FAQs Fall 2011

What additional works will be performed?

The choir will also present Aaron Copland's Old American Songs and two selections from Copland's The Tender Land.

Old American Songs, comprised of ten traditional 1800s tunes, was gathered and arranged by Copland from minstrels, lullabies, hymns and children's songs. Although these song settings were originally conceived for medium solo voice (baritone or mezzo-soprano) and piano, their popularity quickly led to a variety of choral arrangements for all manner of vocal ensembles. To meet the growing need for these ensemble settings, Copland authorized other composers to prepare SATB choral arrangements; chief among these was Irving Fine, who arranged six of the ten songs. It is these arrangements the choir will present.

The Tender Land ~ Aaron Copland composed The Tender Land during a busy period from early 1952 to late 1953. The opera, while conceived as a student production to be premiered on television, debuted instead on the professional stage of the New York City Opera on April 2, 1954. The libretto tells the story of a Midwest family farm of the 1930s with a daughter graduating from high school. Two itinerant workers are taken on to help with the harvest ~ which has unexpected consequences. Copland took aim for the heart of the American conscience with the storyline … and with the music. Following the success of his ballets Billy the Kid (1938) and Appalachian Spring (1944), Copland strove to create a score that would again tap into the American spirit.

In 1954, Copland prepared choral arrangements with challenging four hands piano accompaniments of two of the better known choruses from the work: “The Promise of Living” and “Stomp Your Foot.” The exhilarating “Stomp Your Foot”, which opens the second act of the opera, provides the musical vehicle for a show-stopping barn dance. “The Promise of Living” defines a deeper sociological issue: we reap what we sow-and the community on which we all depend is strengthened by the work of sowing love for our neighbors.

Why were these works programmed together?

An early “working title” of these concerts was: “Americana!” All of this music represents some of the most quintessential American choral music. Porgy and Bess is known throughout the world as virtually the only American composed opera. All of the works by Copland to be performed are adaptations and arrangements of American folk tunes. The concert is a celebration of American choral music. Ultimately the concert title was changed to simply “Porgy and Bess” for marketing purposes as it was decided that would attract more immediate attention to our publicity.

Will the concert feature professional soloists?

Yes. The soloists are:

Rosella Washington (Soprano)
Taiwan Norris (Tenor)
Frank Mitchell (Bass)

How long will the performance last?

The concert will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This includes a 15-minute intermission.

Are there tickets available?

Yes, but advance ticket sales is encouraged. If you want to make certain you can get tickets, please e-mail the choir at Info@TheChoristers.org, providing your name and telephone number. The choir's Treasurer will contact you. Another option is to call 215-542-7871.

What are the ticket prices?

Ticket prices are $20 for an adult, $15 for a senior citizen (62 and above), and $10 for college and high school students. Children under high school age are admitted free.

Are there any discounts for groups?

No. With dwindling governmental support for the arts in the form of grants, the choir does not have the fiscal ability to offer additional discounts for this concert.

Will there be reserved seating?

No. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Will there be a nursery service available?

No.

Are the performance spaces handicapped accessible?

Yes. Both churches are. Regarding Valley Forge Presbyterian Church; park in the parking lot around the back of the church off of Independence Road. There is a ramp leading from the parking lot to an entrance of the lower level of the church. Then there is an elevator to give access to the sanctuary.

Regarding Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, there are no steps between the parking areas and the sanctuary of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church.

Directions?

Valley Forge Presbyterian Church, King of Prussia, PA

Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, Ambler, PA

I have a question that is not here. How can I get additional information?

Send an e-mail to Info@TheChoristers.org or call 215-542-7871.