Stow – Sounds of Stow Chorus and Orchestra will perform their fall concert Sunday, Nov. 18, starting at 3 p.m., in the Hale School auditorium, 55 Hartley Rd., Stow. The concert will feature three works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and will open with the rousing “O Clap Your Hands,” followed by the intimate and moving “Five Mystical Songs,” settings of works by metaphysical poet George Herbert.
In stark contrast to these gentle pieces is the great Dona Nobis Pacem, written by Vaughan Williams in 1936 as the clouds of war thickened over Europe. This piece knits the stirring texts by Walt Whitman with the vivid musical depictions of this master of orchestration.? The sense of battle is recreated in the dramatic “Blow Bugles, Blow,” while the moving “Reconciliation” looks at the damage of that rampage. Soloist Mark Cleveland will be joined by soprano Jane Shivick, whose pleas for peace weave throughout the work.
The concert will also feature the orchestra in a premier of Sounds of Stow's first commissioned piece, Classical Concerto, composed and performed by the highly gifted pianist Keane Southard. This homage to Mozart quickly takes us into the composer's unique voice and style in an entirely winning manner that is sure to charm and engage.
Tickets are $25 for general admission and $20 for seniors and students.
Introduce your children and grandchildren to classical music by bringing them to the open rehearsal Saturday, Nov. 17, at 1:30 p.m., for chorus and orchestra and 4 p.m. for the piano concerto.? A donation of $5 is requested.
Hale School is fully handicapped accessible.? For more information, visit www.soundsofstow.com or call 978-562-0302. Sounds of Stow is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as administered by the local cultural councils of Stow, Acton-Boxborough, Bolton and Hudson.
