the updated list on the chapter website.  Questions or need help finding a position? Email: placement@agocleveland.org

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American Guild of Organists Cleveland Chapter
21600 Shaker Blvd
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
216-751-2320