Exceptional Encounters

Exciting! Extraordinary! Enlightening! – all examples of terms that could be expressed about our 42 Season, “Exceptional Encounters.” Eager to please an earnest, educated, and ex­pectant audience, we have established an extensive series of four events that are sure to enthrall everyone.

We embark on our endeavor by establishing early the enor­mity of our enterprise. Our season begins with Elijah, Men­delssohn’s epic, expansive, and enduring oratorio about the ec­centric and exiled Old Testament prophet (not to be confused with Ezekiel, or even Elisha). The text (performed in English) is taken almost exclusively from the book of I Kings, but is enhanced by additional excerpts from Exodus, Ecclesiastes, et cetera. The work is exceedingly full of enthusiasm and en­ergy, even including an earthquake. But it also has deep empathy as exemplified by the aria “It is enough.” The Chorale will again be joined by the Texas A&M Century Singers, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, and esteemed guest soloists. The enormous ensemble will be conducted by Jess Wade.

This year, our Christmas entry is not concerned with elves, eggnog, and evergreens. Rather, it emulates the Episcopal/Anglican tradition of Evensong, though with a more ecumenical es­sence. All the established elements of that choral eventide service will be evident. And there will be an emphasis on carols and composers of the British Empire. The music will embody the evocative emotions etched on us from time eternal and exultant Christmases past. We are again in the elegance of First Presbyterian Church, a holiday delight to ears and eyes alike.

In February, the ever popular “pops” dinner concert will not only be entertainment, but “E!ntertainment,” as we embrace all things “E.” Explanation: each of the songs will have a title that begins with “E,” composers whose names begin with “E,” or is best known from a performing group whose name begins with “E.” This enjoyable, easygoing evening of engaging music will come from an exhaustive list of options too great to enumerate. But ex­pect to hear songs like “Embraceable You,” “Edelweiss,” “Earth Angel,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Eleanor Rigby,” and music from Ellington, Elton, Elvis, Estefan, the Everly Brothers, and even Dale Evans. This enchanting evening enclosed in the Hilton Oakwood Room comes with epicurean delights especially planned for your enjoyment. But don’t worry that your choices will be limited to (nor necessarily include) an entrée of escargot, étouffée, eggplant, or éclairs. Prepare now for this en­dearing, elaborate, and electrifying experience.

Then we end our season with an ecstatic exclamation point – “Echoes.” For this concert we will emphasize and examine the eclectic genre of antiphonal and double chorus literature. Music of this type is usually written for eight or more voice parts and is most effective in an enormous space with lots of elbow room. We will exceed expectations in the ethereal edifice of Christ United Methodist Church. There will be examples of this engag­ing music from the Renaissance to Contemporary. The effect can elicit elation, ecstasy, endearment, and everything in between. Plan to be enlightened, enriched, and enthusiastic.

Hopefully this exercise has served to entice you to engage in our season and has equipped you with the essentials to join us on our exquisite excursion of extravagant and eye-opening choral experi­ences. These concerts will show evidence of and epitomize our goal of choral excellence. Enter into these “Exceptional Encoun­ters” as either a singer or an audience member. Everyone is ex­pressly encouraged to be part of our exclusive extravaganza – no excuses. Then perhaps we can even encourage an “Encore!”