Long Beach Camerata Singers Website

Brandenburg, Old and New

cameratasingers — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:02:29 +0000

We welcome you to our second Long Beach Bach Festival event, featuring CENTRAL4 in “Brandenburg, Old and New.” Los Angeles Composer Jenni Brandon’s new piece “Meditations on Brandenburg 5” was commissioned by CENTRAL4 especially for this occasion.

March 3 at 7:30pm
First Congregational Church of Long Beach
241 Cedar Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90208

Signal Tribune Article on Bach to Basie

cameratasingers — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:07:48 +0000

Originally posted on the signaltribunenewspaper.com

The Long Beach Camerata Singers are kicking off the new year in celebration of Bach, Blues and more with the 38th annual Long Beach Bach Festival. Singers and instrumentalists will give four concert performances over a span of two months, interpreting the famous composer in unique ways.

Recording artist Laura Harrison will open this year’s Bach Festival on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 5:30pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach. Harrison’s set, entitled Mash-up! Bach to Basie, will take the audience from Johann Sebastian Bach to jazz legend William “Count” Basie, and will include Baroque arias, jazz standards, and popular favorites on the same program.

Harrison’s debut jazz CD, entitled Now…Here, currently plays in 43 states and 13 countries, climbing to number 18 on the CMJ Jazz National Chart. Wilbert Sostre of the Jazz Times believes she sets the standard for jazz singers today. Of her debut album, Sostre writes: “…this is what a jazz singer should sound like.”

On March 3 at 7:30pm, The Central4 Piano Quartet will combine classical and contemporary music in a performance at First Congregational Church of Long Beach. The group’s performance, Brandenburg, Old and New, will include Bach’s Brandenburg Concert No. 5 in D Major, as well as a piece commissioned specifically for this occasion by Los Angeles composer Jenni Brandon.

The popular “Bach a Bacchus,” featuring pianist Lindsey Hundley, will be the third presentation of the Bach Festival on March 10 at 7:30pm at The Wine Bar in Long Beach. Audience members will have the opportunity to sample wines and hors d’oeuvres while they enjoy jazz-inspired variations of some of Bach’s most famous work.

The Long Beach Bach Festival will conclude this year with “GLORIA! Beauty and the Baroque” performed by the Long Beach Camerata Singers and Orchestra. The concert, conducted by Robert Istad, will highlight the best of the Baroque Period with Vivaldi’s Gloria in D, Handel’s Laudate Pueri Dominum and Bach’s Cantata BWV 4–Christ lag in Todesbanden.

Admission prices are $25 for advanced tickets and $30 at the door. Purchase advanced tickets at longbeachcameratasingers.org.

Laura Harrison: Mash-Up! Bach to Basie

cameratasingers — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:46:56 +0000

We welcome you to our first Long Beach Bach Festival event, featuring Laura Harrison in “Mash-Up! Bach to Basie.” Enjoy baroque arias mixed with jazz standards and popular favorites on the same program.

February 19, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach
5450 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815

Who We Are

cameratasingers — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:12:39 +0000

We are a 70-member choral ensemble committed to providing educational outreach and cultural opportunities throughout the city of Long Beach and its neighboring cities. Serving the performing arts community for over four decades, the Long Beach Camerata Singers is dedicated to presenting performances and festivals designed to reach a broad spectrum of our community members, and beyond.

Choral Music Fans Have Blast At Concert

cameratasingers — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:06:50 +0000

By Jim Ruggirello on Gazettes.com on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 2:24 pm

You have to love a concert called “Blast!”

That was the season-opening effort by the Long Beach Camerata Singers, presented the other evening at Covenant Presbyterian, and devotees of choral music certainly had a you-know-what.
Artistic director Robert Istad is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his chosen art form, and his programs are invariably put together with intention and a good deal of thought. For this one, he chose 20th and 21st century works for chorus, organ, percussion and harp.

Given that framework, the repertoire turned out to be extremely varied, with composers new (Jonathan Dove, Tarik O’Regan, Nico Muhly, Ken Walicki) and old (Ralph Vaughan Williams, Martin Shaw, Herbert Howells) exploring different ideas about what this particular combination could achieve. One of Istad’s stated intentions was to give an historic context to the contemporary works and to make the older compositions sound modern. By gosh, it worked.

I suppose some good things can come out of Orange County, and one of them is Jung-A Lee, who was the amazing organist on this concert. She was by turns supportive and extremely virtuosic. Her sizeable and technically accomplished contributions to the success of the evening were extraordinary.

Lee was an equal partner with Istad in the concert’s culmination, an excellent performance of a 20th century classic, Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms.” The percussion ensemble from California State University, Fullerton, where Istad is the director of choral studies, and harpist Ellie Choate also distinguished themselves here, as they did throughout the program.

The excellent Senior Wave Chorale from Manhattan Beach Middle School performed two numbers on their own, Martin Shaw’s too-short “Fanfare” and Sheldon Altman’s lively “Bim-Bam,” and guested with the Camerata in Nico Muhly’s difficult but effective “A Good Understanding.” Five boys from the group also collectively sang the alt solo in the second movement of the Bernstein, and very nicely, too.
Speaking of public school music, the Camerata began giving a Music Educator of the Year award a few years back, which is a lovely idea. This year’s recipient is Paula Riley, from our own Stanford Middle School.

The highlight of the newer works for me was “just like a dream experience…” by Ken Walicki, who also teaches at Fullerton. The immediately attractive choral lines, accompanied by the organ and punctuated by percussion and harp, made for an entertaining and satisfying world premiere.

Istad described Tarik O’Regan’s “Dorchester Canticles,” written in 2004, as “wild and crazy,” and it certainly was that. So was the Muhly for that matter, and then the Bernstein was there to demonstrate where all that wildness and craziness came from. Howells and Vaughan Williams represented a tamer and saner tradition.

There was so much going on, I almost didn’t notice how good the Camerata was. Istad has fashioned a wonderful sound, seamlessly blended, powerful when necessary, and capable of giving terrific, authoritative performances in a variety of styles. What really came through during the entire concert was the singers’ energy and enthusiasm.

They seemed to be having a blast.

Originally posted on Gazettes.com by Jim Ruggirello

School Choir to Sing With Professionals

cameratasingers — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 17:31:02 +0000

By Liz Spear from the Manhattan Beach Patch, October 21, 2011.

The Manhattan Beach Middle School chorus is joining the Long Beach Camerata Singers for “Blast! (Bernstein, Pipes, and Percussion)” this weekend for performances in Redondo Beach and Long Beach.

It’s all about music this weekend for 44 kids who sing in the Manhattan Beach Middle School Senior Wave Chorale.

Or maybe it’s almost always all about music!

In any case, the students will be performing with the professional Long Beach Camerata Singers Saturday and Sunday after spending time rehearsing with the group’s artistic director, Robert Istad.

There are more than a few Manhattan Beach connections going on here but, in addition to the MBMS kids, Manhattan Beach resident Karla Devine is a singer with Camerata.

Said Devine of listening to the students rehearse with Istad Thursday, “The kids sound magical. When I heard their first entrance, it sounded like they just were floating into the piece! They are so well-prepared. Heather Gold [the MBMS chorus conductor] is amazing!”

Said Istad after Thursday’s rehearsal, “It is incredibly impressive to hear a middle school chorus tackle complicated repertoire with such musicality, finesse, beauty, and precision! I am astounded with Ms. Gold’s abilities. She is a superb musician and teacher. I look forward to an amazing weekend of concerts with them.”

Choir students delivered a stunning performance at the city’s Sept. 11 commemoration and often sing in the community at charity events. They also performed last spring at a choral festival sponsored by the Southern California Vocal Association and received a superior rating, said Gold.

“All the singers are very excited about the chance to sing with the Long Beach Camerata Singers,” said Gold. “It has brought an air of professionalism to our rehearsals knowing that we will perform such beautiful music with such an accomplished group.”

The MBMS program has five choirs, consisting of about 165 students.

If you didn’t hear them at the Sept. 11 city commemoration, these kids are amazingly gifted and deliver vocals that are heavenly.

“Blast!” will be performed in Redondo Beach Saturday at 7 p.m. at Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Boulevard, and in Long Beach on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 607 E. 3rd Street. Tickets cost $25 each in advance and $30 at the door. Purchase tickets online or call 562-522-1045.

Posted at the Manhatten Beach Patch on October 21, 2011.

2011 Music Educator of the Year Award Announced!

cameratasingers — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:11:54 +0000

Paula Riley, the choral music director at Leland Stanford Middle School in Long Beach, CA, was announced as this year’s winner of the annual Music Educator of the Year Award. This annual award honors outstanding contributions to music education in Long Beach, the South Bay, and Orange County regions.

The award was established by the Long Beach Camerata Singers to recognize the extraordinary dedication of music educators to training talented musicians for the future and sustaining the value of music as an essential experience for all youth in our region. The award recognizes the achievements of music educators in schools, colleges, churches and community settings, as well as private instruction.

Ms. Riley has been teaching at Stanford Middle School for 20 years and in that time has built a middle school choir with a solid reputation in the community. Many of her students call her their favorite teacher, and parents call her the most influential teacher their child has ever had.

Previous award winners include James Petri, Music Curriculum leader in the Long Beach Unified School District, and Andrew Osman, Instrumental Music Director at Long Beach Polytechnic.

Spotlight on Long Beach Camerata Singers

cameratasingers — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:32:05 +0000

2011-10-10 · By Everything Long Beach

EverythingLongBeach.com recently spoke with Eric Shin, Marketing Director of Long Beach Camerata Singers, via email. They talked about the inspirations and challenges of running a nonprofit organization in Long Beach.

How long has Long Beach Camerata Singers been around? Did it start in Long Beach?

Since 1967. The organization was founded by Frank Allen as the Vocal Arts Ensemble, and served as the resident chorus for the Long Beach Bach Festival, which he founded in 1973.

Describe Long Beach Camerata Singers. Tell us a little about your nonprofit, your mission, the people you serve or your goals.

We are a 65-voice ensemble who produces the annual Long Beach Bach Festival, currently in its 38th season. The ensemble also performs a fall concert, a holiday performance of the Messiah , and a spring concert of lighter music. Repertoire encompasses a wide range of works from the Renaissance to the present, and includes many contemporary choral works.

Presenting classical, contemporary and original choral music to a broad spectrum of our community and beyond.

How is Long Beach Camerata Singers different from similar nonprofits?

We are similar in that we are a completely community-based performing arts organization.

We are different because we produce the annual Long Beach Bach Festival, the only organization to do so in Long Beach.

How is Long Beach Camerata Singers involved with the community?

We bring the Long Beach community an enriched musical experience through many different venues: churches, wine bars, art galleries, and more. We also deliver the works of classical and contemporary music through innovative repertoire and original works, featuring local composers, artists, and venues.

What are some of the biggest successes Long Beach Camerata Singers has had?

We have achieved the MOST successful season last year, in terms of revenue, audience, and choir members.

Successfully implemented a professional Board of Directors and strategic action plan (bringing about the best year yet).

The Long Beach Bach Festival is now in its 38th season.

What is the most rewarding part of running Long Beach Camerata Singers?

The performances. To sit back and watch the concert unfold, after having worked so hard to bring it to the audience. To share the emotion with the audience is truly a humbling and uplifting experience.

What are the challenges you face — as a nonprofit, as an advocacy group, or in your industry?

To maintain momentum in a very, very pluralized landscape. Particularly challenging for a classical/choral group to captivate a new audience.

What are the future plans for Long Beach Camerata Singers?

To continue to provide enriching musical experiences to the Long Beach community.

We plan to be THE PREMIER musical group in the community.

Do you have any special events or fundraisers you’d like to tell us about?

Long Beach Camerata Singers GO BROADWAY concert is one of the most exciting events in the city. This entertaining show features our singers in choruses and solos from best-loved musical theater shows of the past and present. A reception and silent auction precedes the concert, offering a wide variety of items for bidding.

How can people get involved with Long Beach Camerata Singers? What do you need — volunteers, donations, etc?

We’re open to new comers all the time – singers, musicians, board members, volunteers. If you’re passionate about choral music, and ready to roll up your sleeves and hit the ground running… we’re interested in you!

What is the most inspiring advice that you received and who did it come from?

From Kelly Ruggirello – Don’t ever ask for money. Your presence and enthusiasm should be what sells the organization.

One Last Thing:

Thank you for your consideration!

Long Beach Camerata Singers Details:

Address: PO Box 15073 Long Beach, CA 90815

Phone Number: (562) 522-1045

Website: longbeachcameratasingers.org

This article was originally posted at http://www.everythinglongbeach.com/long-beach-camerata-singers/

Laura Harrison in Mash-Up! Bach to Basie

cameratasingers — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:15:26 +0000

Sunday, February 19, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach
5450 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Presented as part of the Long Beach Bach Festival

Tickets: $25 Early Bird Special ($30 at door)
Student Rush tickets are available for $10 at the door with Student ID

Purchase Tickets Download Flyer

Laura Harrison, mezzo-soprano/vocalist
Jimmy Branly, Drums
Edwin Livingston, Bass
John Proulx, Piano
Mark Salters, Continuo

Repertoire to include:
Jazz Standards, improvisation and other excitement!
Laura Harrison is at home professionally at the very top of classical and jazz worlds. Her versatility as a performer is evident in her professional classical work with Pacific Chorale, the John Alexander Singers and de Angelis Vocal Ensemble. In August of 2010, she debuted her first jazz CD that has been played in forty-three states and thirteen countries, climbing to #18 on the CMJ Jazz National Chart. Her heaviest radio play areas are fourteen stations in the greater New York City area, followed by Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Memphis Tennessee. “Mash Up! Bach to Basie” capitalizes on Harrison’s myriad strengths and will be a concert experience like no other. Enjoy baroque arias mixed with jazz standards and popular favorites on the same program. Sit back and enjoy a concert that is sure to delight classical and jazz aficionados alike!

Harrison has put together a skillfully crafted offering with every part of the musical jazz spectrum weaved into a brilliantly colored canvas. A strong debut from a seasoned professional, Laura Harrison is certainly Now…Here and we are keeping her.–Geannine Reid, EJazzNews

A Premiere Choral Ensemble in Long Beach

cameratasingers — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:50:52 +0000

The Long Beach Camerata Singers is a premiere choral ensemble in beautiful Long Beach, CA. We strive to skillfully and professionally perform a diverse variety of choral literature and provide our audiences and members with enriching and fulfilling musical experiences.