The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay presents Upon These Shores, featuring music of the immigrant experience, on Friday, April 25 at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg and two concerts on Saturday, April 26 at the USF Concert Hall in Tampa. Under direction of Music and Artistic Director, Dr. James K. Bass, The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay is an auditioned, highly select 140-voice volunteer chorus embracing a broad representation of singers from the entire Tampa Bay area including The Greater Brandon Community. Founded in 1979 by Dr. Robert Summer, The Master Chorale was later designated in 1989 as the Principal Chorus of The Florida Orchestra and is featured annually on The Florida Orchestra’s Masterworks season.
In its upcoming concert, the chorale will explore this most American of ideals through music including classical, Broadway, American songbook, and two new commissions, The Voices by renowned American composer and conductor Dale Warland, and the world premiere of We Can Mend the Sky by award-winning composer, Jake Runestad. Both composers will be present at the concerts.
“This concert is truly special – the music explores the concept of immigration, the nostalgia of the homes left behind, the journey to America, and the influence of American culture on those who ultimately returned home. For example, the text of We Can Mend the Sky is drawn from the poetry of Somali immigrant children in Minnesota and is an inspiring piece,” Artistic Director, James Bass explained.
Local Valrico resident and singer in the chorale, Debbie Katt, expressed her feelings about this concert. “I’m particularly excited about the upcoming concert, Upon These Shores, because it reminds me of how incredibly special our country is. The trials and tribulations that people endured just to reach our shores are both inspiring and heart breaking. The music in this concert takes us on a journey from wanting a better life to fleeing atrocities to the pride of unbridled patriotism. It ignites my appreciation for the USA.”
Tickets for the performance on April 25 can be purchased through the Palladium Theater online at mypalladi um.org or by calling 727-822-3590. Tickets for the performances on April 26 can be purchased online through Ticketmaster.com any time and through the USF Box Office at the door.
