Choral Chameleon (Full Company): 2015 - Roxanna Panufnik Dance of Life/Tallinn Mass Program

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Welcome friends, to a new and exciting chapter in the life of our organization. This is, by far, the largest project we have ever undertaken, and I am indebted to all those who have made it possible, especially YOU. Your presence here makes this concert possible tonight—not because of buying a ticket, but because of the energy you exchange with us as we bring this wonderful piece to life for the first time in the United States.

I met Roxanna several years ago through my good friend and trusted colleague, Matthew Oltman (Music Director Emeritus of Chanticleer). He suggested to her that Choral Chameleon would be the ideal NYC‐ based ensemble to bring this work—which we’re affectionately calling a “MASSaTORIO”—to life. As always, his instincts couldn’t have been more correct. This has been a match made in heaven, to be sure!

Of particular interest to us in performing this piece has been the opportunity to lend a certain amount of theatricality to it, to dilate its sensibilities past those of a traditional choral/orchestral concert, and to somehow create a concert experience that is both grand and intimate at the same time. I turned to Natalie Greene, who is undoubtedly my soulmate in the arts, to help us make this dream a reality. The choir and soloists instantly took to her because of her immense talent, enthusiasm, and grace—all trademarks of her work. Tonight, we are eager to share with you the fruits of this labor of love, which are homegrown, organic, and fresh.

It has also been my sincere intention to bring a unique American identity to this piece, and in so doing, represent and celebrate the diversity and talents of not only Choral Chameleon, but also of Chameleonic, ECMC, and St. Paul’s artists. To stand in front of them tonight and experience the amalgam of their intention and sound is certainly one of the most profound experiences of my life thus far. I am so grateful to all of them for giving me this gift. On an even more personal note, I will conduct the performance tonight with the baton of my mentor and teacher, Conrad Susa—a symbol of the journey to this day, thus far; and of love, respect, and perseverance in the vocation of musician. I dedicate my own performance this evening to his memory.

Thank you, again, for being here. It means the world to us. When you go out from this place tonight, remember that the invitation for you to join the Dance of Life remains extended now and always—especially when you may forget it’s there. Let this be a call to all of us to change our lives and the world at large for the better. Let us begin the dance now without delay! May it be so.

—Vince Peterson