April 04, 2011
Monday

This weekend Ketchikan was once again treated to a wonderful live performance by our own talented community members, some from our outlying communities, and 3 professional string players from the State of Washington. We do not (yet) have a great nationally known music hall, but we do not lack for talent or enthusiasm for the performing arts and live performances. There is a specialness about live performance that one can only understand by being present.

This weekend's performance was dubbed a "two for one": one a very classical piece, the other a spoof yet musically intellectual.

Steve Kinney, Musical Director of the Ketchikan Community Chorus, brings to each rehearsal his passion for music - this is evident when we listen to the live performance.

John Rutter's Requiem was beautifully presented by Ketchikan Community Chorus, along with orchestra and string trio, with much feeling about the music and words, from all the performers.

The string players always have a special part with the choral piece, and are always willing to share their music individually and as a trio. They performed 2 numbers: one from the Baroque period and one from the Romantic period.

The Mozart Oboe quartet that was planned had to be cancelled. Our own Kathleen Light, very accomplished oboe player, had to leave town due to a death in her family. Our sympathy goes out to her and her family.

The 2nd half of the program, PDQ Bach's oratorio, The Seasonings, was ... well what can I say?! We heard about tarragon, thyme, leeks, sesame seeds, cumin and curry. If you had listened really well, you would have heard hints of the 'hallelujah' chorus. The chorus really had a good time with this - and the instrumentation?! Well, I can only say 'orchestra' with tongue in cheek. It was all fun.

THANK YOU to each of the performers for your time and talent and sharing this with us this weekend.

Judith Green
Ketchikan, AK