Through 10/26: North Carolina Symphony Performs Two Premieres with Violinist Philippe Quint and Composer Errollyn Wallen
RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina Symphony’s 92nd season has already proven to be something...
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Author: Maggie Pate
Rennie Harris Presented with Lifetime Achievement Award by Scripps/ADF
Rennie Harris is no stranger to American Dance Festival, having brought the Rennie Harris...
Read MoreWomen’s Voices Chorus Create Otherworldly Sounds in “Music of the Spheres” Concert
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Women’s Voices Chorus of Chapel Hill came together to share with community and family their thoughtful and inspired program, “Songs of the Celestial Spheres.” Artistic...
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New Possibilities for All as Raleigh Youth Choir Celebrates Christmas
There is a very exciting change happening in one of the oldest youth choral training programs in Triangle. The former Raleigh Boychoir, now in its 55th year, has been transformed into the Raleigh Youth Choir. Kudos to the leadership, board, donors, and the arts organizations who have backed this necessary evolution. This new iteration includes six separate choirs that fulfill a myriad of vocal and musical developmental stages and is not limited to children identifying as male.
On Friday evening, we heard one of the first concerts by this newly expanded organization. Rest assured, the opportunity for boys is still flourishing, but the Raleigh Youth Choir is sure to bring many more options and positive exposure for all young musicians of any gender identity.
The tastefully decorated Edenton Street United Methodist sanctuary was full to the brim with family and friends. Guests entered to the dulcet playing of harpist Angelyn Gallardo-Fánlo. Board President Dwayne Holloway introduced the Raleigh Youth Choir, stating that they are “exceedingly proud that [they’ve] now made a space for all.”
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Carolina Ballet Dazzles in Opening Performance of 25th Season
Carolina Ballet opened its 25th season with a varied and refreshing program at Raleigh’s Memorial Auditorium on Thursday evening. To this viewer, the company looks almost entirely new, having not attended since the beginning of COVID – but, wow! We are so fortunate to have this top flight company here in the Triangle.
The opener, Suite 44 by resident choreographer Amy Hall Garner, began with the youthful and joyous “Mountain Dance” by Dave Grusin. There was an outstanding solo moment by Bilal Shakur Smith who’s timing was impeccable. This was followed by Grusin’s funky piano version of “Memphis Stomp” – a thrilling pas de deux between Ayla O’Day and Braden Hart in which both their dancing and their expression of personality were contagious. The Suite ends with “Xam-Xam” by Kora Jazz Trio. The simple costuming by Terry Baker and lighting by Ross Kolman did just enough to allow the dancers to shine. Garner’s choreography is sophistocated and informed. I particularly loved how her nuanced expression of the rhythmic nature of this music came off as fluid rather than angular. I also loved Garner’s treatment of the kora solo emphasized by the women dancers. Fantastic all the way around.
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