Season 16 Highlights

On May 6, we closed our glorious 16th season, although we were able to share with the Village of Oak Park, a very brief presentation of some selections from the concert at a Day in Our Village June 4. 
 
Among the season’s highlights was our annual Holiday concert, which was reprised at Incarnation Catholic Church in Crestwood. For that performance, we joined members of the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, combining forces on several selections. The Spring performance, themed “Gone Too Soon,” was special and historic, as we presented the music of 16 composers over 6 centuries, in 6 languages, and featured the works of composers who were at the height of their creative powers when they left this world.
 
It’s hard to pick out one special moment over another of the spring program, as the performance of each selection was a highlight unto itself. For those in attendance, this was a wonderful opportunity to hear the rarely heard Schubert work, “Miriam’s Song of Triumph,” spectacularly performed by the ensemble along with our special guest Dutch soprano, Josefien Stoppelenburg. In addition, they were introduced to the music of Italian Renaissance composer Maddelena Casulana. Two significant and timely additions to the program were the two Ukrainian selections, written by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovich.
 
The range of music and styles was typical of MTS, as we strive to present material featuring rarely heard selections of mainstream composers or long-forgotten composers. Where else would one hear the music of Mozart and Schubert, and Lennon and Steve Goodman on the same program?
 
This season, we introduced our audiences, as we usually do, to familiar literature, some less-often heard past favorites, and a few premieres. Our specialty is to celebrate the music makers, i.e. the composers and arrangers, while addressing another goal: to entertain.
 
None of what we did could have happened without the marvelous diligence, professionalism, and hard work of the Singers in preparation and performance, along with the support and dedication of our Board and the generosity of our many followers.
 
I am in the process of putting the final touches on plans for the coming season. There will be the usual familiar and fun things for the Holidays, as well as some surprises and premieres.  Once again, we will be looking at another unique and historic presentation in the spring. I hope to make announcements in that regard very soon, so please keep your eyes on this page for updates.

---