After a taste of their magical music being prepared in rehearsal, it came as no surprise that Los Cantantes’ “Nature’s Music” concerts at the Auditorio de la Ribera on Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26 were a resounding success.
A simple set of three rails containing multiple strips of pastel fabric, behind the choir, set off the black tuxedos and dresses worn with chiffon jackets in bright pink, purple and turquoise. Music Director Timothy G. Ruff Welch was on good form as he followed his choir on stage and introduced the program.
Accompanied by versatile pianist Eleanor Stromberg throughout, they opened with “Bless the Beasts and the Children” by DeVorzon and Botkin. This was followed by Nygard’s piece, “The Lamb,” accompanied by Stromberg with Mike Leisenbach on flute, which was exquisite. Next came Bernofsky’s “The Tiger” and the madrigal “The Silver Swan” by Gibbons.
Ehret’s toe-tapping folk song “The Sow Took the Measles” was great fun and Welch provided the essential dramatic sob at the end – informing the audience, to much laughter, that this was just one of his two “performances” that day!Perry’s “Frog” and Gray’s “Crocodile” made way for Purifoy’s “Turtle Dove” with its exceptionally beautiful accompaniment, expertly played by Stromberg, before Don Beaudreault’s lovely solo, “In time of Silver Rain” by Dilworth closed the first half.
After intermission the sound was much clearer as the noisy air conditioning that stifled the music was turned off. The price was audience discomfort in the sweltering heat, but the superb harmony of Harline’s “When you Wish upon a Star,” was as clear as a bell, so was Whitacre’s magical “Seal Lullaby,” accompanied by Stromberg with Mariana Martínez on cello.
Porter’s “Night and Day” led to a breathtaking rendition of Johnson’s “The Water is Wide” featuring soloists Anne Roche (alto) and Diana O’Byrne (soprano) – the latter stepping in only 24 hours earlier, for Judy Roberts who was unwell.
Centerpiece of the entire concert was Henson’s “August Moonrise,” accompanied by Stromberg with Martínez on cello, which was superb. Stroop’s “The Pasture” was well done, but the performance of his “Omnia Sol” completely took my breath away and again had me groping for a hankie. That piece should carry a “hazard” notice!
Bigler’s “Turkey in the Straw” was lively and fun – culminating with Welch’s exuberant “Yee Hah.” When the show ended, with Bricusse’s “Fill the World with Love,” the audience was on its feet and the applause was deafening.
Welch left, returning moments later wearing a powder blue cassock with brightly colored hood. The encore, Tindley’s “The Storm is Passing Over,” was a lively gospel song and the audience thoroughly enjoyed clapping along with the rhythm.
Like many others, I could listen to that beautiful music for hours, so the only criticism would be that it was over all too soon. However, a shorter, free version of this concert will be performed on Friday, March 28, 7 p.m. at the Iglesia del Espíritu Santo, Álvaro Obregón 119, Plaza de Toros, Chapala. Not a religious gathering, it fulfills one of Los Cantantes’ objectives to share its music with the Mexican community.
Los Cantantes is always looking for new members aged from 13 to 99+. Email Tim Welch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sopranos: Janice Carol, Lily Ehlebract, Teresa Jasper, Olga Kaplounenko, Cecilia Yael Leal Murillo, Jayme Littlejohn, Sheree Nuncio, Diana O’Byrne, Karen Procter, Judy Roberts, Jeanne Salmon, Amaranta Santos, Maria Roselia de la Cruz Urzua, Julie Webb and Marian Wellman.
Altos: Gale Bildfell, Kate Gunn, Mardele Harland, Doris Helmus, Judy Hendrick, Monique Jobidon, Kathy Koches, Eric Moisés Leal, Jutta McAdam, Anne Roche, Patteye Simpson and Belva Velázquez.
Tenors: Don Beaudreault, Tony Jackson, Clair Kuntz, Rodrigo Martín Leal Murillo, Barbara Pruitt, Juan Rivera, LeAnna Spear, Kitt Vincent and Patrick Waite.
Basses: Robert D. Croog, Joel Gómez, Lloyd Johnson, John Herbert Jones, Bob Koches, Chris Lane, Robert Martlew, Jim Parker, Hugo Ramos, Roy Thielking and James Velázquez.