A weekend of classical music in south KC

Choral Spectrum performs Mozart’s Requiem

By Jeanne Beechwood

Holmeswood Baptist Church will host Choral Spectrum’s upcoming performances of Mozart’s Requiem, on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, April 6th, at 3 pm.

Requiem in D Minor was Mozart’s final masterpiece, written as he wrestled with life and death and left unfinished before he died in 1791. (The 1984 movie “Amadeus” depicts the final days.) Mozart’s Requiem, often performed at funerals, is considered one of the most powerful and popular choral works.

Dr. Michael Patch, artistic director and conductor, founded Choral Spectrum in 2018 to fill a void in the local music scene, one that is inclusive of all individuals, especially those in the LGBTQIA community. “I want participants to feel encouraged and uplifted within a safe place to enjoy and perform music,” said Patch. Through music he hopes to educate the public about LGBTQIA individuals.

All members of this talented and unique choral group are from the Kansas City area. The performance presents an opportunity to enjoy their musicianship. “Breathing and singing together in these musical presentations represents family. Family together should embody love and not persecution,” says Dr. Patch. “Now, more than ever, society should offer a place for everybody.”

The Holmeswood Baptist Church has welcomed the Choral Spectrum with a beautifully renovated and fully accessible performing space and office space.

Choral Spectrum’s performance of Requiem will include a 20-piece orchestra conducted by Dr. Travis Hale, and four soloists–soprano, alto, tenor and bass.

The orchestra quartet will also perform Dame Ethel Smyth’s String Quartet in E-major, Op.1. The Quintet, written in 1844 by a British woman composer, incorporates violins, violas and cellos. Smyth tended to be marginalized as a “woman composer” as though her work couldn’t be considered mainstream because of being female. However due to her artistic contributions to music, she became the first female composer granted a damehood. She also advocated for equal pay for female composers.

String Quartet in E-major is described as delightful and refreshing. The piano will be played by John Livingston.

The spacious venue at the Holmeswood Baptist Church can seat up to 250. However, reservations are highly encouraged. Tickets are $40 each; however, there are discounts for students and seniors. The Holmeswood Baptist Church is located at 9700 Holmes. Tickets are available at www.choralspectrumkc.org/ticketing.

Auditions are held throughout the year for this musical ensemble. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. For information, contact Dr. Michael Patch at michaelpatch@choralspectrumkc.org or go to the website at choralspectrumkc.org.

An Afternoon of Chamber Music

Pinnacle Winds, Kansas City’s professional concert band, announces the second concert of its fifth season to occur on Sunday, April 6, at 2 pm in the beautiful sanctuary of St. Peter and All Saints Episcopal Church. 100 E. Red Bridge Road.

The concert is titled “An Afternoon of Chamber Music” and features four chamber winds masterworks rarely heard on the same program.

The concert will begin with Victor Ewald’s Symphony for Brass, which will be performed by a brass sextet. Ewald composed primarily for brass, and this work, which is highly romantic in nature, is considered to be his best writing.

The Petite Symphonie by Charles Gounod will follow. It is a delightful composition that features a traditional Harmonie ensemble with an added flute.

Stravinsky’s Octet is next on the program. This challenging piece is considered to be one of the best chamber works of the 20th century.

Finally, Serenade No.12 in C minor by Wolfgang A. Mozart will round out the concert. It is one of three serenades he composed for winds, their significance prompting some music scholars to identify them as the true beginning of the wind band repertoire.

Dr. John C. Carmichael will serve as conductor for the concert. The concert is described as “an exciting, emotionally moving, and enjoyable presentation performed by some of the most accomplished instrumentalists in the Kansas City area.”

Admission for adults is $20 and for seniors or students, $10. Tickets are available at pinnaclewinds.com and at the door on the day of the concert. Season tickets are offered on the website.

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