Sunday August 6, 7pm at the Hardwick Town House
Halcyon Chorale was founded in 2022 by a small and deeply committed group of singers who are based in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Our goal is to bring the most beautiful and engaging choral music out to the public. The group is musically diverse, with trained singers, instrumentalists, composers, and conductors among its members. With a commitment to performances of challenging and powerful repertoire, precise and nuanced ensemble, and a palpable joy in performance, Halcyon Chorale hopes to cast a bright and invigorating light on the present moment, and bring love and inspiration to the people of our little Kingdom, and beyond.
Our commitment to brilliant music has led to what has blossomed into a love affair with the music of Jocelyn Hagen. Her works have graced previous programs, and this season is no different. The major work Amass is the most challenging work yet for the Chorale. Despite a core of the Catholic mass, the work reflects more the composer's lack of religious clarity and certitude. It features a small chamber ensemble, several solo vocal parts, and a capella choral movements. The latter will be performed in full in the current program. These do not include an Agnus Dei, the traditional final movement of the Catholic ordinary. Thankfully there was an Agnus that matched Hagen's intensity and beauty, by Carol Barnett. Her full work, A World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass, is another fascinating work, but only the Agnus has made it to our program!
Some other composers featured are Caroline Shaw, Germaine Taillefaire, and Claudio Monteverdi.
The Hardwick Town House is located right in the heart of Hardwick on Church St. The concert begins at 7pm. Donations will be accepted at the door, with a suggested donation of $10 per person.