BRATTLEBORO-The Brattleboro Women's Chorus presents its 29th annual spring concert, "Up on the Roof," on Saturday, May 10, and Mother's Day Sunday, May 11, at 4 p.m. at the Brattleboro Music Center.
This year's program celebrates music written by women - all of them living composers - highlighting the beauty found in life's meaningful moments and the powerful connection of collective singing.
Under the direction of founder Becky Graber, and in collaboration with guest songleader and local musician Anna Patton, the chorus of more than 70 voices will share a vibrant and moving selection of songs that honor both the tenderness and strength of the human spirit.
The concert title, "Up on the Roof," is inspired by the beloved Carole King song, setting the tone for an uplifting musical celebration of harmonies. "We are hoping to bring our audiences the joy we find as we sing music of connection and courage," said Graber in a news release. "Whatever else is happening around, within, and between us, singing together gives us a path towards comfort and community."
This concert, she said, "is a celebration of the ways music can nourish us, draw us closer to each other, and speak courageously out into the world."
The program will feature songs by JJ Heller, Melanie DeMore, Cris Williamson, Madeleine Peyroux, and Joan Szymko, showcasing the diversity of contemporary women's choral music.
The chorus will also sing "Spes," a challenging and satisfying piece by Mia Makaroff of Finland. The lyrics are a dialogue between Bible verses in Latin and an indigenous Sami poet, both wondering at the ephemeral nature of human life and how we can try to find wisdom. "The rolling and shifting harmonies and rhythms of the piece have a forward momentum that carries the conversation as if on a breath of the wind,"said Graber.
The ensemble will be accompanied by pianist Cathy Martin and guitarist Liza Constable, with Julian Gerstin providing percussion on Malala.
Tickets are offered on a sliding scale from $15 to $30 and are available for purchase online or at the door as space permits. Audience members are encouraged to buy tickets early to ensure availability.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit BrattleboroWomensChorus.org.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.