by: Lori Leong, Vocal Art Ensemble
This June, the Davis-based adult a capella choir, The Vocal Art Ensemble (VAE), will present a program entitled CIRCLES.
The group’s selections for this season are built upon intriguing musical, historical, and thematic patterns. Choral pieces of varied origins will take on different meanings as they are connected and organized into song “circles,” which tell subtle stories – some finished, some unfinished.
“CIRCLES aims to provide an immersive musical journey full of twists and turns, and elegant narratives through playful imagination,” reports VAE’s website description.
“The various pieces we are doing figuratively and, at times, literally come full circle,” says VAE Tenor/Baritone Jeremy Wright.
Refined, surprising, and sometimes playful instrumentals, performed by Joshua Voeltz (flute) and Laura Harrington (oboe/English horn), will guide the audience from one circle to the next.
“The Vocal Art Ensemble and its director Tracia Barbieri are always such a pleasure to work with,” reports Laura Harrington. “The group’s creativity shines in the way that everything flows and swirls together, captivating the audience.
“It also leads us to reach inward and give our very best every time!”
“Every season I look forward to the unfolding of Tracia’s creative process into an experience that involves more senses than just hearing,” adds VAE alto Pat Moore-Pickett. “I can’t wait to add into the mix our instrumental collaborators, and to share this program with our audience, since it has been such a balm to my soul.”
“I have enjoyed many years of VAE concerts, and think it is something every music lover in the region should attend if they can,” promotes audience member Noel Bruening. “VAE performances are a full production of interwoven themes, and the audience is surrounded by sounds, movement, and inventive integration of other instruments.”
“CIRCLES takes us on a life’s journey, from excitement to awe, grief to acceptance, reverence to celebration, devotion to hope, with a little love and fun mixed in,” suggests soprano Mareika Schrader.
Schrader sang with VAE back in 2010 before moving out of the area. Now that she is back, she is singing with the ensemble again, creating a “full circle” of her own.
CIRCLES will be presented on the evening of Friday June 5 evening at 7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, June 6 and 7 at 4:00 pm. VAE audience regulars should take note that the Saturday concert is by request now at an earlier time.
All performances are at the Davis United Methodist Church, 1620 Anderson Road. A suggested donation of $15-25 per person will be gratefully accepted at the door.
For more information please visit www.vae-choir.com or contact (530) 220-2012.
