The Hudson Valley Chorale

Our Beginning

Summer 2005

The Chorale’s genesis came in the summer of 2005 when Dr. Herbert Gardner, Artistic Director of the Rockland

String Ensemble, invited Constance Chase to prepare an ad hoc chorus to perform Mozart’s Te Deum with the

orchestra in its summer festival performance. The call for singers went out and a rewarding experience and fine

performance resulted. The singers expressed strong interest in becoming a permanent new chorus, but it was

not yet to be. The group reunited, larger and stronger than before, in the summer of 2007 when they again

performed as The Ensemble Singers with the Rockland String Ensemble, once again prepared by Constance

Chase and performing under the direction of Dr. Herbert Gardner. This time the momentum was right: a

steering committee was formed, the group incorporated and the Hudson Valley Chorale was born. Dedicated to

the advancement of choral music through a program of biannual concerts, the group intended to focus its

repertoire on works that showcase the choral art.

Our Concert Spaces

January 2008 St. Francis of Assisi Church

128 Parrot Road West Nyack, NY

June 2008 First Reformed Church

South Broadway & Burd Street Nyack, NY

January 2009 Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church

51 Sickletown Road Pearl River, NY

June 2009 – Present Dominican Convent

175 Route 340 Sparkill, NY

Our Directors

Constance Chase September 2007 – June 2008

Dr. Jason Thoms September 2008 – June 2011

Dr. Jason C. Tramm September 2011 – June 2015

Dr. Jason C. Tramm held Artistic Director position with the Hudson Valley Chorale for four seasons. Featured in Symphony Magazine’s 2012 Issue of Emerging Artists and hailed as a conductor to watch, Dr. Tramm is recognized as one of the most dynamic young conductors on the podium today. Maestro Tramm was recently appointed as the Artistic Director/Principal Conductor of the Mid Atlantic Opera, where he will conduct their inaugural performance in September of 2013. From 2008-2012 he served as Artistic Director of

the New Jersey State Opera, succeeding his mentor, Alfredo Silipigni. Maestro Tramm’s high definition broadcast of Verdi’s Requiem (2010) garnered a regional Emmy Award nomination. Dr. Tramm also serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Seton Hall University and is the Director of Music in Residence of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association in the summer months. Here, he leads choral, orchestral, and oratorio performances in the 6500 seat historic Great Auditorium. Maestro Tramm has conducted on two National Public Radio broadcasts with organ virtuoso, Gordon Turk and large orchestra. He is also actively sought as a clinician and regularly presents lectures. In 2003, he joined the ranks of Metropolitan Opera Stars Renee Fleming and Stephanie Blythe in being honored with the Rising Star Award from the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association. A frequent guest conductor, Maestro Tramm has led operatic and symphonic performances in Italy, Romania and Albania.

Michael S. Wittenburg September 2015 – Present

Michael was the Associate Director in Season Eight, so it was logical for him to fill the opening of Artistic Director in Season Nine. We look forward to working with Michael this season. See his detailed bio below for more information about Michael.

Our Accompanists

Vaughan Mauren September 2010 – June 2011

Jessica Arnold September 2011 – June 2012

Melissa Martiros September 2012 – June 2013

Michael S. Wittenburg September 2013 – June 2015

The HVC welcomed Michael S. Wittenburg as their new

accompanist. Hailed as a “real virtuoso” by the late Ruth

Laredo, pianist and conductor Michael Shane Wittenburg made

his professional opera conducting debut with Amore Opera's

recent production of Faust and has served with multiple opera

companies including Nashville, Orlando and Sarasota. As an

Assistant Professor of Music at Lee University, he was Music

Director of both the Chamber Orchestra and Opera Theatre. He has made solo appearances

as pianist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, The Chattanooga Symphony and

Opera, the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Eastman Wind Ensemble, and the Ocala

(FL) Symphony as both pianist and conductor, and he has appeared in collaborative recital

with such artists as Metropolitan Opera soprano Stella Zambalis and concert violinist Livia

Sohn.

Michael has an extensive background as a piano soloist, both as a recitalist and with

orchestras and comes to us with over 17 years’ continuous experience. In addition to his

talents as a pianist, he also has over 14 years as a professional violinist. He holds a BM and

MM in Piano Performance from Eastman School of Music, Rochester and a MM in Orchestral

Conducting, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

Michael C. Haigler September 2015 – Present

Michael C. Haigler is a New York City based conductor. Equally at home in many styles of music, his many years of conducting experience encompass symphonic literature, opera, oratorio, choral, wind ensemble, and even musical theater. He made his New York City conducting debut in 2004 with the Opera Company of Brooklyn’s production of Le Nozze di Figaro at CAMI Hall in Manhattan, and has since had guest conductor positions with the Larchomont Symphonia, the

Orchestra of the Bronx, the North Shore Music Festival, Bronx Opera, the Lehman College Drama Department, the Opera Company of Brooklyn, Park Avenue Synagogue, and the Westchester Chorale, among others. In 2001 he was honored to be selected as a North American finalist in Lorin Maazel's International Conducting Competition. He currently serves as Music Director at Christ Church Episcopal in Oyster Bay, Long Island, home to the Christ Church Festival Orchestra which he founded in 2006. There he has conducted masterworks such as Requiems by Mozart, Fauré, Brahms, and Rutter, and symphonies including Mendelssohn's Italian, Beethoven's Ninth, and Mahler's Resurrection (complete). He also conducts regularly with the Seniors Orchestral Society of New York, the Bronx Opera Company, and at Festival 56, Illinois’ largest summer theater festival. Other recent credits include the Sarasota Pops Orchestra, Atlanta Opera, Sarasota Opera (FL), Virginia Opera, Knoxville Opera, and Cartersville Opera (GA). An uncommonly well-rounded and multi-faceted musician, he is also a frequent organ and piano recitalist, published columnist and composer, clinician, vocal coach, and teacher. He has won many awards as a pianist, including the Atlanta Steinway Society competition, and state and regional divisions of MTNA’s Yamaha Competition. As an active composer and arranger, his work has been performed by the Atlanta Opera, Sarasota Opera, the Goliard Chamber Ensemble, the Yale University BlueDogs, and the Millier-Porforis Duo. Mr. Haigler holds a magna cum laude performance degree from the Eastman School of Music where he studied with David Effron, Donald Hunsberger, Barry Snyder, and Anton Nel. He is also an alumnus of the Interlochen Center for the Arts (MI), and the International Fine Arts Institute in Moscow, Russia. Mr. Haigler was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and now lives in upper Manhattan.

Prior Concerts

Premiere Season

January 20, 2008 – Hail, Glorious Spirits!

June 6, 2008 – An American Season

Hail Glorious Spirits, Heirs of Light – Christopher Tye (1500 – 1573) If Ye Love Me – Thomas Tallis (1505 – 1585) Hallelujah, Amen (Judas Maccabeus) – G. F. Handel (1685 – 1759) Ave Verum Corpus – W. A. Mozart (1756 – 1791) The Old Hundredth Psalm – arr. R. V. Williams (1872 – 1958) Kiddush – Kurt Weill (1900 – 1950) My Shepherd Will Supply My Need – arr. Virgil Thompson (1896 – 1987) Steal Away – arr. Paul von Hippel Ride the Chariot – arr. W.H. Smith Ain’-A That Good News! – William L. Dawson (1899 – 1990) Precious Lord, Take My Hand – arr. Roy Ringwald (1910 – 1995) Salmo 150 – Ernani Aguiar (b 1950) The Word Was God – Rosephanye Powell

Seasons of Time - Samuel Adler Song of Peace -Vincent Persichetti Frostiana: Seven Country Songs -Randall Thompson The Road Not Taken The Pasture Come In The Telephone A Girl’s Garden Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Choose Something Like A Star Three Songs of American Victoriana -arr. Hubert Bird

Grandfather’s Clock Home, Sweet Home There is a Tavern in the Town

Season Two

January 18, 2009 – “The Heavens Are Telling”

June 6, 2009 – Music from the Sublime to the Ridiculous

The Heavens are Telling from Creation - Franz J. Haydn (1732 – 1809) Sanctus from Requiem - Gabriel Faure (1845 – 1924) Lacrimosa from Requiem - W. A. Mozart (1756 – 1791) How Lovely is thy Dwelling Place - Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897) Laudate Dominum (Solemn Vespers) - W.A. Mozart (1756 – 17981) How Lovely is thy Dwelling Place - Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897) Four Selections from Elijah - Felix Mendelessohn (1809 – 1847) The Last Words of David - Randall Thompson (1899 – 1984) Ubi Caritas - Maurice Durufle (1902 – 1986) Cantique de Jean Racine - Gabriel Faure (1845 – 1924) Salvation is Created - Peter Tschesnokoff (1877 – 1944) Alleluia - Randall Thompson (1899 – 1984)

Part I Sublime Dido’s Lament and Final Chorus - Henry Purcell (1639 – 1695) Chorus of Hebrew Slaves -Giuseppi Verdi ( 1813 – 1901) Bridal Chorus - Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883) Barcarolle -Jacques Offenbach (1819 – 1880)

Part II Nessun Dorma -Giacomo Puccini (1858 – 1924) O Du, Mein Holder Abendstern - Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883) Non Mi Dir -W.A. Mozart (1756 – 1791) Madamina -W.A. Mozart (1756 – 1791)

Part III Ridiculous The Art of the Ground Round -P.D.Q. Bach (1706 – 1742) Loving is as Easy Please, Kind Sir

Jane, My Jane Who, Oh Who Golly, Golly, Oh Nellie is a Nice Girl

Due North -Stephen Chatman (1792-1868) Duetto Buffo di due Gatti -Giochino Rossini (1792 – 1868)

Season Three

January, 2010 – Sing We and Chant It

June 12, 2010 An American Celebration

Classical Americana / Religious Anthems

The Star Spangled Banner – Smith / Key Shall we Gather at the River – Lowry / arr. Carter Homeland – Holst/Spring-Rice/arr. Stroope Alleluia – Randall Thompson

Songs of Peace Anthem of Peace – arr. Mack Wilberg Song of Peace – Vincent Persichetti Let There be Peace on Earth – Miller/Jackson/arr. Ades

Irving Berlin’s America Irving Berlin: A Century of Song – Berlin/arr Huff

Patriotic Songs Eternal Father, Strong to Save – Whiting / Dykes Keep the Home Fires Burning – Poorman/Poorman Salute to the Armed Forces – Arr. Camp Kirkland Battle Hymn of the Republic – Howe/Steefe/arr Wilhousky

Wake Every Breath – William Billings When Jesus Wept – William Billings Sicut Cervus – Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina O Magnum Mysterium – Tomas Luis de Victoria Locus Iste – Anton Bruckner Ave Maria – Franz Biebl Sing We and Chant It – Thomas Morley Requium, Opus 9 – Maurice Durafle

– Introit – Domine Jesu Christe – Sanctus & Benedictus – Pie Jesu – Agnus Dei – Lux Aeterna – Libera Me – In Paradisum

Season Four

January, 2011 – All Things Bright & Beautiful

June 11, 2011 - An American Quilt…Berlin, Foster and Porter

Part I Honor Guard & Color Guard Presentation Star Spangled Banner – John C. Smith God Bless America – Irving Berlin

Part II American Composer Medley Irving Berlin Medley – Irving Berlin Cole Porter Medley – Cole Porter

Part III Solo Selections Part IV

A Stephen Foster Medley – Stephen Foster

Part I Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened -George F. Handel Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo -Franz J. Haydn

Part II Haec et Dicta - J. Gallus Pilgrim’s Hymn - S. Paulus Shall We Gather at the River - J. Carter Freedom is Coming - Traditional South African

Part III Gloria - Antonio Vivaldi Ave Verum Corpus -W. A. Mozart Kyrie Mass in G - Franz Schubert Cantique de Jean Racine -Gabriel Faure Hallelujah Chorus -George F. Handel

Part IV Every Time I feel the Spirit -William Dawson All Things Bright and Beautiful - John Rutter For the Beauty of the Earth - John Rutter Majesty & Glory - Tom Fettke

Season Five

January 15, 2012 – Music for a Sunday Afternoon – Verdi to Bernstein

May 19, 2012 – I Hear America Singing

Favorite Opera Choruses Brindisi -Giuseppi Verdi Nessun Dorma -Giacomo Puccini La Vergine degli Angeli

Solos Ain’t it a Pretty Night - Carlyle Floyd

Gilbert & Sullivan Three Little Maids from the Mikado HMS Pinafore : A Choral Salute

Broadway Selections Send in the Clowns - Stephen Sondheim Without a Song -Vincent Youmans West Side Story Medley -Leonard Bernstein Make our Garden Grow -Leonard Bernstein

Color Guard Presentation Star Spangled Banner

Celebration of American Composers I Hear America Singing - Andre Thomas David’s Lamentation - William Billings Zion’s Wall - Aaron Copland At the River - Aaron Copland Sure on this Shining Night - Samuel Barber Chords of Love - Gwyneth Walker The Promise of Living - Aaron Copland

Patriotic Pieces Testament of Freedom - Randall Thompson You’re a Grand Old Flag - George M. Cohen Salute to the Armed Forces - Arr. Camp Kirkland God Bless America - Irving Berlin

Season Six

January 13, 2013 – Frost, Winter Winds, Dreams and Revolution

May 18, 2013 – Made in America

Part I Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Winds - John Rutter Three Madrigals - Emma Lou Dermier Frostiana: Seven Country Songs -Randall Thompson The Road Not Taken

The Pasture Come In The Telephone A Girl’s Garden Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening Choose Something Like a Star

Part II Les Miserables Medley

Part 1 – Choral Americana “Simple Gifts” adapted by Aaron Copland/arr. David Brunner “I Am His Child” - Moses Hogan “Ride the Chariot” Traditional Spiritual -arr. Moses Hogan

Part II – Great Songs From the Stage “There’s No Business Like Show Business”

from Annie Get Your Gun - Irving Berlin “Summertime” from Porgy & Bess - George Gershwin Three songs from West Side Story -Leonard Bernstein Tonight Maria One Hand, One Heart “How Can I Keep From Singing”

Traditional Quaker Hymn - arr. Gwyneth Walker

Part III – A Tribute to Leonard Bernstein “Almighty Father, Incline Thine Ear” from Mass (1971) “Simple Song” from Mass Chischester Psalms (1965)

Season Seven

January 12 2014 – The Sounds of Music – From Baroque to Broadway

Gloria Antonio Vivaldi Adagio for Strings Neighbor’s Chorus Jacques Offenbach Celebration Songs Johann Strauss II Rogers & Hammerstein on Broadway Arr Mac Huff

May 18, 2014 - Karl Jenkins Requiem & Other Choral Works

International Folk Songs Ahrirang (Korean) arr Robert DeCormier Siyahambra (South African) arr Donald Moore American Folk Songs Bile Them Cabbage Down arr Mack Wilberg Black is the Color of my True Loves Hair arr John Purifoy Down to the Water to Pray arr Larry Harris Songs of Faith Gwyneth Walker Requiem Karl Jenkins Introit Dies Irae The snow of yesterday Rex Tremendae Confutatis From Deep in My Heart Lacrimosa Pie Jesu Having Seen the Moon Lux Aeterna Farewell In Paridisum

Season Eight

January 12 2015 – Haydn’s Mass in b Flat (Theresienmesse) & Other

Selected Works

Theresienmesse Joseph Haydn Kyrie Gloria Credo Sanctus Benedictus Agnus Dei Awakening Joseph Martin Five Hebrew Love Songs Eric Whitacre George & Ira Gershwin Medley

May 17, 2015 – Pax, Paix, Peace

Lord, Make me an Instrument of Thy Peace –Arr Howard Helvey The Peaceable Kingdom Randall Thompson

Say ye to the righteous Woe unto them The noise of the multitude Howl Ye The paper reeds by the brooks But these are they that forsake the Lord Have ye not known Ye shall have a song Peace like a River trad. Spiritual Arr Gwyneth Walker Three Selections from the Peacemakers – Karl Jenkins

1. A Celtic Prayer 2. In offer you peace 3. Peace, Triumphant Peace

We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace – arr Wm. Appling I Dream A World Text Langston Hughes / Andre J Thomas Let There Be Peace on Earth - Arr Kirby Shaw

Season Nine

January 10 2016 – Love- The Jewel of Many Facets

Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin Richard Wagner In Windsor Forest R. Vaughan Williams The Conspiracy Drinking Song Falstaff & the Fairies Wedding Chorus Epilogue Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly Giacomo Puccini Love Changes Everything from Aspects of Love Andrew Lloyd Webber Choral Selections from Showboat Kern / Hammerstein I Chose Love Rick Bartlett My Fair Lady Medley Lerner & Leowe

May 22, 2016 - In Memoriam – Music from Fauré and Ralph Vaughan Williams

Requiem OP 48 (1887) Gabriel Faure (1845-1924) Introit & Kyrie Offertory Sanctus Pie Jesu Agnus Dei Libera Me In Paradisum Soloists: Nivi Ravi, Sean Stork Harpist: Barbara Allen Violinist: Nivi Ravi Brother James’s Air - James Leith Macbeth Bain (1860-1925) Arr. Gordon Jacob (1895-1984) A Meditation on Brother James’s Air – Harold Darke (1888-1976) Organist: Michael C Haigler Towards the Unknown Region - R. Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) From Leaves of Grass (1881) - Walt Whitman (1819-1892)