A Chanticleer Christmas
The other night, BookFinder.com went to the First Congregational Church here in Berkeley to hear Chanticleer's annual Christmas concert.
Chanticleer is a San Francisco-based men's chorus, which, in various incarnations, has been singing since 1978. I became particularly aware of them in the mid-80s, when one of my UC Berkeley Library School friends sang bass in the group. Though I have amassed a large collection of their CDs, I had never attended a concert till now. It was absolutely beautiful! I was continually amazed how 12 men's voices, singing a cappella, could fill the large church with such glorious and stirring music. We were all particularly impressed by the sopranos, the beauty and clarity of whose voices just left us mesmerized. The concert included one 5th century piece, as well as a jazzy gospel medley which ended the performance. In between were pieces from a variety of periods, in a variety of styles and languages. My absolute favorite was the exquisite Ave Maria by Franz Bieble (1906-2001), which, along with the gospel medley, can be heard on Chanticleer's 1992 Christmas CD, Our Heart's Joy. (Highly recommended!)
Last Christmas, Anirvan and I went to hear another local group, Kitka, whose specialty is Eastern European women's choral music. That concert was fantastic as well! Next year I m sure I'll go to both. Both Chanticleer and Kitka tour throughout the year; check their websites for a concert near you! And check your local PBS listings for Christmas with Chanticleer.
[Now Reading: McSweeney's Enchanted Chamber of Astonishing Stories ed. by Michael Chabon]