THE DALLES — The Dalles Cascade Singers is hosting a special concert featuring works written or arranged by local musicians. “Composers and Arrangers” is Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church sanctuary.
This concert features guest conductor Matthew Turner presenting his 2003 work, “Mass in Honor of a Friend.” Turner, a native of The Dalles, is a composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher. He has written several works for choir, band, and solo piano.
Turner was commissioned to write “Mass for a Friend” for his former piano teacher, Jan Swartz, in 2003. It was premiered by the Cascade Singers under the direction of Lloyd Walworth.
“Matt is excited to present this piece again and wishes to dedicate the performance to the memory of both Lloyd and Jan,” said a press release.
Karl Vercouteren, a long-time member of the Cascade Singers, has arranged several choral arrangements tailored to the singers. In this concert you will hear his arrangement of “Die Lorelei.”
A modernized arrangement of the hymn “Beautiful Savior” came from a collaboration between Tyler Beane Kelly and Garry Estep.
“Mass for the Unborn” is written by Garry Estep. The full score contains the following statement:
“This composition is dedicated to all who have experienced the loss of an unborn being. Included is not only humanity, but all sentient beings on this planet. Feelings of sadness, confusion, anger, grief, and other such emotions must be going through the mind and soul following such an event. It is my hope that this piece may offer some solace and comfort to all who have experienced such a loss.”
Guest pianist Mairead Beane Kelly accompanies the Cascade Singers for this concert on the newly restored 1909 Chickering Quarter Grand piano.
Commented