Thursday, February 23, 2012

Hollywood Master Chorale concert March 18

William Shakespeare once wrote, “If music be the food of love, play on”…and Lauren Buckley, Music Director of the Hollywood Master Chorale (HMC), couldn’t agree more.



“Being in love is one of the most exciting human experiences,” says Buckley, who will conduct HMC’s tribute to love – “Loves Me, Loves Me Not”– on Sunday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Hollywood Lutheran Church in Hollywood. “The music on this program marries the intimacy of poetry and the power of music.”



The cornerstone of the program is the Liebeslieder Walzer by Johannes Brahms, a series of songs setting the poetry of German philosopher Georg Friedrich Daumer to music.



“There are 18 movements, and each reflects the wide variety of emotions we experience when we’re in love – joy, sorrow, vulnerability, frustration, and even irreverence,” explains Lyndia Lowy, President of the Chorale. “Brahms is often depicted as a brooding man who harbored unrequited love for his mentor's wife, Clara Schumann. However, these waltzes show a lighter side, embracing the whimsy of folk and dance tunes.”



“They also include a fabulous accompaniment written for four hands,“ adds Buckley. “We’re so pleased to have pianists Irene Gregorio and Naomi Sumitani joining us for this performance.”



In addition the Chorale will perform I Love my Love by Gustav Holst, There is a Garden in Her Face by Stephen Chatman, April is in my mistress’ face by Thomas Morley, It was a Lover and His Lass by Matthew Harris, The Light-Hearted Lovers by Kirke Mechem, Come Live with Me and Be My Love by William Bennett and And So it Goes by Billy Joel.



“Each piece is a gem, and we are excited to share it with our supporters,” says Buckley.

Tickets for “Loves Me, Loves Me Not” are available for $20 and will be available online or at the door. Seniors and students can purchase tickets for the discounted price of $15. For additional information, please visit the Chorale’s website: www.hollywoodmasterchorale.org or call 323-960-4349.

A dessert reception will follow the concert. Hollywood Lutheran Church is located at 1733 North New Hampshire Avenue in Hollywood, 90027.

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