Island Community Chorus Spring Concert

The Island Community Chorus performed Saturday and Sunday April 11th and 12th at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. Sunday afternoon the audience was enthusiastic and so were the ninety-something members of the choir. They seemed eager to perform and perhaps more confident given that they performed the previous evening. The setting was light, open and intimate offering a nice opportunity to admire again, Margo Datz’ trompe l’oeil work (she completed the mural in 2013) and to appreciate the rich quality of sound.

The music was beautiful, especially the pieces by Ola Gjeilo, a modern Norwegian American composer, which were stirring and melancholic and led the audience on a magical journey.  It was obvious that the performers, including the musicians, loved the pieces as well- they were zealous and energized.

Peter Boak, the director,  took the time to share the background of the composers and the challenges in mastering each piece; he’s a natural educator and so passionate about this process. Similarly with Garrett Brown, the accompanist, there was a cohesive connection to the chorus and the guest musicians (Susan McGhee and Niki Matsoukas, violin, Rachel Teplow, viola, Steven McGhee, cello and Steve Tully, tenor saxophone.)

“Going Home” was a wonderful piece that Antonin Dvorak composed after spending time in the US in the late 1800’s.  He was deeply influenced by African American and Native American Folk music and the music resonated in the church tying together so many different cultures and histories… It was beautiful.

At the conclusion, Peter Boark, reminded everyone that next year the Island Community Chorus will perform the entire Brahms Requiem with full orchestra and soloists at Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center to celebrate its twentieth anniversary and show its appreciation to the community.