The Moraine Chorus and Symphonic Band put on a wonderful performance on Sunday, December 12th at St. James Episcopal Church.
The Moraine Chorus concert started with a set of English Madrigals, then presented a premiere of sorts: Those who want to be Rich (Die da reich werden wollen) is a German Baroque cantata that was never published. As part of Professor Peter Gibeau’s sabbatical year, he transcribed and edited the scores and parts, and this was the first time the work has been heard in three centuries. It’s a diatribe against the evils of greed, which seems to be a timely topic. The chorus was accompanied by a string quartet, English horn and organ. Then it was on to America with the Appalachian folksong Black is the Color of my true Love’s Hair, Aaron Copland’s Ching-A-Ring Chaw, and the chorus closed with African Ave, a South African tune arranged for chorus.
For the Moraine Symphonic Band, they focused on celebrating having music back in the community again. The band began the concert with an exuberant March, Arsenal, by Belgian composer Jan Van der Roost. Then, they performed Gustav Holst’s First Suite in Eb, which is a precursor to his Second Suite in F performed next semester for the 100th anniversary of the composition. Then the band performed the wonderful Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach and arranged for band by Alfred Reed. They ended their section with The Eighth Candle, a song celebrating Hanukkah by Steve Reisteter.
UWM at Washington County students and alumni were part of both the chorus and the band. Two chorus students were Abby Moeller and Maggie Eilbes. Alumni in the chorus include Karen Bartley Janet Sharbuno, Lester Hahn, John Grundahl, Ben Hansburg, and Frank Mariahazy.
Students in the Symphonic Band include Maggie Eilbes (flute), Dana Tremelling (flute), Trevor Quigley (oboe), Caleb Tancrede (clarinet), Brayden Treis (alto saxophone), and Kelsey Sponholz (French horn).