An important part of The Masterwork Chorus is its chamber ensembles which provide small-group singing opportunities for members of the full chorus. These are auditioned groups that are made up of experienced singers with a passion for performing in more intimate settings and tackling challenging and varied repertoire for the enjoyment of singers and audiences alike.
Masterwork Women’s Ensemble is new in 2023. The 24-voice women’s ensemble is under the direction of Carol Walker, Masterwork’s new Assistant Director and long-time accompanist. Historically, Masterwork has sponsored various smaller ensembles such as Camerata, the Chamber Choir and the Touring Choir.
The group’s inaugural performance will take place on the stage of Drew University on Saturday, May 20th. Masterwork Chorus will present Mozart’s Requiem. Masterwork Women’s Ensemble will open the program with a variety of selections, including “Laudate Pueri” by Felix Mendelssohn, “Suscepit Israel” (from J. S. Bach’s Magnificat), “Cape Breton Lullaby,” by Kenneth Leslie, “No Time,” by Susan Brumfield, and Rupert Lang’s dynamic setting of “Cantate Domino”. Additional repertoire currently in rehearsal includes George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun,” “Music, Spread Thy Voice Around,” from Handel’s oratorio, Solomon, “Music in My Mother’s House,” by Stuart Stotts, the haunting “Earth Song” by Frank Ticheli and a jazzy arrangement of Ella Fitzgerald’s “A-tisket, A-tasket” along with some Gilbert & Sullivan, Broadway and other traditional Americana favorites.
Masterwork Women’s Ensemble is available to perform in a variety of settings including concert series in churches, libraries, schools, senior centers or for any special occasion. The repertoire includes everything from Bach to Beatles. To arrange a concert, please contact Don MacGowan at 973-479-4020 or dmacgowan@verizon.net.