GMChorale to Present Benjamin Britton’s “Saint Nicolas, Op. 42” on November 15

GMChorale will present Benjamin Britton’s cantata “Saint Nicolas” at the Santo Fragilio Performing Arts Center at Middletown High School on Sunday, November 15, at 4:00 p.m. In addition to this piece, this ambitious program will include selected movements from Elaine Hagenberg’s “Illuminare” and the world premiere of Thomas Brand’s “Sing On!”

GMChorale’s concert will begin with a burst of light and sound as their chamber orchestra, Harmonia, introduces Elaine Hagenberg’s shimmering “Illuminare.” In a mere handful of years since the pandemic, this five-movement work has won the hearts of performers and audiences across five continents. GMChorale is thrilled to be performing the first three movements – Splendor, Caritas (Love) and Nox (Night).

Thomas Brand, Artistic Director of the Elm City Girls’ Choir (which he founded in 1993 while a student at Yale) and Saecula singers, was commissioned by GMChorale to compose “Sing On!” for their upcoming 50^th Anniversary in 2027. Its ten short movements feature variations on Thomas Tallis’ 16th century “Canon,” entwined with Brand’s arrangements of well-known European and American melodies as well as original music. “Sing On!” is a celebration of the power of song and an expression of diverse faiths, values and spiritual backgrounds, focusing on the shared human experience.

In rehearsing to perform Britten’s “Saint Nicolas” this fall, GMChorale has been immersed in stories (true and fanciful) about the life of Saint Nicolas, a 4^th century bishop revered for his kindness to all in need. While at times evoking dramatic images of a storm at sea, the desolation of imprisonment and the mournful (but successful) search for three lost children, the music and text also recount the joyous birth of Nicolas, his installation as Bishop of Myra, his life of good works and his tranquil acceptance of death. Britten composed the Saint Nicolas cantata (with text by Eric Crozier) for the centennial celebrations of Lancing College in Sussex, England in 1948.

Saint Nicolas is a work perfectly suited to GMChorale’s guiding principle of “Singing for a Lifetime,” as it features parts for children as well as adults, both amateur and professional. The Elm City Girls’ Choir, Saecula Singers, tenor soloist Dann Coakwell, the Chorale’s chamber orchestra, Harmonia, and pianist Eric Trudel, will collaborate with the 80-voice GMChorale to bring this exhilarating piece to life. In addition, the audience is invited to sing at times as well! It is truly a cantata for the community. Weaving all these musical threads together is Joseph D’Eugenio, Artistic/Executive director of GMChorale. Concert tickets are available online at gmchorale.org.