Like to sing in the shower? Then share your talents this summer at the “Eastman Summer Sings” series.
Presented by the Eastman School of Music, the popular annual series of choral music reading sessions opens Tuesday, July 3, in the school’s Kilbourn Hall, 26 Gibbs St., with participants performing J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor. The series continues for four more weeks; each program starts at 7:30 p.m. and is built around one or two choral masterworks. Scores are provided at the door.
The other programs in the series include, on July 10: Poulenc’s Gloria and Duruflé’s Requiem; July 17: Haydn’s The Creation; July 24: Bruckner’s E Minor Mass; and July 31: Mendelssohn’s Elijah.
Several thousand people have participated in the series since it was started in 1995 by William Weinert, director of choral activities at Eastman.
“People enjoy the experience of performing these masterpieces in a relaxed atmosphere alongside other singers,” said Weinert. “These evenings also provide the chance to hear the area’s very finest vocal soloists.”
Featured soloists are: for the performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Erica Washburn, soprano; Pamela Terry, mezzo-soprano; Pablo Cesar Bustos, tenor; and Evan Jones, baritone; for Duruflé’s Requiem, Allyn Van Dusen, mezzo-soprano, and Eric Trumpowsky, baritone; for Haydn’s The Creation, Holly Bewlay, soprano; Dennis Rosenbaum, tenor; and Evan Jones, baritone; and for Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Aubrie Willaert, soprano; Rebekah Flowers, mezzo-soprano; Ryan Glick, tenor; and Derrick Smith, baritone.
Weinert will conduct three of the performances. Guest conductors include Roger Wilhelm, music director of Madrigalia and sanctuary choir director at Asbury First United Methodist Church, and Michael Ruhling, assistant professor of music at Rochester Institute of Technology.
“Eastman Summer Sings” is free, although a $5 donation is suggested, and refreshments are provided. Parking is free in the East End Garage. For more information, e-mail wweinert@esm.rochester.edu or call (585) 274-1444.
