The Arizona Musicfest Chorus in performance, directed by Maestro Robert Moody, on February 26, 2009.

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.

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.

With the Chorus now an integral part of the Festival, Arizona Musicfest audiences look forward to its concert at Festival 2010 with great anticipation.

For a complete list of our 2009 Festival Orchestra personnel, please click on the link below:

2009 Arizona Musicfest Festival Orchestra

 

Joel Rinsema, Chorus Master