The Burlington Choral Society takes flight with “Birds, Byrd, and Birding to Change the World” on Saturday, November 23, 7:30 pm at the Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester, VT. Inspired by soaring music referencing birds the from the 16th to 21st centuries, the concert features the 50-voice chorus, violin soloists Kathy Andrew and Laura Markowitz, cello soloist John Dunlop, and local author Trish O’Kane, whose book “Birding to Change the World” has received wide acclaim.
Two well-known pieces for solo violin and orchestra will receive first-ever performances involving chorus. The “Spring” violin concerto from Antonio Vivaldi’s famous “Four Seasons” will include the chorus singing Vivaldi’s own words. “The Lark Ascending,” by English composer Ralph Vaughn-Williams, will include words for the chorus that Vaughan-Williams cited as the inspiration for his rhapsody for violin and orchestra. English Renaissance composer William Byrd will soar with two works arranged for chorus with strings.
Birding to Change the World is the title of an uplifting 2024 memoir by UVM professor (and BCS tenor) Trish O’Kane. O’Kane will share passages about what birds can teach us about life, social change, and protecting the environment.
Artistic Director Richard Riley has arranged all but one piece on the program, but not everything can be written down: in “Plainscapes” by Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks (b. 1946), the chorus, along with solo violin and cello, will improvise two minutes of birdsongs that are incorporated in the piece.
The program ends with “Birdsong” by the Atlanta composer Eric Nelson (b. 1959), set to a text by 13th century poet Rumi: “Birdsong brings relief to my longing. I’m just as ecstatic as they are.”
Please join us at the Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael's College on November 23rd at 7:30pm. Tickets available at http://www.sevendaystickets.com.. General admission tickets for $30 are available online and at the door. Students 18 and under are free.
SATURDAY, November 23 — 7:30pm
Elley-Long Music Center, 223 Ethan Allen Ave., Colchester
Accessibility
Elley-Long Music Center has dedicated parking spaces for people with disabilities: one in front of the building and two in the parking lot along the side of the building. The main entrance for audience members is flat with no barriers. All restrooms have a stall that will accommodate a wheelchair.
If you would like a space reserved in the hall for a wheelchair, or if you need other accommodations, please email us at BCSsingers@gmail.com.
Questions about the concert?
Please contact the Burlington Choral Society at BCSsingers@gmail.com.