Reviewer: Janet Martineau
Venue: Andersen Enrichment Center
Review and photographs by
Janet I Martineau
Short … sweet … simple.
And over just in time on this beautiful summer evening (Sept. 17) to watch the gorgeous Full Harvest Supermoon rise in the sky.
The Saginaw Choral Society kicked off its 2024-2025 season with what it calls a boutique concert – this one celebrating nature in song in the beautiful Andersen Enrichment Center Rose Garden, 120 Ezra Rust in Saginaw.
Five soloists sang 12 songs in 40 minutes, mostly accompanied by pianist Catherine McMichael and in two numbers by guitarist Andrew Grefe. No big production numbers. No huge orchestra. No complicated scores. No special costuming or set pieces. (That’s short and the simple part.)
No ambulances on a run. No motor boats roaring on the river. No temper tantrums by Mother Nature.
Just quiet, and a wonderful breeze at the conclusion of Stephanie Bale singing “Colors of the Wind.’’
The evening started and ended with good old casual conversation. Remember that rare art form in our modern society? Either with friends or strangers. Seated at tables or wandering. These boutique concerts offer that opportunity along with delightful munchies (the sweet part) and a cash bar.
As for the music … soprano Amanda Perkins sang two pieces set to poetry by e.e. cummings and a tribute to Paris. Alto Danielle Davis served up some Johnny Mercer. Mezzo-soprano Nancy Stevenson delighted with Irving Berlin and Joni Mitchell. Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Bell went with Brahms and Alan Menken. And tenor Jim Smerdon, who admitted he is a John Denver fan, closed with two John Denver classics.
A nice relaxing, mixed “Nature’s Landscape” variety very nicely sung and accompanied. With the moon as an extra added nature attraction.