The 22-voice Chamber Choir of the North Carolina Master Chorale is performing a program entitled “Obbligato” this weekend in both Raleigh and Durham. While I normally only sing with the larger 170-voice Master Chorale, I have the pleasure and honor of singing with the Chamber Choir for this performance. A daunting task, for sure, as the singers in this small group are of a caliber which I only dream of reaching someday. So, come see if I completely embarrass myself or if I am able to pull it off swimmingly. Ooh, drama!
Anyway, I’ll just give you the official description of the performance as it is certainly better than anything I could muster:
Obbligato: ahb-blee-gah’-toh ‘Necessary,’ term used for an independent and essential part in concerted music, secondary to the principal melody. An ‘obbligato instrument’ has an important, semi-solo role.
Explore voices accompanied by solo instruments in this uncommon program featuring the 22-voice NCMC Chamber Choir joined by piano, cello, oboe, and French horn. The selections include Four Pastorales by Cecil Effinger, John Tavener’s Svyati, and Libby Larsen’s charming Sweet and Sour Nursery Rhymes. Additional contemporary works complete the program. This program will be presented in Raleigh on October 14 and in Durham on October 15.
Saturday’s show is at 8pm in Kenan Recital Hall, Peace College, Raleigh and Sunday’s show is at 4pm in First Presbyterian Church, Durham. Tickets are $5-$16 and can be order online at ncmasterchorale.org or by phone at 919.856.9700. See you there!
