Yesterday morning, Luke Rosenberg led the Orphenians on stage at San Francisco’s Davies Symphony Hall.
They were there as part of the National Youth Choral Festival — and an evening performance, with 300 singers.
Here’s how they sounded, solo:
(Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Posted in Arts, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Luke Rosenberg, National Youth Choral Festival, Orphenians
Orphenians have been in San Francisco just a day. But already Staples’ elite a cappella choir has spread their music far and wide.
As their plane landed, the high school students gave thanks to the Jet Blue crew in song.
Yesterday — the day before beginning intensive rehearsals for the prestigious Chanticleer Youth Choral Festival — the students and director Luke Rosenberg toured the area.
There — atop Twin Peaks — they looked down on the city.
Once again, they sang.
(Hat tip: Betsy Pollak)
Posted in Arts, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Chanticleer, Luke Rosenberg, Staples Orphenians
The Candlelight Concert is over, but the holiday season continues for the Staples a cappella choir.
This week, Luke Rosenberg’s singers wandered the halls of the school, spreading good cheer and great vibes. Click below to listen!
Posted in Arts, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tonight’s Candlelight Concert — the 1st show of the 2-day, 74th annual gift to the town from the Staples High School music department — wowed a packed auditorium.
Hundreds of singers and musicians performed sophisticated pieces with aplomb. They threw in a PDQ Bach number, and the world premiere of a global warming-themed production number by Don Rickenbach.
And, of course, the timeless “Sing We Noel” processional, and rousing “Hallelujah Chorus” finale, serve as fitting bookends for one of Westport’s favorite events of the year.
“Now let hosannas ring…” (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
The chorus and chorale, with accompanist Dr. Robert Kwan. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
The a cappella choir, directed by Luke Rosenberg. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Adele Valovich leads the symphonic orchestra. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Nick Mariconda and the symphonic band. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
A lot went on during the clever production number. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
At the end of the “Hallelujah Chorus,” the audience was invited to return next year — when the Candlelight Concerts celebrates its 75th anniversary. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Adele Valovich, Candlelight Concert, Luke Rosenberg, Nick Mariconda
Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco.
Staples’ Orphenians will bring their voices there.
The elite ensemble is 1 of only 10 high school choirs invited to participate in the Chanticleer National Youth Choral Festival in March. The 4-day immersion program features coaching by members of Chanticleer, the internationally known choral performers and educators.
The climactic event, on March 30, is a gala concert at Davies Symphony Hall. Orphenians, the other 9 high school choirs, Chanticleer and guest artists will share the fabled stage.
The 2014-15 Orphenians.
This is not Orphenians’ 1st big trip. In the 1960s and ’70s, under George Weigle, the group traveled to the Virgin Islands, Austria and Poland. In the ’90s, Alice Lipson took them to Italy and the Czech Republic.
Now, with director Luke Rosenberg, Orphenians embark on a new adventure.
A steering committee wants to help all Orphenians — including those with financial constraints — make the trip. They’d like to defray the cost of meals and additional activities, too. To help contribute or offer ideas, click here, email lrosenberg@westport.k12.ct.us, or call 203-341-1309.
Want to hear Orphenians? Here’s their version of the intricate Haitian piece, “Tap Tap,” from the 2014 Spring Concert:
And here’s Rockin’ Jerusalem”:
Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Chanticleer, Luke Rosenberg, Orphenians
In just 2 years, Luke Rosenberg has taken his place with the legendary Staples High School choral directors George Weigle and Alice Lipson.
On a scale of 1-10, last night’s spring concert was at least an 11. A variety of choirs, choruses and ensembles wowed the crowd with a host of Broadway songs, from Les Mis, Fiddler on the Roof and many others.
The love between dozens of performers and their director was evident, as Rosenberg grew emotional honoring his graduating seniors.
To see what he has done in his brief time wielding the baton, check the 2 videos below.
The 1st is “Tap-Tap,” a Haitian song with some of the most intricate rhythms and harmonies you’ll find anywhere on the planet. It’s performed by the Orphenians — the elite singing group that, because of today’s manic teenage schedules, manages to rehearse just once a week.
The 2nd is “Seasons of Love,” the haunting melody from Rent performed by the underclass chorus and chorale. Soloists are Kate Griffin — a freshman who stuns the audience — and sophomore Nick Ribolla.
Music is just one of the many things our high school students do. And they do it very, very well.
Posted in Arts, Entertainment, People, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Kate Griffin, Luke Rosenberg, Nick Ribolla, Orphenians, Staples music department
Chanticleer is a 36-year-old, San Francisco-based ensemble. The New Yorker called them “the world’s reigning male chorus.”
Orphenians is a 56-year-old elite choir at Staples. Director Luke Rosenberg is working hard to make them the world’s reigning a cappella chorus — at least, at the high school level.
Orphenians director Luke Rosenberg. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
On Wednesday, Chanticleer visited Darien High School for a choral festival. Participating were their hosts, plus choirs from Staples, Westhill-Stamford and Brewster Highs.
It was a long, intense but joyful day. First, everyone rehearsed 2 pre-selected pieces as a mass choir, under the direction of Chanticleer’s musical director.
Each high school choir then performed its own selected repertoire, for the other schools to enjoy. Next came Orphenians’ special 90-minute workshop with 3 members of Chanticleer.
The evening concert showed off each individual choir. Finally, Chanticleer combined with all several hundred students for 2 tutti numbers: Monteverdi’s “Si Ch’io vorrei morire” and Andre Thomas’ “Rockin’ Jerusalem.”
Here’s an iPhone recording of Orphenians performing “Tap-Tap.” You can hear the group live at Staples, later this spring.
(If your browser does not take you directly to YouTube, click here.)
Posted in Arts, Organizations, People, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Chanticleer, Luke Rosenberg, Orphenians
Snow knocked out yesterday’s Candlelight Concerts.
But the Orphenians — Staples’ elite singing group — spread their special holiday cheer this morning. They performed at the 11 a.m. mass at St. Jean Baptiste Church.
Forty singers took an 8:23 train to New York this morning. For teenagers, 8:23 a.m. Sunday is a time that usually does not exist.
But that’s the magic of the holiday season.
And of Orphenians.
Orphenians rehearsing before their mass at St. Jean Baptiste Church. Luke Rosenberg is the conductor.
(Click here if your browser does not take you directly to this YouTube video of the Orphenians’ rehearsal.)
Comments Off on Oprhenians In Action
Posted in Arts, People, religion, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Luke Rosenberg, Orphenians, St. Jean Baptiste Church New York City
Last night’s 73rd annual Candlelight Concert at Staples High School featured many things old: the haunting “Sing We Noel” processional, the orchestra’s superb “Nutcracker Suite,” a rousing “Hallelujah Chorus.”
There were a few things new too, like the choir’s world premiere of Don Rickenbach’s “Santa Claus Visits Mother Goose Land” production number.
Two performances are scheduled for today, at 2 and 8 p.m. — weather permitting. Check the Westport Public Schools’ snow line (203-341-1SNO) for updates, starting around noon.
The “Sing We Noel” processional has been part of every Candlelight Concert since 1940. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Cellist Max Liben added beauty to the choral voices. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
The a cappella choir’s selections ranged from “Schindler’s List” and “Carol of the Bells” to “Deck the Halls.” (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Choral director Luke Rosenberg draws dozens of voices together. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Don Rickenbach composed a new — and very clever — production number for the choir. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
The “Santa Claus Visits Mother Goose Land” production number included reindeer and (front, bow tie) tap dancer Jack Bowman. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
(Click here if your browser does not take you directly to YouTube.)
Posted in Arts, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Don Rickenbach, Luke Rosenberg, Staples Candlelight Concert
Most high school reunions include lots of laughter, drinking, reminiscing, drinking and dancing. Plus drinking.
The Staples Class of 1983 — well, some of them — added singing.
Thanks to current choral director Luke Rosenberg, they didn’t have to rely on (perhaps) fading memories. He provided Roger Wolfe with music.
Before last night’s big event, former members of the elite a cappella group got together at the Westport Inn to bring back their favorite songs — including the famous, always-concert-ending “Ride the Chariot” spiritual.
It was a blast. Click here for a video of the Orphenians — 30 years later.
Orphenians at the reunion songfest included Susan Baer, Kristen Gehr Carley, Anne Burke Conley, Lisa Jones, Jack Rose, Sara Schapiro, Elizabeth Owens Wakefield, Cahterine Webster, Andy Weeks, David Witzel and Roger Wolfe.
Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS
Tagged Luke Rosenberg, Roger Wolfe, Staples High School Class of 1983, Staples Orphenians
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