Themes, songs and artists for "Songs at an Exhibition"

The Magnolia Chorale is delighted to welcome you to our spring concerts. We are enjoying preparing the unusual collection of musical creations  selected by Jean-Marie. These are the elements that will create your unique experience on May 2 and 3 - come join us!

Promenade: How Can I Keep from Singing by Alice Parker       Cecily Mitchell, artist
The concert will begin with this Quaker folk hymn, which will then be used as musical background as we “move through the gallery,” turning our focus toward each new piece of art.

Nothingness: Tabula Rasa  by Ian MacDonald     Patti Christie, artist
How does an artist begin when there is nothing but a blank slate? This piece compares it to the moment when a mother sees the potential of the precious life she holds in her arms.

Beginnings: Honor Song by Lydia Adams     Charlette Haugen, artist
Sounds of our early environment with Native American chants.

Early Adventures: Acres of Clams Folk Song     Ruth Beckett, artist
When Washington Territory became a state in 1889, this cheerful lament was the state song.

Ocean: Umi Sono Ai by Kousaku Dan, arr. Rachel Stenson     Michele Harps, artist
A reflection on the sea. Each wave brings memory of a failure and the hope to carry on.

Rain: I Dreamed of Rain by Jan Garrett     Tiffany Theile, artist
The poet describes this rain as “the luscious healing rain that comes to renew the natural world and the human soul after a long drought…We are free to forgive, release the pain, and start over again with a clean slate.”

Traffic:  Traffic Jam by James Taylor    Karin Vance Chickadel, artist
The thing that all Seattleites complain about. How can you not?

Community: Ubi Caritas  by Maurice Duruflé     Laura Van Horne, artist
We are together in community.

Coffee: “Coffee Break”  from “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying”     Bob Scoverski, artist
The universal addictive adult beverage is immortalized in song.

Music: Sing, Sing, Sing by Louis Prima     Scott Ward, artist
Singing is what makes the Magnolia Chorale who we are!

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