New York, N.Y. — Distinguished Concerts International New York City (DCINY) announced Tuesday that director Alisa Toy and the Columbus Choral Society have been invited to participate in the New York premier of John Purifoy’s “Chronicles of Blue and Gray” on the DCINY Concert Series in New York City. This performance at Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium is on June 8. The musicians will join with other choristers to form the Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a choir of distinction. Conductor Michael Adelson, former member of the New York Philharmonic conducting staff, will conduct the performance.
Dr. Jonathan Griffith, artistic director and principal conductor for DCINY, said, “The Columbus Choral Society received this invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers and the exceptional recommendation given by John Purifoy. It is quite an honor just to be invited to perform in New York. These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community’s recognition and support.”
The singers will spend five days and four nights in New York City in preparation for their concert. They will spend approximately nine to 10 hours in rehearsals during the five-day residency.
“Not all of the time is spent in rehearsals, since there is so much history and culture to see in New York City. However, the performance is the primary purpose for their visit to the city,” said Griffith.
Members of the community are encouraged to give financial support in sending Columbus Choral Society members to New York by contacting Alisa Toy at 662-889-5563 or by email at [email protected].
Blue and Gray
“Chronicles of Blue and Gray” was composed for the Knoxville Choral Society to honor the distinguished tenure of its conductor/artistic director, Dr. Eric Thorson. The ensemble and their conductor gave the world premiere performance of the piece in November 2012.
Written for orchestra and chorus, the work weaves numerous American folk songs, spirituals, rallying and battle cries with tunes and lyrics from the American civil war period of history. In some cases, lyrics to the same tune reflect the differing perspectives of the North and South and are juxtaposed within double choir statements and orchestral motifs.
Texts from Abraham Lincoln’s two Inaugurals, the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, secession proclamations, chronicles of battle casualties, and recollections of Grant’s and Lee’s meeting at the surrender at Appomattox are set to musical choral statements.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.