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The Arizona Musicfest Chorus in performance, directed by Maestro Robert Moody, on February 26, 2009.
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Rightfully proud of our Orchestra, whose members are drawn from the finest orchestras and conservatories, Arizona Musicfest is equally delighted by the talent and professionalism of our Chorus.
After taking one season to settle in, then newly-appointed Artistic Director, Robert Moody set a goal in 2007 of creating a skilled, volunteer chorus to perform at the 2008 Festival. Knowing his record at The Phoenix Symphony, the volunteers at Arizona Musicfest responded enthusiastically to his vision.
A read-through and auditions were held in October, 2007, followed by weekly rehearsals under Chorus Master Joel Rinsema starting in January. During the interval, chorus members devoted countless hours learning Bach’s Wachet Auf and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem.
Our Chorus, 69 members strong, debuted in February, 2008. Their skilled performances of these masterworks resulting in a standing ovation.
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“Passionate – Exact – Moving. That’s how I have described your large and talented Chorus to my friends. Congratulations! The talent of Chorus Master Joel Rinsema and dedication of the Chorus members were obvious in their performance of Lloyd Webber’s ‘Requiem’. It’s a challenging work and they performed masterfully.”
~ Board Member
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“Your Chorus is as powerful as any we’ve heard anywhere in the country. And in our annual travels, we have heard many.”
~ Impresario
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For the 2009 Festival, preparations began last October; again, with auditions for new members and then a read-through of Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem and Richard Wilberg’s Let Peace Then Still the Strife. Every weekend during January and early February, Joel Rinsema rehearsed the Chorus, which had now grown to 81 members! As before, the choristers spent many hours of their fall and early winter individually learning their parts.
On February 26th, the combined forces of the Arizona Musicfest Orchestra, our Chorus and guest soloists, Elizabeth Bishop and Troy Cook, under the baton of Maestro Moody, offered a performance that was both stirring and thrilling. For many, it was the highlight of the 2009 Festival.
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“You made my heart fly that night! ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ was a truly emotional experience for me. Thank you, Arizona Musicfest Chorus!”
~ Corporate Sponsor
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“I didn’t think Robert Moody could top his previous creation at The Phoenix Symphony. In my view, with the Arizona Musicfest Chorus, he has.”
~ Longtime Volunteer
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With the Chorus now an integral part of the Festival, Arizona Musicfest audiences look forward to its concert at Festival 2010 with great anticipation.
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“Please put us down for Premium Seating at all future concerts that feature the Arizona Musicfest Chorus!”
~ Audience Member
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For a complete list of our 2009 Festival Orchestra and Chorus personnel, please click on the links below:
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