The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton is celebrating the changing of the year with a concert inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Music Director John Vaida says the program, titled The Seasons, is “really interesting because it features music that is reflective of the many different seasons — the idea of the fall, the cold of the winter, the hope of spring and new life, and the heat of the summer.”
Vaida explains that the program will span a wide range of musical eras. “We’re starting with something by Thomas Morley — the late Renaissance composer — Now is the Month of Maying,” he says. “And then we’re up to something by a contemporary composer in the work of William Hawley, Io son la primavera, which is a lovely piece that is a great challenge and fun for the choir.”
Hawley’s work divides the choir into ten parts, making it a standout moment of the program. “It’s really quite a challenge,” Vaida adds, “but a lot of fun.”
The concert will also feature Au bon vieux temps by Massenet, performed by a trio of soloists, and a new song cycle by Andy Beck, The Seasons. “It has great melodies to it, and a great message as it talks about the different qualities of the seasons,” says Vaida.
There will be several works by Felix Mendelssohn, including The First Day of Spring, Spring Song, and a duet setting of Herbstlied (Autumn Song). “We’re also doing two pieces by John Rutter — For the Beauty of the Earth and Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind — as well as a Randall Stroope piece called Song of the Earth, which will feature a flute player,” Vaida notes.
One of the most striking works on the program is based on a text by Chief Seattle. “The text of this one has to do with the meaning of the earth — this we know, the earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth,” says Vaida. “It’s sung in multiple languages — about four different ones — and it’s just a really moving piece that really hits home on how we are part of a bigger creation.”
The concert also includes a personal connection to a familiar name. “This was a recommendation from somebody in the choir,” Vaida says of Andy Beck’s new work. “He lived in the Binghamton area for a while. We invited him to come, but he wasn’t available.”
The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton presents The Seasons on Sunday, October 19, at 4:00 p.m. in Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 44 Main Street, across from Binghamton High School. For more information, visit madrigalchoir.com