MEC Recital Brings Out the Best!
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Kindergarten through second graders put on their best clothes, their best smiles and sang their best for an appreciative audience at Faith Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn on December 9th. Conductor Mona Jethmalani first demonstrated how they learn basic musicianship and specifically the right way to sing.These very young singers then demonstrated how to sing with solfege,clapped to varying rythms and wowed the audience with their newly learned skills. They said good bye with a wonderful rendition of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".
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Alumni News-Anu Nagpal
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Greetings from Zurich, Switzerland!
It has been almost 20 years since I was a member of the GECC (now Anima), but I can't emphasize enough how the wonderful memories of that time have stayed with me and still influence my life. The other kids I got to know have stayed in my mind as great friends. Learning to sing in so many different languages has given me such a good ear and a sincere appreciation for other cultures. Our travels together gave me a wider world view. The exercises and music theory training have provided a fantastic basis for my singing practice to this day. Most importantly, I have also learned that discipline is easy when you are doing something you love with people that you love.
Since leaving the choir, I graduated from Hinsdale Central and then Northwestern University. I then worked in International Marketing for Sony Music in New York for 3 years, a wonderful experience that allowed me to see music from the business side as well. I then moved to Switzerland, and as a part of my new life there, I started law school in Zurich and am on the verge of finishing. After this point, I am not sure where my future will take me, but I am sure my career will be international and connect me back to the United States. During all of this, I have been singing consistently with my school in Switzerland, the FeMale Funk Project. Several of the more advanced students formed a band named Acoustic Sweets, and we have had many exciting performances this year including several for the European Soccer Championships 2008, the Africa Integration Festival of Zurich, as well as loads of private concerts at bars and clubs all over Zurich. My confidence on stage is a sure result of those wonderful Tuesdays and Thursdays, those travels to Europe, Carnegie Hall and Symphony Hall, those wonderful exchanges with other choirs, and all the beautiful music I still listen to today. I send all my love and best wishes to the choristers, and as well to Ms. Smith, who I remember with such warmth!!!
Should anyone wish to contact me, I would love it! I am on Facebook and also reachable at anu_nagpal@hotmail.com |
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Damnation of Faust
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Approximately 50 young choristers were privileged to play the "angels" in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's production of Berlioz' Damnation of Faust, where their performance was deemed "superb" by Andrew Patner of the Chicago SunTimes. Scattered in groups around the Symphony Center stage they sang with angelic voices as a stark contrast to the rich baritone of Mephistopheles, sung by David Wilson-Johnson. Marguerite was beautifully performed by mezzo-soprano Susanne Mentzner who we are thrilled will be joining Anima for our spring premier of composer Daniel Brewbaker's Living the Divine at Millennium Park on May 31st.
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Emily Notes
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The holiday season has arrived once again – a time of intense activity, projects galore, and many concerts. The singers come into rehearsal with their heads full of schoolwork, final exams, and not enough sleep. It’s important to acknowledge the hectic schedules they’re keeping, and also use our music-making to lift them up, experience something beautiful, and feed their souls. Music is a gift for us all at this time of year. We eagerly anticipate our upcoming concerts in the new Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville. It’s an intimate space, with beautiful acoustics and great sightlines for everyone. The lobby and restrooms are spacious, and the chance to perform our December concert more than once is a rare treat. The first half of the concert uses our new name and its meanings as inspiration, with music meant to touch, stir the imagination, ease the stress, and allow space for breath, contemplation, and joy. The second half features songs of the season – both familiar and brand new. The music of Gwyneth Walker, a highly respected American composer, will be featured, using brass quintet and voices, as well as our new signature song. And as many of you have seen, we are now on You Tube giving a brief taste of the new jazz arrangement of “Frosty the Snowman” by Jennifer Barnes, commissioned for these concerts. The amazed (and amused) response from many alumni has been fun to see. There’s also a party for alumni planned for December 27th, thanks to the generosity of a local family. Call the office for contact information if you’re an alum who will be in town. From this choral community to each of you….warm wishes for a holiday filled with joy, love, peace, and the finest of music. Emily Ellsworth
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"Hearts on Fire" Concert Selling Out Fast!
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The annual holiday concert will be held at Wentz Hall in Naperville on December 20th at 4pm and December 21st at 3pm. Tickets are almost sold out so call 630-858-2471 now to reserve your seat!
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Become a Part of the Anima Family
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Anima will be accepting choristers into our MEC, Treble and Concert chorus programs in January. If you, or anyone you know is interested, please call the Anima office at 630-858-2471. Kindergarten through second graders can just register and 3rd graders and up will be scheduled for an easy ensemble placement. Financial aid is available.
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For more information about Anima call 630-858-2471 or visit our website at www.animasingers.org.
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