Staples’ 74th Candlelight Concert is more than a week away. But the orchestra, choirs and bands are hard at work, rehearsing for the high school’s annual gift to the town.
Ever wonder what it’s like to be part of the “Hallelujah Chorus”? Here’s an up-close-and-personal view, from backstage behind the string section.
Hallelujah!
Posted in Arts, religion, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Adele Valovich, Hallelujah Chorus, Staples High School Candlelight Concert
A few days ago, I posted a video of a Staples orchestra and choir rehearsal of the Hallelujah Chorus. I stood behind the strings, providing a different sound than most audiences usually hear.
Tonight — at the Candlelight Concert — I was in the middle of the alumni section. Traditionally, at the final performance, former choir members are invited onto the risers to sing the stirring finale.
As usual, dozens accepted choral director Luke Rosenberg’s invitation. Here’s the joyful result:
(If your browser does not support this link, click here for the YouTube link.)
Posted in Arts, Entertainment, People, Staples HS
Tagged Candlelight Concert, Hallelujah Chorus, Luke Rosenberg
From my very 1st Candlelight Concert, way back in 19whatever, I’ve been a huge fan of this Staples High School holiday tradition.
Candlelight 2011. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)
I’ve never missed a year. And I’ve never not had goosebumps the moment the “Sing We Noel” processional begins.
But until this week, the closest I’ve gotten to the stage was singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” at the final performance with dozens of ecstatic alums.
On Thursday, I was walking in the hall behind the auditorium. Adele Valovich was rehearsing her orchestra; Luke Rosenberg’s choir was singing.
I wandered in, mesmerized. Standing behind the strings and percussion, I heard the “Hallelujah Chorus” in an entirely different way. After all those years, this remarkable work sounded more awesome than ever.
Enjoy!
(If your browser does not support YouTube directly, click here for the video. Free tickets for this year’s Candlelight Concert — Fri., Dec. 14 at 8 p.m., Sat. Dec. 15 at 2 and 8 p.m. — are available at Staples’ front desk, until 3 p.m. this week.)
Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS
Tagged Adele Valovich, Candlelight Concert, Hallelujah Chorus, Luke Rosenberg
Every year since 1940, the Staples High School music department has offered the Candlelight Concert to the town.
This weekend, several hundred teenagers — and instructors Adele Cutrali-Valovich, Nick Mariconda and Justin Miller — provided the gift of music to 3 wildly appreciative audiences.
The program included solemn hymns, classical music, a rousing African number, whimsical tunes — and of course, a production number.
In everyone’s thoughts were Nava Zeevi, the longtime accompanist whose husband Kuti was killed in a robbery Thursday night. Todd Simmons, assistant director of the Westport School of Music, stepped in to take her place.
Solomon Sloat (top) and Will Bitsky in the traditional "Sing We Noel" processional. (Photos by Lynn U. Miller)
Senior Mike Ljungberg provides the beat for the lovely African song "Ogo ni fun Oluwa!" (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)
Sophomore chorale member Rick Daily gives it his all. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)
Mrs. Claus and her dancers (top), and her husband Santa Claus and the Staples choir, in the traditional production number. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)
(From bottom left) Michael Sixsmith, Mikell Washington and Santa Claus singing the rousing finale, the Hallelujah Chorus. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)
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