April NewsFlash 2009
SingFest 2009
Betty Bertaux, composer and renowned authority on vocal and music development in children, was the guest clinician for Anima's annual SingFest. Held at the new Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, the event attracted hundreds of students, teachers and music conductors from 27 different organizations. Teachers were treated to intimate sessions with Ms. Bertaux and universally commented on how much they learned and how much fun they had learning it. Choristers and their parents were equally enthusiastic as they enjoyed the end-of-day concert which culminated with a Betty Bertaux arrangement of America the Beautiful.
Anima's Annual Benefit a Success
Oh The Places We'll Go! showcased Anima's various travels both past and future and attracted a huge crowd for food, fun and entertainment. Daniel Brewbaker, composer of Living the Divine was on hand to hear the Chamber Ensemble sing part of his composition for the first time in front of an audience. The silent auction spurred some spirited competition, especially for golf outings and vacation homes! The money raised will go to pay for Anima's education and outreach programs.
Musical Experience for Children/Treble Recital
Musical Experience for Children (MEC) students ages Kindergarten through 2nd grade joined with the Treble ensemble of Anima to perform for family and friends at St. Petronille's Church in Glen Ellyn. MEC teachers Mona Jethmalani and Grace Schwanda demonstrated how the children learn to sing at this early age and Hannah Bingham, Treble conductor, demonstrated the level of performance children attain at the next step. The enthusiastic audience commented on the variety of music performed and the discipline and quality of performance attained by these young people.
Living the Divine
In conjunction with Anima’s upcoming world premiere performance of Living the Divine, The Book Store in Glen Ellyn is showcasing the book--Love Poems from God: Sacred Voices of the East and West. The text for Living the Divine is taken from this famous anthology of mystic poems which features 12 timeless spiritual poets from the East and from the West.

So shop The Bookstore today at 475 N. Main Street in downtown Glen Ellyn where you will find both Love Poems from God and tickets to the May 29th Anima premiere of Living The Divine!
Fresh Jewelry
Still looking for that Mother's Day or graduation gift? Check out Fresh Jewelry for some great ideas, and when you check out be sure to put Anima in the discount box. You will get some lovely jewelry and Anima will receive a portion of these sales to support our education and outreach programs.
Emily Notes
“Don’t undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.” Edwin Land

This quote from an American scientist and inventor resonates with all of us currently working on the major new commission we’re premiering this spring. We have embarked on a truly extraordinary project. And like all things of significance, it requires perseverance, hard work, and a willingness to take risks: excellent life lessons, all.

New York composer Daniel Brewbaker has written a multi-movement cantata for Anima’s Touring Chorus, mezzo-soprano, percussion, and piano using spiritual texts from east and west spanning nine centuries. He has poured his heart and soul over two years’ time into this work and given us a far more generous gift than we asked for. This is both a great challenge and a huge compliment.

I’d like to share a few more tidbits to whet your interest. First, we’re collaborating with wonderful guest artists: renowned mezzo-soprano Susanne Mentzer, joining us from Houston, TX; and Cynthia Yeh, who plays principal percussion with the Chicago Symphony. The range of percussion is fabulous: timpani, marimba, vibraphone, chimes, congas, tom-toms and a raft of other percussive “toys” which provide tremendous color. Our own William Buhr is learning a piano part that’s equal to two piano concerti, and the piece is, by turns, soulful, quirky, intensely melodic, celebratory, humorous, thought-provoking, and drop-dead gorgeous.

We may never again have the opportunity to perform a concert work of this magnitude. The time to join us is Friday, May 29th, 7:30 pm, Edman Chapel – a major hall seating 1800 in Wheaton - the world premiere in a beautiful acoustic (without worry of weather) celebrating together – audience, performers, guest artists, and composer. We’ll celebrate our younger ensembles at our Family and Friends concert on May 17th, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Wheaton. For tickets, go online: www.animasingers.org or call our office at 630.858.2471.

For more information about Anima call 630-858-2471 or visit our website at www.animasingers.org.