The words of Mary’s Magnificat, from the Gospel of Luke, have inspired many great composers. This concert includes the Magnificat by the British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1932). It has Mary singing in a rich, deep contralto, showing her strength and courage.
The program also includes a gorgeous new Magnificat by the American composer Taylor Scott Davis, which was premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York last May. In this setting, Mary is a pure, angelic soprano accompanied by harp and chamber orchestra.
On the program as well are holiday songs by a Jazz Ensemble led by Darcy Schmitt, the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, and a Christmas carol sing-along.
Jana Hart, VMC Conductor, will be retiring after leading the choir for 15 years. Her first concert with VMC also included the Vaughan Williams Magnificat, making this concert a memorable bookend to a truly remarkable tenure.
The Master Chorale traces its history to 1949. Over the years, members of the choir have performed three times in Carnegie Hall and in Hawaii, Canada, several European countries and most recently, Costa Rica. Hart has been conductor since 2010.