By George Basler
The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton will mark two anniversaries when it performs “American Reflections” Sunday, Oct. 22, at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church in Binghamton.
One is the 45th anniversary of the choir, which was formed in 1978 when 11 people gathered on Binghamton’s South Side because they enjoyed singing a cappella music. The second is the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, when disgruntled colonists tossed tea into Boston harbor to show King George III that they were mad as hell and weren’t going to take it anymore.
“We like to look and see if there are significant events around our season,” said Theresa Lee-Whiting, director of music at Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Binghamton, who is guest conductor for the Oct. 22 concert.
The 45th anniversary is a significant milestone for the choir, which has grown to some 40 singers over the years. “There are always changes in society and culture so to have something still going (after 45 years) is pretty spectacular,” Lee-Whiting said.
The title “American Reflections” mirrors the patriotic nature of the Oct. 22 concert, which will feature the works of four significant American composers: William Billings. Aaron Copland, Ned Rorem and Randall Thompson.
Billings (1746-1800) is regarded as the first American choral composer with virtually all his music composed for four-part chorus, singing a cappella. He was based in Boston during the American Revolution and wrote a large amount of patriotic music, Lee-Whiting said, adding: “His music was so wonderful.”
Copland (1900-1990) has been called “The Dean of American Composers.” He believed music should reach the common man and wrote many themes about American life, Lee-Whiting said. The Madrigal Choir will perform three pieces from Copland’s opera The Tender Land: “Laurie’s Song,” featuring soloist Christina Taylor; “The Promise of Living,” and “Stomp Your Foot Upon the Floor,” a dance number that will spotlight Purely Technique’s Our Company Dancers.
Rorem (1923-2022) is best known for his art songs, which number more than 500. A Pulitzer Prize winner, he wrote many orchestral works but is most celebrated for his vocal pieces. The Madrigal Choir will perform four poems written by Walt Whitman that Rorem set to music.
Thompson (1899-1984) also was noted for his choral works. The choir will perform “The Testament of Freedom,” a four-movement choral work that Thompson wrote in 1943 to celebrate the 200th birthday of Thomas Jefferson. The piece projected an uplifting message about the United States, then in the midst of fighting World War II. It was recorded by CBS and broadcast nationwide.
“We’re excited about the music (in the concert). Some of it is not done that much,” said Lee-Whiting who has sung with the Madrigal Choir but is conducting the choir for the first time.
The Oct. 22 concert is an example of how the Madrigal Choir continues to expand its repertoire, first under the artistic direction of its founder Anne Boyer Cotton and now under its current artistic director, Bruce Borton. Over the years the choir has collaborated with other groups, including Simple Gifts, April Lucas’ Empire Saxophone Quartet, the Tri-Cities Opera Chorus and the Binghamton Community Orchestra.
While its annual “Lessons and Carols for Christmas” remains a signature program, “we don’t just sing madrigals anymore,” Lee-Whiting said.
Jean Herman Henssler, assisted by Lee Shepherd, will accompany the choir on piano during the “American Reflections” program.
IF YOU GO: The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton will perform American Reflections at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 44 Main St, Binghamton. Tickets at $20 are available at www.MadrigalChoir.com or at the door. Students are free.
