Celebrating Bob Chilcott’s Music and Bringing Together the Choral Singing Community

On March 2-4, 2018, Vocális welcomed internationally acclaimed choral composer and conductor, Bob Chilcott to join us in Buffalo for a three-day residency.

Described by the Observer newspaper as “a contemporary hero of British choral music”, Bob Chilcott has always been immersed in the choral tradition of his country. He sang as a chorister and choral scholar at King’s College, Cambridge, and after singing professionally in London and also as a member of the vocal group the King’s Singers for 12 years, he became a full-time composer in 1997.

He has embraced his career with energy and commitment, not only producing a large catalogue of music for all types of choirs, but also working with singers and choirs in more than 30 countries. It was truly a joy to have Bob join us to celebrate his music and the community of choral singing.

Bob Chilcott conducting in front of church stained glass windows

CHORAL WORKSHOP

The weekend of events began on Friday morning with an extraordinary Choral Workshop with the Amherst High School Concert Chorale, the Lancaster High School Concert Choir, and the Starpoint High School Concert Choir. Many thanks to their talented directors Justin Pomietlarz, Gary Lee, and Roger Van Dette for bringing their immensely talented students to join us!

Numbering more than 150 strong, the choir spent several hours learning, laughing, and celebrating the joy of musicing together! Under Bob’s mentorship they quickly brought his music to life in preparation for the Sunday concert where they sang Chilcott’s If Ye Love Me, The Real of Heart, and The Dove and the Olive Leaf. It was truly a joyful and moving experience for all!

Bob Chilcott conducting large choir in a church alter

COMMUNITY COME AND SING

After some time to relax and see a bit of the fantastic city of Buffalo, the residency continued on Friday evening with a Community Come and Sing Event. Adults and students from around WNY and Southern Ontario arrived to work with Mr. Chilcott and celebrate our common language of choral singing. Strangers when they arrived, the ‘Chilcott Choir’ of 150 quickly bonded while rehearsing his wonderful four-movement setting of the Gloria.

With smiles all-around, the evening ended with conversation and photos with the composer, and each participant was able to take home their copy of the piece.

It was surely a night to remember!

Bob Chilcott conducting audience of singers in a church

Bob Chilcott in background with printed vocal score for Gloria in foreground

VOCÁLIS REHEARSAL

As Saturday arrived, it was time for Vocális to spend some time with Bob in rehearsal. Vocális was honored to be conducted by the composer in concert, feeling both excited and anxious to give his beautiful music the best possible performance. The rehearsal process was a joy.

To share the vision of a work with its creator is always special; all the more so, when the composer is as genuine, generous, kind, supportive and inspiring as Bob Chilcott. We all left rehearsal feeling extremely excited for the concert to come!

Bob Chilcott rehearsing with choir singers on church alter

VOCÁLIS SINGS CHILCOTT

Bob Chilcott and Jamie Burritt standing on church alter with all Vocalis Chamber Choir singers

Sunday arrived with our concert, Vocális Sings Chilcott. Joined by the fantastic combined choirs of Amherst, Lancaster, and Starpoint High Schools, and presented in the beautiful sanctuary of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Buffalo,

Vocális was thrilled to put an exclamation point on an incredible weekend. Bob Chilcott’s music had a deeply connective and healing effect on all present.

The concert was a chance to release from the stresses of the world and acknowledge the beauty and power of community; an opportunity to remember that there is much more that unites us than divides us. The weekend was a true success!

Vocális is extraordinarily grateful to Bob Chilcott for inspiring us to continue our musical mission here in Buffalo and Western New York. We look forward to working closely with him again in the near future!

Bob Chilcott with large choir of local high school students in front of church alter

FUNDING PARTNERS

Vocális Chamber Choir is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization. Gifts in support of our mission are greatly appreciated and tax deductible.

The Vocális Chamber Choir, a select ensemble of dedicated professionals based in Western New York, is committed to performing great a cappella music from all eras, and to cultivating an awareness of the art of choral singing. We strive to inspire, educate, and enlighten our audiences through an intimate and moving concert experience.

Vocális Chamber Choir is supported in part with cultural funding from the Cullen Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts. Thanks to County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the Erie County and New York State Legislatures for their continued support.

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Vocális Chamber Choir
401 McKinley Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14220

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