Over the course of its 16-year history, the Hollywood Master Chorale (HMC) has performed an eclectic array of choral music by composers ranging from Bach and Haydn to Stephen Sondheim and Morton Lauridsen. But, soon, thanks to its new program, “Voices of Los Angeles,” the volunteer community chorus will include the works of six aspiring composers on that list.
“We’re reaching out to student composers from Los Angeles high schools, colleges and post-graduate schools,” says HMC Board President Lyndia Lowy. “Community outreach has always been a cornerstone of our mission as a nonprofit arts organization, so we’re especially thrilled to have developed yet another way to shine a positive spotlight on our local students.”
Applications to participate in “Voices of Los Angeles” are now available online at www.hollywoodmasterchorale.org or by calling 323-960-4349 and leaving a contact name and mailing address. The deadline has been extended until November 16, 2011.
Students applying to take part in the project will submit a composition for chorus. Then, once the application process is completed and six composers are selected, each will be asked to create a new work musically inspired by the theme of “Innocence.”
In the second year of the project, each of the six Emerging Composers will be paired with an established Los Angeles composer, who will act as a mentor and provide guidance and expertise as needed, with all twelve participating Composers writing a new choral work on the theme of “Experience.”
“Voices of Los Angeles” derives its strength from its relationship building, claims HMC’s former Artistic Director Jeffrey Bernstein, who originally conceived the project.
“These relationships – among the composers, between the composers and HMC, between HMC and its audience, and between all the artists and our home, the City of Los Angeles – give voice to our common experience of living and making music here,” Bernstein says. “I'm gratified that HMC won grant support for the two-year project from the LA County Arts Commission and proud of any continued recognition I may receive as the project's inventor.”
For Lowy, the most gratifying aspect of “Voices of Los Angeles” is how everyone touched by the project will benefit. “Composers will have the privilege of hearing their music performed by a professional-level chorale,” says Lowy. “Their voices will be heard. Plus the community will be have an exciting opportunity to be the first to ‘discover’ 12 very talented artists.”
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.
The HMC has also been featured at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Torrance Invitational Song Festival, various summer concert series and mayoral installations.
The Chorale enjoys performing with guest musicians such as the Calabasas Baroque Orchestra, the California State University Long Beach Brass and Percussion Ensemble, the Mark Twain Ringers, the Ebell Chorale and the Hollywood Master Chorale Orchestra. Guests including Julia Migenes and soloists from the Los Angeles and San Francisco Opera Companies have also contributed to captivating Hollywood Master Chorale performances.
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.
For more information about the Hollywood Master Chorale, its upcoming season and various programs, including Voices of Los Angeles, visit www.hollywoodmasterchorale.org
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