Hollywood Master Chorale presents A Portrait Of Benjamin Britten

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Hollywood Master Chorale presents A Portrait Of Benjamin Britten, on Sunday, March 20, at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church in Los Angeles.

Report by Pauline Adamek

According to Jeffrey Bernstein, Artistic Director of the Hollywood Master Chorale (HMC) British composer Benjamin Britten”™s music “is unsurpassed in the depth and originality of its emotion and in its immediacy for modern audiences.”

So, it is perhaps no coincidence that Britten was born on the feast day of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians and church music.

On Sunday, March 20 at 7 p.m., music lovers will have an opportunity to hear several of Britten”™s greatest works – many inspired by the Christian faith – when the Hollywood Master Chorale presents A Portrait of Benjamin Britten in Shatto Chapel at First Congregational Church in Los Angeles.

“St. Cecilia is often depicted playing the organ,” says Chorale President Lyndia Lowy, “and several of the works we are presenting – Rejoice in the Lamb, Festival Te Deum and Jubilate Deo – are accompanied by organ. The First Congregational Church is famous for its organs and the one in Shatto Chapel, the Hildreth Memorial Organ, is considered one of the finest in Los Angeles. We”™re thrilled to perform in such an ideal space.”

HMC will also perform Choral Dances, an a cappella work from Britten”™s magnificent opera Gloriana.

“Although Britten was very much a product of the twentieth century, he revered the musical and literary traditions of his native England, and his music echoes the glory of English music from the 16th and 17th centuries,” Bernstein explains. “England having a very strong tradition of choral singing, Britten wrote a great deal of choral music – all of it immanently singable and rewarding. This concert showcases some of the greatest gems of Britten’s choral output.”

“Purchase tickets early,” Lowy advises. “The chapel is not as large as spaces in which we”™ve performed in the recent past. I”™m afraid that we”™ll sell out and some of our regular patrons will be unable to hear us. It”™s also a good idea to arrive at the concert early in order to be assured of seating.”

Hollywood Master Chorale

A Portrait Of Benjamin Britten

Sunday, March 20, at 7 p.m.

First Congregational Church in Los Angeles

540 South Commonwealth Avenue; Los Angeles 90020.

Tickets:

$20.00

Box Office:

purchase tickets here and at the Chorale”™s website.

For more information about the Hollywood Master Chorale, visit their official site or call 323.960.4349

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD MASTER CHORALE

The Hollywood Master Chorale (HMC) currently celebrates its 15th season of outstanding music. Founded in 1995, the Hollywood Master Chorale is a non-profit vocal organization comprised of men and women who share a passion for the art of choral music and a dedication to service in their community. The volunteer Chorale is known for its ability to perform a diverse repertoire, including Baroque, Classical and contemporary music.

A recognized and respected ensemble, the Hollywood Master Chorale offers three major concerts with pre-performance discussions and an intimate Cabaret annually throughout the greater Los Angeles region. In addition, the HMC regularly performs at private, community and civic functions.

Community outreach is one of the cornerstones of the Hollywood Master Chorale. The HMC focuses on three areas of service: the disabled community, youth and arts education and cultural diversity.