I was honored to be part of the opening concert of the Williamsburg Choral Guild’s 38th season this past week. Entitled “Beethoven Fantasy,” the November 10th concert featured choral music by Beethoven and Mozart.
The concert opened with the Beethoven “Mass in C Major” followed by Mozart’s “Little Masonic Cantata.” The featured piece, however, was the Beethoven “Fantasie in C minor, Op. 80.” I was the guest artist playing the piano solo. The whole experience – the preparation, rehearsals, and the final performance – was a tremendous learning opportunity and an exciting time. I am also grateful for the trust and confidence that the Williamsburg Choral Guild and Williamsburg Music Club placed in me. It was certainly gratifying to hear it all come together with over 100 members of the choir and orchesta working together to share such a monumental and powerful piece with an audience of approximately 600 music enthusiasts.
“The program’s highlight was the Choral Fantasy, with guest pianist William Hume. Formerly of Yorktown, the 17-year-old is a talented youth whose keyboard control was impressive. The Fantasy offered him abundant opportunities to showcase his notable skills, each opportunity regaling us with his obvious ability and future potential. The guest vocalists….joined with the Guild and rose to the happy occasion of the feel good Fantasy in offering a finely articulated performance that brought the large crowd to a spontaneous standing ovation. The 22-piece chamber ensemble was one of the finest such groups to be heard locally. Under BeVille’s baton, the ensemble and voices delivered a highly polished and appealing program that kicked off the season in high style.” – John Shulson, Virginia Gazette, November 16, 2013
CLICK HERE to see the full review.
“What a wonderful piece and a fantastic group of musicians! I had a terrific experience working with the Williamsburg Choral Guild and Williamsburg Music Club to present the Guild’s opening concert of the season. I truly appreciate their generous scholarship and the opportunity to perform for such a supportive audience!” – William Hume
CLICK HERE to see the Choral Fantasy Performance on my YouTube site.
