Patriotic Music is so inspiring! But with 250 children, 75 in the orchestra and 220 voice choir, with Collin Raye on a microphone, we rocked the house. The house was the Mesa Arts center and it was nearly packed. Brought to tears on Battle Hymn of the Republic, which normally seems like the same old, same old kinda song, and with bagpipes on Amazing Grace, it was also a teary moment.
I had the chance to announce for the beginning and for the military tribute, so I just felt it all the more. My hubby Sterling and daughter Marisa both sing in the choir as well, so it was a family affair the whole day, with rehearsal from 2pm...then going until 9:30pm. Marathon music days.I have to say I thrive on those marathon Music days...except for my feet. They didn't do so well. Need to change the shoes I wear in concerts or I'm not going to make it through the recording sessions next week in Salt Lake City for Messiah in America!
The week in SLC was amazing! Over 700 singers and instrumentalists from Orange Cty, CA and Mesa/Gilbert, AZ all arrived and recorded in Abravanel Hall until we reached musical perfection :D Well, almost. Then we performed in both the Tabernacle and Abravanel Symphony Hall. The Stewart Brothers, Brett and Brandon, pictured below, had the vision to make this week happen and they worked hard to bring it to fruition. The Elder Brother, Brett composed a new oratorio, "Messiah in America" that we had performed in our separate venues previously and then came together in Salt Lake. What a thrill to sit in the Tab choir seats and sing this inspired music with my dear choir friends. If you are a music person, you know that it just doesn't get much better than that! The CD comes out in Sept.
