Reviewer: Mark DeWolf-Ott
Venue: Castle Museum of Saginaw
Director Jeremiah Kraniak, Artistic Director of the Choral Society, introduced the program as his favorite style of choral music and stated that the banjo was his favorite instrument. That set the tone for the concert that we were about to hear. The performance was directed by Claire Ingersoll, a music teacher and student of Kraniak. This was the second concert in the Boutique Event Series.
The magical evening of soulful and rich traditional Appalachian music was performed in the historic Castle Museum. It reminded the concert goers of a fireside in a huge log cabin in the foothills of Tennessee or the gathering room of the Biltmore in Ashville, North Carolina. The Grand Lobby of the Castle Museum perfectly complemented the evening’s theme. For a big marble space, the acoustics were surprisingly good. The 12-member ensemble was accompanied by fiddles (violins), guitar, and banjo.
The program consisted of 8 songs. Each song painted a vivid picture of Appalachia’s storied landscape. The concert was held under the gentle illumination of candles and festive lighted garland, adding a warm and peaceful touch to the evening. When Shenandoah was sung, there was an eerie silence that was emotional. Erin Whitfield sang a passionate solo to begin the piece. The songs were sung continuously without a break for applause. It was like listening to an LP album, a CD, or a play list. Some songs were spiritual in theme, and it was a well-rounded program.
The last of the Boutique Series is called Jazz Mosaic and will be held at the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum on the campus SVSU on Thursday February 20, 2025, at 6:00 pm. Each concert begins with light appetizers and a cash bar. Choral Society Members will be accompanied by the Vortex Jazz Blues Trio. It will also be performed by candlelight.
Director Jeremiah Kraniak, Artistic Director of the Choral Society, introduced the program as his favorite style of choral music and stated that the banjo was his favorite instrument. That set the tone for the concert that we were about to hear. The performance was directed by Claire Ingersoll, a music teacher and student of Kraniak. This was the second concert in the Boutique Event Series.
The magical evening of soulful and rich traditional Appalachian music was performed in the historic Castle Museum. It reminded the concert goers of a fireside in a huge log cabin in the foothills of Tennessee or the gathering room of the Biltmore in Ashville, North Carolina. The Grand Lobby of the Castle Museum perfectly complemented the evening’s theme. For a big marble space, the acoustics were surprisingly good. The 12-member ensemble was accompanied by fiddles (violins), guitar, and banjo.
The program consisted of 8 songs. Each song painted a vivid picture of Appalachia’s storied landscape. The concert was held under the gentle illumination of candles and festive lighted garland, adding a warm and peaceful touch to the evening. When Shenandoah was sung, there was an eerie silence that was emotional. Erin Whitfield sang a passionate solo to begin the piece. The songs were sung continuously without a break for applause. It was like listening to an LP album, a CD, or a play list. Some songs were spiritual in theme, and it was a well-rounded program.
The last of the Boutique Series is called Jazz Mosaic and will be held at the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum on the campus SVSU on Thursday February 20, 2025, at 6:00 pm. Each concert begins with light appetizers and a cash bar. Choral Society Members will be accompanied by the Vortex Jazz Blues Trio. It will also be performed by candlelight.