Master Chorale To Present

Connecticut Premiere Of Karl Jenkins Work

The Connecticut Master Chorale (CMC), under the direction of Tina Johns Heidrich, will present its winter concert on Sunday, March 8, at 3 pm. The performance will be at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown.

Featured on the program will be the new Stabat Mater by Karl Jenkins and “Four American Folk Hymns” by Mack Wilberg.

Stabat Mater is a 13th Century Latin poetic meditation on Mary at the cross of Jesus which has been set to music by many prominent composers including Haydn, Dvorak and Rossini. In the hands of Karl Jenkins, it has been given a fresh modern interpretation with a distinct Middle Eastern musical influence that reflects his culturally diverse and universally accessible style. With this poignant and emotional setting, he has created an intense work of dramatic beauty that is destined to become a classic in the world of choral music.

Mr Kenkins’s Stabat Mater premiered in March 2008 at Liverpool Cathedral. The 2,000 people in attendance at the sold-our concert were reportedly enthralled with the work. A lengthy standing ovation followed the final movement.

CMC was invited to participate in the US premiere of Stabat Mater at Lincoln Center in January. This unique opportunity to meet the composer, hear his comments and sing it in his presence in Avery Fisher Hall have served to add special insight and inspiration to the performance in Connecticut.

The chorale will be joined by mezzo-soprano soloist Wendy Gerbier, with Heather Petrie on ethnic vocals, and accompanied by the Connecticut Master Chorale Orchestra.

CMC is an ensemble of 55 professional-caliber vocalists in its tenth year of singing in western Connecticut. Newtown residents in the chorale are Judy Bolduc, Ginnie Carey, Lisa Cedergren, David Jurman, Karen Orzechowski, Nancy Raymond, Pastor Greg Wismar and Dan Yee.

Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Call 743-0473 or visit CMChorale.org for information or ticket purchase.