A musical journey to northern Europe…
Northern Lights: An Afternoon of Enchanting Scandinavian and Baltic Music with Luminata Voices Women's Choir
Luminata Voices Women's Choir graced the stage in July 2023 with their captivating concert, "Northern Lights." Performed at St Benedict’s church in Newton, this mesmerizing performance transported the audience to a world of ethereal beauty and poignant emotions, as they explored a diverse repertoire that ranged from ancient texts to contemporary compositions. Led by Musical Director Vanessa Kay, the concert was a breathtaking showcase of the choir's talent and dedication, leaving the audience enthralled and moved.
An aurora borealis lighting effect was projected on the columns of the church as the program opened with "Ave Generosa" by Ola Gjeilo, featuring a hauntingly beautiful text by Hildegard von Bingen. Sung from the balcony at the back of the church, the ethereal and unseen voices of the choir floated over the audience. Soprano soloist Celia Aspey-Gordon's angelic voice soared through the venue, setting the tone for the evening's celestial journey. Gjeilo's "Ubi Caritas" followed from the ground floor, at back of the church, inviting the audience into a realm of divine love and compassion.
The choir then moved to the front of the church, and transported us to the Swedish countryside with Hugo Alfvén's "Uti vår hage," evoking the serenity of nature through exquisite harmonies. Soprano soloist Bronwyn Harrison showcased her remarkable vocal prowess in the Finnish folk song "Läksin Minä Kesäyönä Käymään," arranged by David Hamilton, filling the hall with the nostalgia of summer nights.
"Bengt Johansson's "Cum Essen Parvulus," with text from 1 Corinthians 13:11-13, took the audience on a spiritual journey. The choir's impeccable blend and interpretation of the text conveyed the profound message of love and maturity.
Knut Nystedt's "Hosanna" was a powerful and harmonically rich piece that showcased the choir's ability to create a deeply moving atmosphere. The performance was truly impressive.
The "Suite de Lorca" by Einojuhani Rautavaara, with text in Spanish by Federico García Lorca, was a highlight of the evening. Soprano soloists Laurelle Clarke and Celia Aspey-Gordon, along with alto soloist Wendy Chen, delivered a mesmerizing rendition of Lorca's poetry. The hauntingly beautiful melodies of Rautavaara's evocative composition left the audience spellbound.
After the interval, the interlude, featuring the extraordinary mezzo-soprano Catrin Johnsson and pianist Rachel Fuller, was a delightful surprise. Their performances of works by Rangström, Peterson-Berger, and Stenhammar showcased their exceptional talents and added depth to the evening's repertoire.
The choir returned with Eriks Ešenvalds' "Stars," inspired by Sara Teasdale's poetry. This piece, accompanied by tuned wine glasses, transported the audience to a celestial realm. The choir's radiant chorale and the shimmering accompaniment created an otherworldly atmosphere, leaving the audience in awe of the "heaven full of stars."
The Swedish dance game "Och jungfrun hon går i ringen", arranged by Hugo Alfvén, brought a touch of tradition and playfulness to the program.
The grand finale of the concert was Ola Gjeilo's "Northern Lights." Soprano soloist Christine Rush's performance was breathtaking as she sang the Latin Pulchra Es text from Song of Solomon. Gjeilo's composition captured the enchanting beauty of the northern lights, blending the mystical and the celestial in a way that was both mesmerizing and electrifying.
The concert's closing piece, "Emoni Ennen" by Sari Kaasinen, arranged by R. Williams, conveyed a poignant message about cherishing youth and freedom. The choir's interpretation of this traditional Finnish song left the audience with a sense of nostalgia and longing.
In conclusion, Luminata Voices Women's Choir's "Northern Lights" concert was a transcendent experience that transported the audience to a world of celestial beauty and emotional depth. The choir's dedication and passion for their craft shone through, making it a performance to remember. It was a celebration of music's power to touch the soul and elevate the spirit, leaving everyone in attendance deeply moved and inspired.
