Having just welcomed 16 new singers to its ranks, the Long Beach Camerata Singers is excited about its upcoming 49th season, which includes four performances by the choir, as well as four other events that are part of its annual Long Beach Bach Festival. The choir’s Artistic Director, Dr. Rob Istad, describes the season as one that “will bring exceptional, diverse musical experiences to the people of our city. You won’t want to miss a moment!”
The season begins on October 12 at 4:30 p.m. with an exhilarating tribute to our nation’s singing heritage featuring a Bluegrass band and other guests in beautiful new arrangements of familiar folk songs, American standards, spirituals, and a patriotic salute to the armed forces. The performance takes place at the Long Beach City College Auditorium, a fully equipped performing arts facility with more than 900 seats, plenty of free parking and easy access by public transportation.
Then on December 20, Camerata brings the sine qua non of holiday choral repertoire – Handel’s magnificent oratorio, The Messiah – to the stage at Long Beach City College, with full orchestra and acclaimed guest soloists. Camerata Singers has treated audiences to this masterpiece for seven seasons, garnering considerable critical acclaim: “Camerata’s sound . . . is perfectly blended and balanced. They gave an excellent performance, exhibiting plenty of power in the big moments and some really impressive precision in the coloratura passages,” wrote one reviewer. Indeed, this concert will have audiences singing, “hallelujah.”
As part of the annual Long Beach Bach Festival, which it has produced for 41 years, Camerata Singers will offer up a performance of Bach’s Magnificat in D Major on April 12, 2015, which is one of only a few works that Bach scored for a five-part choir. As he always does, Dr. Istad will properly present the work with Baroque orchestra and five guest soloists. Other concerts on the roster for the Bach Festival during March and April 2015 include three free events: a performance of Bach motets by the Horizon Choir, the Junior Bach Festival showcasing Long Beach’s young musical prodigies and a newly developed interactive performance for children and families, called KinderKonzert.
In keeping with the Festival’s objective to present outstanding guest artists and interesting works by, about and thematically related to J.S. Bach, Camerata Singers will also present an evening of jazz and Bach at the Sky Room on March 29, featuring Denean Dyson and the Soul Foundation ensemble.
The final concert of the season, entitled Camerata Goes Broadway, is an annual favorite that has played to sold-out houses for the past three years. At this season’s event on June 13, 2015, patrons can sample tasty hors d’oeuvres, sip wine, bid on tempting silent auction items and enjoy a fantastic performance of solos, ensembles and choruses from Broadway’s greatest hits. This has become one of the hottest tickets in Long Beach!
“We want everyone to be able to experience quality choral music,” explains Camerata’s Board President, Jan Hower, “so we’re happy to be able to offer 3 free concerts this season, thanks to support from the Port of Long Beach.” Michael Gold, Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Port, added, “We’re happy to be part of Camerata Singers’ growth and the vibrant arts scene in our community.”
Subscriptions to Long Beach Camerata’s 2014-15 Season start at $100 for General Admission seating. Tickets to individual concerts are also available starting at $30 ($10 at the door with student I.D.) For more information about Long Beach Camerata Singers’ concert schedule, or to purchase tickets, visit www.longbeachcameratasingers.org or call 562-373-5654.