I seldom publicize Staples High School concerts. The quality of the choral groups, orchestras and bands is superb. But parents know all about the events, and they make up much of the appreciative audiences.
This Wednesday though (October 21, 7:30 p.m., Staples auditorium, free admission), there’s a choral concert that should not be missed.
Director Luke Rosenberg’s various choirs will perform “The Art of Folk Music.” Featuring American, Irish and Scottish songs, it promises to be a wonderful night.
Rosenberg explains, “Traditionally, folk music has been sung as a means of celebration, praise, mourning, or to express love or affection.
Choral director Luke Rosenberg in action. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
“To me it made perfect sense to put together a choral concert that both celebrates our own music of yesterday and that of our friends across the Atlantic, as well as give our students a chance to gain a new understanding of past culture, while keeping these treasured tunes alive within the voices and hearts of our youth.”
Earlier this fall, when the singers first received their music, the response was mixed. Some loved the selections and theme; others were skeptical.
It did not take long, Rosenberg said, for all to enjoy learning about “these musical treasures from the past. They’ve embraced the idea of using different styles of vocal production, to create the sound appropriate for each song.”
Highlights of the concert include arrangements of well-known tunes like “Shenandoah” and “Danny Boy,” along with lesser-known titles like “The Crawdad Song” and “Fionnghuala.”
If you’ve ever seen a Luke Rosenberg concert, you’ll know to expect the unexpected — and be wowed.
If you’ve never been to one: You have no idea what you’re missing.
