Magnolia Chorale
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Past concerts

​Voices Raised April 27 & 28, 2019

The Spring 2019 concert was filled with voices raised in joyful song, with a repertoire that ran the gamut of musical genres and eras. From Hans Bridger Heruth’s “Joy”, to “The Gift to Be Simple”, to the Lion Sleeps Tonight and “Feelin’ Groovy”, everyone was asking “How can I keep from Singing?"  Even the audience joined in for the “Sound of Music” finale.

​​Common Ground December 1 & 2, 2018

​“Common Ground” presented an inspirational blend of gospel music with a dash of traditional favorites. The highlight was Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass with its driving rhythms and soulful harmonies, followed by seasonal gospel favorites and a few familiar carols, that the audience joined in singing along.  

Seriously Carefree May 5 & 6,  2018

“Seriously Carefree” captured the essence of the wide range of musical styles and languages represented in our Spring 2018 concert.  It was a repertoire packed with fun and romance, poetry and opera, and just a bit of the unexpected. From Stephen Sondheim’s Comedy Tonight to the nonsense of Mäntyjärvi’s El Hambo, to Verdi’s Brindisi, to Bill Withers' Lean on Me, there was something for everyone.  And the audiences agreed.

Keeping Peace December 2 & 3, 2017 ​

Our winter 2017 concerts took audiences on a musical journey of peace and celebration. First the audience joined the Chorale for a few well-known carols. Then the choir launched into a few seasonal classics. Local youth choirs joined us at each concert for an inspiring performance of Hope for Resolution followed by their own choral presentation. The Chorale’s main event The Armed Man Mass: A Mass for Peace, by Ken Jenkins evolved from a somber drumbeat to the optimistic  “Ring in a thousand years of peace” to close the concert.

Music and Sweet Poetry  April 29 & 30, 2017

Our spring 2017 concerts brought our audiences a delightful blend of romantic poetry, the wit of Shakespeare, and the whimsy of Lewis Carroll and Dr. Seuss, all set to music. The highlights ranged from madrigals such as “Sing We and Chant It”, to musical renditions of poems such as Mary Coleridge’s “The Bluebird”, Robert Frost’s “The Pasture”, Dr. Suess’s “Green Eggs and Ham”, and Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky”. 

Two middle-school-aged guest choirs—Eckstein Middle School Choir (Saturday) and the Endolyne Children’s Choir (Sunday)—also presented impressive performances of their own before joining the Chorale for “It Takes a Village” by Joan Szymko. ​We were also gratified by the support of our audience and Chorale members, who donated about 275 new or slightly used children’s books for Childhaven, a nonprofit that encourages children to read. 

Peace in a Time of War  December 3 & 4, 2016

Our Winter Concerts offered the opportunity to rise above the challenges of the day and take inspiration from beautiful music. We sang both classic and fresh music providing healing and solace in difficult times. 
  • Mendelssohn's "Verleih uns Frieden"
  • "Armistice 1918: Everyone Sang," a transcendent setting of Siegfried Sassoon's poem
  • Hebrew Bashana Haba'ah 
  • Popular carols of home, love and longing such as "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Let It Snow," "Baby It's Cold Outside" and more 
The songs were interspersed with readings and a Japanese poem to develop our theme. It was a joy to sing for you!

The Radio Hour  April 30 & May 1, 2016

The Magnolia Chorale celebrated "Love in the Pops" through the decades. We presented a selection of popular favorites from the 1930s to the 1990s, awakening memories as we sang the eternal truths of hope and love, loss and joy that make us human. Chorale members chose attire that reflected one of those decades, resulting in a look rather different from our usual.

Heather Thomas on drums and Dune Butler on bass accompanied the performances. Last Call, an ensemble of singers and rhythm section directed by local jazz artist Kelly Kunz, presented intimate numbers after intermission.
 
1930s
Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)
Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off
1950s 
Rockin’ Robin (1958)
Bye Bye, Love (1957)
1960s 
Stand By Me (1961)
Best of the Beach Boys
The Beatles in Revue

1970s 
Disco Fever Medley
I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (1971)
1980s 
ABBA Forever medley
1990s and beyond
Arrangement by E. Norberg
Passenger – Scare Away the Dark with Last Call
Elizabeth Pew shares her memories of the program with this blog entry, Memories of a Radio Hour.

Merrily Sing    December 5 & 6, 2015

For the 2015 holiday season, the Magnolia Chorale presented "Merrily Sing." This potpourri of familiar favorites and delightful new songs challenged us while proving to be highly enjoyable. We opened with "O Magnum Mysterium" and "In Dulci Jubilo." The repertoire included John Rutter's treatment of "Somerset Wassail," as well as a lovely medley entitled "A 'Soalin'."  The chance to sing of home and inspiration, three jolly songs about adult beverages, and three sleighing songs finished up the program.

The participation of the Lawton Elementary Choir on Saturday and Seattle Girls' Choir, Vivissimi, on Sunday added to the joy and richness of our concert. Everyone was amazed and delighted at the professionalism, musicality and verve of these young children. Special thanks to Elaine Cooper, director of the Lawton choir, and all the folks at Seattle Girls' Choir for their assistance.

We were privileged to present the major content of this program to the Mirabella Seattle retirement community, giving us an opportunity to lift our voices yet again for another wonderful audience.

Patty McKeehan gives us a singer's report with her blog entry: From Flying Reindeer to Wiggling Snickelways - What a Ride!

Songs at an Exhibition     May 2 & 3, 2015

The Magnolia Chorale presented “Songs at an Exhibition,” a concert melding the visual arts and music, on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 pm at the Magnolia Lutheran Church, 2414 - 31st Ave. W, Seattle WA  98199. 

This lively blend of joyous singing with imaginative art promised a remarkable synergy that proved to be gorgeous and fun, as well as visually stunning. We celebrated Seattle's incredible natural beauty and its unique population of coffee-charged citizens who are willing to get stuck in traffic on their way to mile-high bowls of home-grown butter clams.

Our Music Director Dr. Jean-Marie Kent selected choral pieces that are snapshots of the Seattle lifestyle and experience such as rain, trees, the Native American influence, coffee, traffic, and even peace of mind.  The participating artists chose one of the songs to create new works of art inspired by the music.  We invited artists who work in a variety of media… painting, watercolor, ceramics, sculpture, fiber and photography.  Each work was displayed at the concerts for our audience members to further visualize and appreciate the connection between the music and the art. Read John Keliher's Facebook review, republished on our blog, for details.

Choir members and friends enjoyed a preview wine-and-cheese reception on Friday evening, May 1, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Magnolia United Church of Christ, 3555 W. McGraw, Seattle WA 98199 to meet the artists and discuss their creative process. 

We appreciate the support of so many of you that made this unique program possible!

Magnolia Chorale
3213 W. Wheeler St.
PMB 377
Seattle, WA 98199
​contact@magnoliachorale.org
  • Home
  • Meet our new music director
  • About
    • Commitment to Anti-Racism
    • Music Director and Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Past Music Directors
    • Past Concerts
  • Join Us
    • Student Scholarships
  • WE LOVE OUR SUPPORTERS
  • Blog
  • For Members
    • Membership Information
    • Rehearsal Info
    • Repertoire
    • Member Highlights
    • Pay membership dues