Dec 8 at Old First: The Accord Treble Choir Presents Music About Heavenly Bodies, the Afterlife and Eternity
“This group is important for Arts at Old First,” says Pastor Daniel Meeter of the Accord Treble Choir. “We have hosted them for five or six years now, and they love to sing in our Upper Hall. They have a remarkable and unique sound. All women’s voices, in a small ensemble, perfectly tuned, singing challenging pieces ancient, classical, modern, and contemporary, in many languages.”
In its winter program, Celestial, Accord Treble Choir offers songs exploring the power of eternity and the refuge of an afterlife. Across centuries, cultures, and religions, human beings have stood in awe of the heavens. And music has given voice to anticipation– both stoic and joyful– of what lies beyond this world.
Contemporary settings of Latin prayers, including a tribute to September 11 victims, call for the soul’s safe passage, while a group of beloved American hymns (including two arrangements by Accord members and another by Anonymous 4) boldly welcome the adventure to the great beyond.
In keeping with Accord’s penchant for diverse languages and traditions, the choir performs an Indian raga, Paallanda, from an ancient Tamil devotional prayer asking Vishnu for divine protection; in this fascinating arrangement by Ethan Sperry, voices produce drone sounds and a captivating Indian style of vocal percussion known as konnakol.
Another program highlight is an original composition, Interim, by Accord member Amy Joscelyn, setting a poem by early twentieth century activist-poet Lola Ridge, about nature on the cusp of dramatic change.
Saturday, December 1, 6 p.m. in Manhattan
St. Ignatius of Antioch Church
552 West End Ave (entrance on 87th St.)
and
Saturday, December 8, 6 p.m. in Brooklyn
Old First Reformed Church
729 Carroll St. (corner of 7th Ave)
Suggested Donation $15/$5 (Seniors & Students) | RSVP on Facebook
Wine and cheese reception to follow
Accord recently enjoyed a two-evening engagement at Nightfall, a spectacular event at Brooklyn’s Greenwood Cemetery featuring some of New York City’s top performers. Pictured here in the exquisite and rarely-opened Whitney Mausoleum.
Click here to read more about the Accord Treble Choir and its relationship to Old First.
