Resounding Voices-Old and New Sounds mark concert by The Washington Chorus
by Patrick D. McCoy
Eugene Rogers conducted The Washington Chorus in a program that featured the music of Aaron Copland and the music of two living composers: Carlos Simon and Jessie Montgomery. Jessie Montgomery’s “Banner” was like a musical wake-up call, with occasional lyrical moments, while at the same time maintaining a feeling of dissonance and conflict-reflecting the state of the country. When one thinks about the music of Copland, there is almost an instant recognition of his “Simple Gifts.” His three “Old American Songs” which included three short familiar standards sung by bass Morris Robinson. The third “At the River” brought the trio of favorites to a close. For a diet of instrumental fair, Eugene led the National Symphony Orchestra in the Suite from “Billy the Kid.” The short musical vignettes were all conducted by Rogers in a brisk fashion, with a seamless segue to the next movement.
“Here I Stand” Carlos Simon was certainly the big moment of the program. It was wonderful to hear a work that was centered around the prominent figure Paul Robeson. There were so many wonderful parallels between Morris Robinson, who also was a football player in college and the singer Paul Robeson, who was an athlete and scholar. This performance by Robinson almost caused the listener to wonder about what would have happened if Robeson had equal opportunities during his time. The music itself by Carlos Simon was one infused with soul and depth. Whether it was the chorus or Robinson’s towering bass, this work captured the spirit of the great Paul Robeson that has often been neglected.
A native of Petersburg, VA, Patrick holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Virginia State University and a MM in Church Music from Shenandoah Conservatory. Formerly the Performing Arts Columnist for Washington Life Magazine, he currently is a freelance writer, publishing articles for several noted publications and organizations, including The Washington Post, Early Music America, Classical Music Voice North America, The Afro-American Newspaper, Prince George’s Suite Magazine, CBS Washington, Examiner.com and Washington Classical Review. He holds membership in the Music Critics Association of North America, National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc., American Choral Directors’ Association, Association of Anglican Musicians, a former member of the Shenandoah University Alumni Board of Directors, a member of the Shenandoah University Black Alumni Network, a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the Sigma Zeta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America. As an alumnus of Shenandoah, he was named to the Dean’s Circle of the Shenandoah Conservatory Advisory Board. He enters his 7th year as Organist/Choirmaster at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Zion Parish in Beltsville, MD. Patrick is the host of “Across the Arts” both a live and virtual media platform covering the performing arts. Visit http://patrickdmccoy.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter @PatrickDMcCoy, IG: PDM06. and subscribe to “Across the Arts” on YouTube.