Coastal Chorale ensemble to perform at Holly Hill UMC
By T&D STAFFFriday, April 25, 2008HOLLY HILL -- What do Broadway musicals and classical vocal scores have in common? Both are coming to Holly Hill soon.
Based in Murrells Inlet, the 24-voice Performance Ensemble of the Coastal Chorale, directed by Mary Lu Norris, will perform at Holly Hill United Methodist Church at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Doors open at 5 p.m. for open seating.
Norris has planned a program featuring something for everyone, including selections such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Lacrimosa" from "Requiem"; Flor Peeler's "Jubilate Deo Omnis Terra"; Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Praise Ye the Name of the Lord" Opus 37 No. 8; Paul Tschesnokoff's "Salvation Is Created"; Jester Hairston's rollicking spiritual "Elijah Rock"; and David Harrington's male chorus composition based on the well-known Philip P. Bliss hymn "It Is Well With My Soul."
Famous 20th-century American composer Aaron Copland is celebrated as the chorus sings two numbers from "The Tender Land," a two-act opera with true Americana flavor. "The Promise of Living" features soloists, chorus and duo piano in soaring melodies and a dramatic conclusion. "Stomp Your Foot" brings to mind Copland's "Appalachian Spring" suite and "Rodeo."
"This one keeps all of us on our toes," Norris said. "It's a fantastic workout for the singers, the orchestra and for me."
New York's Broadway comes to life with current hits "Jersey Boys," "Wicked," "Sweeney Todd," "Spamalot" and "Jeckyll and Hyde." In addition, the group will performed selections from "The Fantasticks," "Candide," "West Side Story," "South Pacific" and "Gypsy." Even Cole Porter's 1930s "Jubilee" comes to life with the nostalgic song "Begin the Beguine."
The Coastal Chorale accompanist is Patrick Downes, organist and pianist. He will be joined on May 4 by pianist Diana Scroggins and Rebecca Nissen, harpist. Kenneth Pansier is associate director.
For more information about the Holly Hill UMC performance, call Al Conklin at 843-215-2216 or visit www.thecoastalchorale.com. Information is also available from Holly Hill UMC at 803-496-3819.
Holly Hill United Methodist Church sanctuary is located at 1048 Peake Street, Holly Hill.
