Choral Union spring 2011

CPG 'n me finished year six in ASU Choral Union. More of a mixture of performance opportunities this spring than in most prior semesters. So that was nice.

April 29 - combined choirs - we did three songs on our own and then "Make our Garden Grow" from Candide with the combined choirs . . . cell phone video of this last number here (courtesy PJr) (be patient, the music starts at about 0:24). Nice crowd, live space, good. PJ and MB also attended, we had a bite at Village Tavern after. The concert was fun. We typically are involved with bigger works - which is certainly my preference - but it was a nice change of pace to do these pieces.



April 20 - CU had a bit role in a concert with the ASU Sinfonietta - themed "The Art of War" - we did the choral part of the 1812 Overture. Interesting concept - student art works in the lobby, martial arts demonstrations, ROTC presence, music all themed to war. It was fun to be onstage for the overture.

April 8 - we performed "Belshazzar's Feast" (combined ASU choirs). The work (described here) is mostly built around the story line from the Book of Daniel that involves the "handwriting on the wall" . . . which appeared as Belshazzar et al profaned the cups Nebuchadnezzar had heisted from the temple. Rembrandt's version here was on the cover of our music.

This was a bit of a challenge to learn, let's say. Barb, Dan, Emily, Allison visited our March 22nd rehearsal when in town for NMG-POC wedding . . . probably were thinking we'd never pull off the performance. But it did come together reasonably well, was very much fun to perform, I hope to have another opportunity in some future year.

Kai (at Wild Horse Pass)

Wanted to mention briefly that PJ and I spent a delightful weekend at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass resort down on the south end of Phoenix (overnights April 9 and 10).

The impetus for the trip was a generous gift certificate to Kai restaurant at the resort - received from our kids for our 30th wedding anniversary. So it was time to get going on this. Kai has been open a few years now, and remains the valley's #1 fine dining restaurant (per the reviewers, or at least most of them). I believe it's the only restaurant in the state with AAA five diamond status.

The place lived up to its billing - PJ had the lamb, I had the buffalo tenderloin, tremendous attention to detail by the staff - nice.

What was also nice was that the other restaurants at the resort also did a great job - we had dinner at Ko Sin the second night, plus a great lunch at the golf course clubhouse.

Mostly relaxed around the room, but also did a hike on the south side of South Mountain - Telegraph Pass - I can see why it's such a popular place with folks on that side of town. Even some petroglyphs right off the trail.

Excellent getaway.

(NMG-POC) wedding music video

Among so many excellent elements - one of the finest things about the NMG-POC wedding was the music at the ceremony.



Much of this was due to the efforts of one David Clarke Isele - who authored some original music for the processional, assisted with music selection, performed before and during the ceremony, etc. Linda Prideaux did a bunch of work on this also; led the Panis Angelicus choir, played piano on a Biebl "Ave Maria" arrangement. Anne Koehler accompanied on piano. A group of folks participated in the Panis Angelicus choir (Kerry, Chris, Patrick, Paul Jr; Carol, Dolores, Nedda, Pat H., Charlie, Nicole L., Danny L., Dave K).

On my cellphone I grabbed two short videos. Above is the choir (minus Dave Kollar, who was on a plane or at the hotel bar or something) rehearsing "Panis Angelicus" on the day before the wedding. Second video is a snippet (<25 seconds) from the Biebl "Ave Maria" (DCI and LP practicing before the ceremony on 3/25).

Still life (wedding aftermath edition)

I have lots of stuff I want to post about. But first I'm going to use the weekend to work on taxes (since PJ and I are scheduled out next weekend for Kai restaurant per last year kid-gift, and I notice 4/15 looming).

Will post a few photos in the meantime.

When you get back from a wedding celebration, one's house is full of interesting stuff that helps trigger warm memories from a wonderful celebration.

I liked this random collection that sat on our kitchen table. Bouquets, centerpieces, sign-in "home plates" full of kind wishes, wrapping paper, gifts, cards (generously stuffed: nice job, guests), etc. . . . click photo to enlarge.