Chatman, Stephen (1950)
Choir Practice: A Comic Opera in One Act - Choir (CD)
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Recorded by University of British Columbia Symphony Orchestra in 2016
Music by Stephen Chatman / Words by Tara Wohlberg
University of British Columbia Opera Ensemble / Nancy Hermiston, director
Members of University of British Columbia Symphony Orchestra / Jonathan Girard, conductor
Synopsis: In a community hall in Vancouver, circa 1985, a somewhat motley blend of characters arrive for choir rehearsal. There's Dawn, a blind woman, who sees more than most. Corey, a shy and stuttering tenor keen to join the choir who soon attracts the eye of a curvaceous soprano. Warm-ups, roll call and plenty of comic conflicts ensue as a dozen singers prepare for a national competition. Willie is the well-intentioned director, but his most successful conquests to date are anything but musical - in fact they rival those of Don Giovanni! After various interruptions and a near-fatal duel between rival sopranos, a miracle takes place. The individuals are magically melded into a choir and a world of light, harmony, understanding, and musical perfection. Dawn leads the way in the rousing Finale: Darkness to Delight. Through all the nonsense and Hanky Panky, things come round right! Track Listing: 1 Opening - My first rehearsal 5:43 2 Aria: He has only just arrived 2:50 3 Isn't my Marilyn talented? 10:47 4 Aria: Not that kind of song 2:14 5 You made your point 8:49 6 The Grand Hotel 1:31 7 Before I choose the soloist 1:03 8 Duet: Ladies' Duel 2:24 9 I don't know what's wrong with you 6:59 10 Fantasy Time - Dawn's Miracle 2:59 11 Aria: Seeing is believing 3:11 12 The spell is broken 5:11 13 Aria/Duet: Hanky-Panky 3:00 14 What a transformation! 1:25 15 Finale Darkness to Delight 3:17 16 Applause Total time: 61:08 | | Stephen Chatman, C.M., D.M.A., is one of Canada's most frequently performed composers. In both 2010 & 2012, he was honoured with Jan V. Matejcek New Classical Music Award, given to a SOCAN composer for outstanding success in the Canadian music industry, in recognition of the many publications, public performances and radio-play of his works. Dr. Chatman is Professor of Composition at the University of British Columbia School of Music and was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in
Ausgabe: Oper/Operette
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