Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Ballet Company will partner once again for Wintertide on Sunday, November 26th at the Sarasota Opera House.
Wintertide blends Spanish, Mexican and Puerto Rican carols in Conrad Susa’s Carols and Lullabies with John Rutter’s chilly choral cycle When Icicles Hang. Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company entwine dance and music for this unique program celebrating the blue nights of winter and the magic of the season. Imagine the stage of the Sarasota Opera House filled with 30+ dancers, 100 singers, orchestra, and soloists for this exciting collaboration.
“We are thrilled to be presenting new choreography created especially for this production,” said Maestro Joseph Caulkins. “These two works are so colorful and joyful and are enhanced by dance in so many compelling ways.” When Icicles Hang is choreographed by Maria Konrad, Director of Nashville Ballet 2. Konrad was appointed to Nashville Ballet 2, Nashville Ballet’s second company, in January of this year. She is a sought-after creative talent and recently won the prestigious International Outstanding Choreographer award, presented by the Youth America Grand Prix. Konrad has created a captivating dance that capitalizes on the wonderful colors created by choir and orchestra.
“This is always a special highlight of the year for our young dancers,” said Christopher Hird, The Sarasota Ballet’s Education Director. “As well as having the opportunity to have works choreographed for them, they also get the unique experience of performing with a choir and orchestra.”
The program will also showcase classical guitarist Paul Moeller who will be featured in Carols & Lullabies with percussionist William Brown, harpist John McColley, and soloists Amy Jo Connours, Melissa Simmons, Zachery Stockman, and Jesse Martin. Moeller will also share a virtuosic solo by Issac Albeniz titled Leyenda which captures the spirit of flamenco from Andalusia.
In addition, patrons will hear several seasonal favorites from England – including The Sussex Carol, The First Nowell, and Fantasia on Greensleeves by Vaughan Williams, oftentimes associated with the text What Child is This. Also highlighted are What Sweeter Music by John Rutter and a First Snow, a lovely instrumental work by Ola Gjeilo featuring Key Chorale’s Principal Keyboardist Glenn Priest.
To purchase tickets to Wintertide or a Compose your Own concert series, visit keychorale.org or call 941-552-8768 to reserve the best seats. Pricing varies from $20-$55, with college students just $10 and students under 18 free.