Choristers across the centuries have lent their voices to various works of music, immortalizing the vocal lines for generations to enjoy. One such piece, Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria, is beloved by singers and instrumentalists alike for its intuitive, rhythmic nature, and energetic beauty.
The Santa Ynez Valley Master Chorale is endeavoring to perform the Baroque era composer’s Gloria for the first half of its annual Holiday Concert. Though the piece isn’t overtly tied to Christmas, the musical setting of scripture is often programmed around the holidays, explained the Santa Ynez Valley Master Chorale’s conductor Chris A. Bowman.
“The text, the Gloria, it works any time of the year, and it’s interesting how it has fallen into being a holiday piece,” Bowman said. “It is definitely a choral masterpiece and has become a standard. It’s one of Antonio’s better pieces, I would say.”
Bowman has been conducting the group for more than half the time it’s been in existence, more than 20 years. During his time with the chorale, Bowman has continued to program beautiful literature and slowly introduced more “classical” music, which includes music from before the 20th century.
Each program still includes contemporary works, Bowman explained, but usually during the second half of the program. The holiday concert will include several contemporary settings of carols and hymns, as well as sing-alongs and Christmas medleys. The Santa Ynez Valley Master Chorale’s Youth Chorale will join in for the second half as well. The first half of the holiday program, though, is reserved for more aged and monumental works performed by the experienced volunteer vocalists in the Master Chorale.
“The chorale members are really for it,” he said. “There were a few people at first that were a little skeptical, but once we started rehearsing the music, they got into it and loved it.”
Excitement has also come from the concert-going community of the Santa Ynez Valley. The Master Chorale used to perform in a smallish church venue, but has moved to the Solvang Veteran’s Hall, which can seat hundreds more. The number of performances has also increased from one to two, explained Bowman, in an effort to share the music with a greater number of eager ears.
Performing music from the classical tradition is a challenge for any choir. Many community choirs don’t attempt to perform complete works, usually opting for selections from the whole. Bowman has received support in performing these larger works, and so continues to program them, much to the joy of classical music lovers in the area.
“I like to challenge the singers and musicians, but you have to keep in mind [that] you don’t want to over-challenge people, so it’s tricky,” he said. “You want things that also appeal to the audience, but our goal is also to educate, so there are a lot of factors in keeping it going.”
The primary factor is performance day, which is made possible by hours of private and group practice by the chorale, Bowman, and the assembled orchestra. The fruits of their labor are sure to be enjoyed during two packed nights at the Solvang Veteran’s Hall, so interested parties are advised to acquire tickets sooner rather than later.
Master voices
The Lompoc Valley Master Chorale presents The Splendor of Christmas with guest organist and brass ensemble on Dec. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 925 N. F St., Lompoc. Cost is $15, $10 for students.
Bringing the brass
The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society presents a concert featuring the Yuletide Brass performing holiday favorites on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 311 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Cost is $30, $25 for seniors and military, $12 for students. More information is available at 925-0412, info@santamariaphilharmonic.org, or santamariaphilharmonic.org.
In the flow
The Creative Juices Lounge features a performance by Louie Ortega on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. at the lounge, 874 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. More information is located at 219-0518 or creativejuiceslounge.com.
Live in Buellton
Standing Sun Wines presents Live in the Winery with Steven Roth performing Dec. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Standing Sun, 92 Second St. D, Buellton. Cost is $10 to $15. More information is available at 904-8072 or standingsunwines.com.
Music that pops
The Lompoc Pops Orchestra presents its annual Christmas Concert with guest conductor Keith Waibel on Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lompoc. More info: 735-6463 or connieatthepops@aol.com.
Ready to rip
The Riptide Big Band performs a Big Band Christmas concert on Dec. 7 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Elwin Mussell Center, 510 Park, Santa Maria. Cost is $10. More information is available at 922-4806, judybluenote@gmail.com, or riptidebb.com.
Fresh off D’Vine
The D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro features live music by Andrew Beal on Dec. 6. Shows happen at 7:30 p.m. at the D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. More information is available at 430-8356 or dvinewinebarandbistro.com.
Get down at the Radisson
The Radisson Hotel presents live music Fridays and Saturdays, including Juan Marquez performing Dec. 5 and 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Radisson, 3455 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria. More information is available at 928-8000.
Live at Lucia’s
Lucia’s Wine Co. offers an open mic event for musicians and poets on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Live music by Louie Ortega is Dec. 5. Michael Nunez performs Dec. 6. Friday and Saturday concerts happen from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lucia’s Wine Co. Tasting Room, 126 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. More information is available at 332-3080 or lucias-wine-co.com.
Get down at the Maverick
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment each weekend, including the The Rincons performing Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Concert on the Deck with Suburbanoid is Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Michael-Ann and Merle Jagger perform Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More information is available at 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 4-11, 2014.
