|
|
GMCLA Impress in new Walt Disney Concert Hall
By Melinda Schupmann
In a concert entitled "The Best of Times," the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles brought its impressive musical skills to WDCH as the final performance of their 25th Anniversary season. Making their debut concert which was held on Monday, November 8, 2004, at this time gives special meaning to this anniversary. Though some of their more theatrical shenanigans were saved for their upcoming Christmas show, nevertheless, they treated the audience to amusing, in-place choreography of some of their lighter numbers.
Starting off with "I Love L.A.," Randy Newman's close-to-a-theme song of the city, Steven Landau arranged it with the flair that only the chorus can produce. Following, then, were some familiar tunes from other concerts and a few new ones that suited the vaulting space very well. A featured solo by first tenor John Dixon in "Hark! I Hear the Harp's Eternal" set the stage for creating marvelous bell tones in the hall. Then baritone Jesse Martin added his mellow delivery of "What Matters," followed by the group.
The choice of music always has something for everyone. If you like pop, then "Come Rain or Come Shine," I'll Never Stop Loving You, "I Won't Send Roses," or their first act finale medley of "You Made Me Love You," "The Trolley Song," Chicago," or "San Francisco" will please you.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for more 'serious' music, then "Bogoroditse Devo," Rachmaninoff's evocative piece or "Sanctus," from Duruflé, arranged by Jon Bailey, can both elicit thunderous applause and remind the audience of the acoustics in this beautiful building, built with soaring interiors and exteriors.
Spicing up the event were two popular, fine voices of Susan Egan and Malcom Gets. Egan led off with "One of the Girls" and "Where In The World Is My Prince." Both numbers were dynamite, and the accompanying chorus only underscored the talent of all these performers. Then Gets, with leisurely affability, delivered "Way Ahead of My Time." Finally, the two sang the signature piece, "The Best of Times."
Act II was certainly the more spiritual half of the program, and this is where the soul of the group seemed to be magnified. This group, somewhere in the vicinity of 200, seems to unify into one voice, clearly feeling the beauty of the music as the sounds rise in the structure. It was certainly magical. Their version of the "Star Spangled Banner" reminded everyone there of the splendid song that is often stylized beyond recognition. The late Bill Trusten's arrangement was simply lovely, and it left behind a legacy that is impressive.
Executive Director Brian J. Wyatt's reminded everyone that the GMCLA isn't leaving its home in Glendale at the Alex, but let's hope that their debut at the Disney Hall isn't their last performance there. It was, as always, a special treat to hear the male chorus interpret music in their own unique way. Their Christmas show, "Swing, Santa Swing" will be December 17-19, 2004 at the Alex and Sunday, December 5 at 3 p.m. in Riverside. It is a holiday treat that is a great gift for the season.
The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand, Los Angeles.Tickets at 1-800-MEN SING (1-800-636-7464 or www.gmcla.org.
|
|
|
|
