Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 5, 1994 TAG: 9405050092
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARY JO SHANNON SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
This production by the Roanoke Chamber Singers, under the direction of Frank Morris, is unique in that every attempt has been made to produce it as intended by the composer.
According to Morris, who has completed extensive research on the "Messiah," Handel conducted the work 346 times in March, April and May of 1742 and 1743 - not once in a church. Although the Chamber Singers will perform in a church, the group itself is not church-affiliated.
Handel's productions utilized a small chorus composed of men and boys with soloists drawn from the chorus. Most modern performances feature a chorus of as many voices as possible, often in the hundreds, with separate featured soloists.
The Chamber Singers' performance will return to the original concept, with a chorus of 16 men's and women's voices, seven of whom will sing solo parts as well.
Another difference concerns the tempo of the music. Handel's tempos were faster than those we are accustomed to hearing.
"We will maintain the Handelian tempos as accurately as possible within the limitations of our group," Morris said. "Having participated in over 100 performances of `Messiah' with as many as 350 musicians, and directed two presentations with over 200 voices, I can honestly say, using a chamber group of this size gives a whole new impression of this most stirring music and text."
Rehearsals began in January. Every Saturday, the group has met for approximately two hours, refining their parts for the performance. Since all have solo-quality voices, a requirement for participation in the singing group, the task of blending them as "one voice" has been challenging for the director.
The singers also gain a new perspective as they take on "Messiah." Ian Lowdon, a dentist who sings bass, remarked, "Although I've sung this before, it's more challenging with a small group. You have to work harder on the details."
Morris said the Roanoke Chamber Singers were organized "to provide an outlet for talented singers to give frequent performances singing a diversified selection of music outside of their church choirs." Performances also include Broadway tunes for fun.
Although most of the group sing in church choirs and are members of the Roanoke Valley Choral Society, as a whole they are not trained musicians.
Doray Feeser, soprano, who has a master's degree from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, is an exception. She has served as music director for Showtimers, and divides her time between the two groups. When she marries Jeff Walker (also a member of the Singers) in October, the other members will sing at the wedding.
Occasionally, professionals are called in to meet a special need. Short on tenors for this production, Morris invited Robert Chapman, music director at First Presbyterian Church, to participate.
"Other than plutonium 90," Morris said, "tenors are the world's scarcest commodity."
Morris, like many of his singers, is an "unschooled" musician, although his background as a talented performer is extensive. Originally from New York, he sang with Robert Shaw in the Collegiate Chorale, and in the All-City Chorale under Peter Wilkousky.
While in the Army, Morris was soloist and director with numerous glee clubs and choral groups.
He has lived in Roanoke for 47 years, working as a buyer for women's fashions - first with Smartwear-Irving Saks and later with Sidney's until his retirement several years ago. He has sung at numerous area churches - Greene Memorial United Methodist, Raleigh Court United Methodist and First Presbyterian, as well as his home church, Raleigh Court Presbyterian. The Roanoke Symphony, Roanoke Valley Choral Society, Virginia Choral Society and the Bach Choir also have claimed him as a member.
Morris organized the chamber group four years ago to sing carols for the Old Parlor Tours during the holidays. Members pay no dues and are not required to buy their music. Tickets are not sold for performances, but free-will offerings help meet expenses. "Messiah" will cost approximately $1,000, he estimates, for costs of accompanists for rehearsals, an organist (most chamber music is a cappella), ties and cummerbunds, etc.
The Roanoke Chamber Singers are scheduled to sing May 13 at the Roanoke United Methodist Home and May 29 at Festival in the Park. Morris said they are also "annual fixtures at Affair in the Square and First Night."
Morris considers "Messiah" a highlight of his musical life.
"This will be authentic," he said, "as close as possible to how Handel did it 252 years ago."
Members of the Roanoke Chamber Singers (*soloists) are: *Doray Feeser, Judy Gearing, *Lisa Shay, *Shirley Smith, *Jo Ellen Famularo, Patty Ferguson, Ruth Ann Hannah, Judy Thornton, Robert Chapman, Randy Neely, Jim Ripley, Bill Gearing, *Ian Lowdon, Jeff Walker and *Jack Wimmer.
by CNB