The NorthWest Women’s Chorale will bring us a bit of the Venetian sun as it sings Vivaldi’s most famous choral work, “Gloria,” in a pair of concerts: Sunday in Sequim and Monday in Port Angeles.
Along with the Vivaldi, these performances will also bring an orthodox Russian hymn, a piece by Ravel and a lighthearted arrangement of “Go Tell It On the Mountain.” And as is the Chorale’s tradition, the audience will be invited to join in singing several Christmas favorites.
Admission is a suggested $10 at the door of both venues. Sunday’s concert, to start at 3 p.m., will be at Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 S. Blake Ave., Sequim, and Monday’s performance will start at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Lopez Ave. in Port Angeles.
At Monday’s concert, the chorale will start recording its first CD.
“I absolutely love the ‘Gloria,’” said Lynne Westerholm, an original member of the 23-voice NorthWest Women’s Chorale.
“It portrays the whole gamut of feelings we have: light-hearted, cheerful sections and deep, serious sections.”
Director Joy Lingerfelt has led the “Gloria” before, but not with an all-woman ensemble. She’s looking forward also to having seven guest musicians playing with the chorale and its accompanist, Kristin Quigley Brye.
This special group is made up of violinists James Ray, Kate Dean and Leah Marsh; violist Lili Green; cellist Marlene Moore; Anita Bonham on chimes and Anne Krabill on oboe.
“Only the best,” Lingerfelt said.
This past summer, Lingerfelt traveled to Venice, Italy, where Antonio Vivaldi was born, and visited the church where the composer was baptized.
Vivaldi was ordained a priest in 1703, when he was 25. He served in an orphanage and hospice for young girls and was tasked with writing music for female voices. He composed “Gloria” circa 1715, giving it his signature joyous, sunny sound.
To find out more about next week’s concerts and the nonprofit chorale, phone Elizabeth Kelly at 360-452-5882 and see www.NWWomensChorale.org.