Why “An Evening of Irreverence?”

“Irreverence” is a theme I’ve had in mind almost since the inception of the ensemble.  A founding member and friend, Mark Peterson, suggested the concept to me after our first concert.  With this being the 10th anniversary, I thought the timing was right to “loosen our ties” a bit and explore some silliness in music. 

Nothing on this program is serious – this is intentional.  

There is so much artistic material out there that is intelligent, well constructed, and fun.  At the same time, there is literature that is all of that and just plain silly. Comedic pieces can be just as challenging to prepare and perform as serious, legitimate works, and just as entertaining for the audience.  There will not be a lot of visual gags at this concert, but there will be some.  The idea is to have the music pretty much speak for itself.  

One can’t plan a program like this without including certain pieces or certain composers. Composers/song writers Allan Sherman (Chicago-born), Tom Lehrer, and PDQ Bach will be featured.  Along with their music, there will be reprises of pieces we’ve performed over the last 9 seasons.  Among them are Robert Russell Bennett’s “Crazy Cantata – Three Blind Mice,” and my arrangements of “Lincoln Park Pirates,” “The Typewriter,” and “If You’ve Only Got a Moustache.” Rounding off the program will be some other unique, witty, and sometimes zany selections – some written by legitimate composers.

If you’re looking to get away from all of the insanity in the world, come to this concert for some madcap musical entertainment. I’m sure this performance will put a smile on your face, no matter what your age. You might even walk away humming a few of the tunes!