Tote that Score, Lift that Voice

Last night was the first rehearsal of the new season for the full Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. What a thrill to sit down again with these talented musicians, many of whom have become friends over the past year.

This is the beginning of my second season with the chorus, and I love every minute of the experience: every minute of driving 75 or so miles to get to rehearsal; every minute of sitting totally focused for almost three hours; and especially the result: every minute standing on stage in the magnificent Severance Hall.

For me, singing under the baton of Robert Porco is a singular experience. (Pun not intended! "Singular" is defined as "remarkable". But in this case, it does have to do with singing!)

I sang for many years with one of the premier choruses in Washington, DC. Then, after some personal trauma, I switched to a different chorus. I lasted three rehearsals before I had to quit. One of the conductors would rehearse the chorus until they couldn't sing the work wrong. The other conductor would rehearse the chorus until they could do it right. Doing something right once or twice is nothing like being unable to do it wrong. On the social aspect, rehearsals with one chorus were likened to attending a weekly Polish wedding. The other was known as a somber no-nonsense let's-get-back-to-the-music organization.

Now I'm not going to identify which of those choruses was which on either the music or the sociability. But—to me—Cleveland Orchestra Chorus is the best of both worlds. Every member I've met has been warm and open and welcoming. And Porco strives to rehearse us until we can't "do it" wrong.

What an honor to be accepted into this organization, and to keep learning and growing as a musician.

If you're in Youngstown, come to Powers this Saturday night to hear us sing with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. I know there's been a slight overdose of Carmina Burana lately, but this chorus's performance will be unlike any you heard earlier this year.

Hope to see you there.


Photo credit: Cleveland.com