Smith
Well-Represented in Upcoming Bach Concert
For
Valerie Abrahamsen, registrar in the Smith School for Social
Work, who sings soprano with the Pioneer Valley Symphony
(PVS) Chorus, preparing for a performance of Johann Sebastian
Bach’s St. John Passion
is a labor of love—a chance to pay homage to her favorite
composer.
Of course, Abrahamsen is not
alone in idolizing Bach, considered by many as the greatest
composer in history. The PVS Orchestra and Chorus will celebrate
the 325th anniversary of Bach’s birth (March 21, 1685) with a concert of his St.
John Passion on Sunday, March 21, at 2 p.m. in John M. Greene
Hall.
Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Paul Phillips,
director. |
Nor is Abrahamsen the only Smith
musician participating in the concert. Smith College organist
Grant Moss will play organ with the orchestra. Alison Berman,
a faculty member in the School for Social Work, will play
the violin, as will Smith alumnae Barbara Freed ’73 and Brandi Siebertz ’07.
Caroline Sly ’70 will bow the viola, as will Pamela Skinner,
reference/electronic resources librarian.
Abrahamsen has
been a member of the PVS for more than three years.
“Singing is one of the most important things in my life,” she said. “I get a
lot of satisfaction out of being part of a performance that touches and inspires
the audience.”
Bach’s St. John Passion (original
Latin title: Passio
Secundum Johannem), like many classical
settings of the Passion story, is a challenging work in its
elaborate and dramatic musical presentation and its sheer
duration.
“Singing the St. John Passion has been a challenging thrill,” said Abrahamsen. “We
are singing sustained high notes, and the rhythm can be challenging.”
First performed in 1724, the
piece provides a workout of notes in the upper register for
vocalists. The PVS Chorus began rehearsing for the performance
last November.
For Abrahamsen, who has sung
Bach for many years, dating back to her time spent in divinity
school, challenge is an accepted part of performing the master’s
works.
“Bach is my favorite composer, by far,” she said. “I relish his theological
as well as his musical sensitivities. He was a genius, and it’s a pleasure
and a privilege to sing his work.”
The PVS Orchestra is directed
by Paul Phillips, the Chorus by Ellen Gilson Voth and Heidi
Johana Miller. The March 21 concert is open to the public.
Tickets ($20 general; $17 for students and seniors; $6 for
children under 18) are available at the door or in advance
at Broadside Bookshop, Main Street, Northampton, or online
at .
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