Our concert theme today, “Colors,” is brought to life through our music in both literal and figurative ways. We have some very obvious pieces that focus on specific hews, such as “Orange” and “Cuatro Baladas Amarillas, (Four Yellow Ballads).” In searching for music for this concert, I learned that there are countless songs about rainbows and, indeed, we’re singing four of them here. I also discovered that there are many songs in Spanish about the color yellow, which I find curious. Beyond that, however, there are relatively few songs specifically about colors, and so I discovered that I need to expand my search criteria and focus on colors in the figurative sense. Music has long been associated with the visual arts, and of course they often compliment each other. There are many choral conductors who use references to colors frequently to achieve sound ideals with their singers. One might ask the choir to sing “lime green” to have the choir produce a brighter tone or “dark purple velvet” for a lush warm and darker tone. Colors abound in nature, obviously, and this is perhaps the most vibrant season for such images. Fall colors are breath-taking, and just the other night I stopped a rehearsal so we could all look at a spectacular orange sunset. It is with this in mind that I programmed pieces such as “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” “My Caterpiller,” “Xochipilli,” and the “Flower Drum Song.” These all explore colors of nature in one way or another, either directly or subtly.

Some pieces defy specific categories but yet seem to have a thematic home in this program. Such pieces as the Lily and the Rose have very vague references aside from the actual floral references and even the meaning is mysterious. The composer of this piece, Bob Chilcott, writes: “The oldest known source is a sixteenth-century British Library manuscript…The Lily and the Rose can be read as a symbol of the Virgin Mary, and perhaps the most convincing interpretation of the poem is that of Mary mourning the death of her son…However, the most compelling modern interpretation is that the text is concerned with the fear and excitement of a young girl on her wedding day. Certainly, references to mother, windows, and sunshine can be read as images of protection and freedom.” And as I read this from the composer, my mind immediately comes to life with vivid images of a wedding ceremony and the many colors that accompany it.

The final category, if you will, of the colors theme is that of colors representing people and their cultures. Take a minute to read the text to “Come, Colours Rise” and discover that it’s not about colors, or even Christmas as it begins, but to the rising of an entire nation for freedom and peace. “Prints of Peace” is another that states: “Peacemakers gone before me have left behind a story that teaches us how to live in peace…” and, to me, encourages us as Americans to embrace the many colors and cultures that comprise the citizens of our country.

I do hope you enjoy this visual journey through music and that the tapestry of sound paints many beautiful and vivid scenes in your imagination. The girls have worked very hard on this music and we truly appreciate your joining us this evening.

Brian C. Clissold, Music Director