The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra together perform LUX AETERNA by Morten Lauridsen
It really was a most amazing weekend. To have the opportunity to sing each night in rehearsal the extraordinary music of Bach (Magnificat) and Lauridsen (Lux Aeterna), joined by our fantastic cast of soloists and great friends from the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Well, that in itself would be an overabundance of musical riches!
But to have composer Morten Lauridsen with us for the week of rehearsals and our final performance...that took it all to a completely different place.
On Wednesday, Lauridsen spent hours at Butler, hearing the talented singers from the Chorale perform his daring Madrigali. Sitting with our composition faculty and students, sharing stories from his life as a composer. Encouraging our choral conducting students. Later, working with the fine singers at Northminster Presbyterian Church.
On Thursday, spending two hours in my Choral Literature class, musing on the writing of such works as Dirait-on, O Magnum Mysterium, the Lux. Even sitting at the piano and playing snippets for us. Then a workshop at Second Presbyterian, before coming to our final dress rehearsal of Lux Aeterna. His generous compliments to us following our run-through propelled us all to both higher musical achievement and deeper understanding.
The concert, on Friday, when he spoke to the audience of the inspiration behind the Lux...the loss of his own mother, the solace and tranquility offered to him at his idyllic home on Waldron Island. The stunned silence of the audience upon the work's conclusion, followed by the tumultuous applause to acknowledge the composer.
All our performances stay with me for a bit after the lights go out and the tuxedo is sent to the cleaners. But this one lingers longer...nudging my consciousness with its wistful, hopeful voice. Pretty cool.
With composer Morten Lauridsen following our performance
How I wish I could have been there for that. I have loved Lauridsen's music for years, and to sing his work with him present would have been a highlight of my life indeed. Though I am now many miles distant, I continue to enjoy the experiences of the ISC and its director through your blog. Thank you, Eric, for sharing journeys such as this for the rest of us.
ReplyDelete-Elise Lambson
We miss you, Elise! But I am happy to know you are keeping up with the Choir's doings through the blog. All best wishes to you, and let us know if you're back this way for a visit!
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