Hard on the heels of their return from performing in the NYC Lincoln Center, Matthew Blegen directed Anna’s Bay Chorale in wowing his Shelton patrons with what has become the group’s signature piece: a rousing exquisitely sung rendition of Handel’s Messiah. One must travel far to much larger venues before finding anything faintly comparable. Salt Lake City and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir come to mind.
Sunday’s Matinee schedule managed about 3/4ths of a full house, but those in attendance were enthusiastically appreciative. They’d arrived to discover a finely tuned elegant performing arts machine incorporating local talent as the jewels and mainspring. The $12 tickets were a steal for what would easily cost $35+ in Seattle without the frustration of searching for a parking spot or fighting traffic.
Sopranos: Tess Altiveros, Erin Burgman, Miceal Carnahan, Barbara Nesmith
Tenor: David Carnahan
Baritone: Eric Blegen
Mezzo Sopranos: Rachel Manning, Cathryn Mecham, Jubilee Whitman
Bass: Paul Nakhla
Violin I: Katherine Sartori (Concertmaster), Monica Boros, Jon Hanson, Dan Szekely
Violin II: Tonni Johnston, Debra Akerlund, Jennifer Kwintner, Joshua Grice
Viola: Lisa Pike, Anne Edwards, Lisa Dyvig
Cello: Joe Sokolik, Genevieve Schooler
Bass: Brian Loeb, Gianna Gorski
Oboe: Karen Gheorghiu, Alex Gheorghiu
Basoon: Brian Geddes
Trumpet: Ben McDonald, Michael Leavens
Timpani: Randy Grostick
Strings Manager: Linda Smith
Lighting Design: Roger McIntosh
