Key Chorale celebrates 25 years
Bonia Shur and Mark Huber.
MARK HUBER
Contributing Columnist
music@lbknews.com
The night of April 25 was a special day at the Opera House. Key Chorale celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a concert “Living Music by Living Composers” filled with special music by many of America’s finest composers.
The night began with two brilliant pieces by Sarasota’s very own Daniel Moe, “Hossanna to the Son of David” conducted by Mr. Moe and the famous “God So Loved the World.” It was a very fitting tribute to this icon of the Arts scene here and around the world. Thank you, Daniel, from all of us.
Two pieces by one of our favorite composer Eric Whitaker, then mesmerized the audience. If you’ve never heard “Seal Lullaby”, cue it up on YouTube and enjoy. Absolutely beautiful.
Next up was the honor of singing three selections from the library of the great Bonia Shur. He is a major force in the Reform Jewish Movement in America with more than 300 published compositions in use in synagogues and on stage across the county. The three pieces were lively renditions of “Mah Tovu,” “Kol Heneshama” and “Ki Atah.”
What an honor to have Bonia bless us with his presence at practice and during the concert. What a wonderful learning experience from the master.
Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins brought back a trio of delights sung at the 20th anniversary concert from Gwyneth Walker, entitled “Gift from the Sea,” composed using the words from the 1955 book of the same title by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Gorgeous, mystical songs of the sea written by Lindbergh on Captiva Island.
The finale of the concert came from commissioned songs by Dale Warland. Mr. Warland graced us with his presence and brought the Chorale to another level by spending the final practice teaching us how to turn his works from just another song to something spectacular and meaningful. Mr. Warland is thought by most to be the finest chorale director in America. He proved it to us in a few short hours and we will always remember and appreciate what he did for us, not only in brining out our best, but also in the style and grace he showed the members of Key Chorale.
It was truly a magical night not to be forgotten.
Mark Huber sings tenor for Key Chorale and has been a Realtor on Longboat Key for 30 years currently based in the Prudential Palms Realty office at 2 Avenue of the Flowers next to Publix.
