The World Begins to Wake - Premiers March 28, 2021 - Mar 28, 2021

Basic event info
Event date: 
Mar 28 2021 - 1:23pm to Apr 30 2021 - 2:23pm
Public event fields

Event link - https://youtu.be/AAGmEift0Qs

Throughout the winter months, WomenSing singers have continued to connect with each other to rehearse and produce another virtual concert.  On March 28th, 2021, we will release our three-song set entitled The World Begins to Wake.  While each song is in a different style, clear thematic threads weave an overarching story of a woman’s life.  Each song brings curiosity about life’s possibilities, a recognition of the importance of community, and a call to action.  We hope you will join us to hear and see The World Begins to Wake.

Our first song, “The Valley,” was written by Jane Siberry and her recording was released in 1987.  Many know K.D. Lang’s intense version from her album, “Hymns of the 49th Parallel.”  We are singing yet another version, a touching choral rendition of “The Valley” arranged by Beth Hanson.  Ms. Hanson kindly joined WomenSing during one of our Zoom rehearsals to tell us more about her tender interpretation. “The Valley” answers the question “wondering what in the world will the world bring today” by exploring love, loss and pain for two people.  One lives up on the hill and looks down into the valley where the other now lives.  The one on the hill remembers the relationship and love, but can only watch [because caregiving is out of her hands.]  The other is being cared for in a residence or hospital, and is only aware of the blackbirds that flock there.  Along with endearing love, there is a determination that they will walk together again, in good company.  The prose is reminiscent of Psalm 23, and the music is calming, loving and shimmers serenely.

Randall Thompson’s “A Girl’s Garden,” is a lively setting for Robert Frost’s poem.  Written in 1916, the poem tells the story of a young girl who asks her father to give her a small piece of his farm so that she may start a garden.  The father eagerly agrees.  Through the upkeep of the garden, the girl earns her first bit of real-world experience and learns about hard labor, patience and nature’s unpredictability.  While her plantings may not have all been successful, she gains a connection to the town’s farmers and community and acquires maturity through responsibility and experience.  Part of a seven-movement suite of choral art songs, “A Girl's Garden” is a romp to sing.  This delightful music charmingly enlivens Frost’s witty and humorous poem.

The Wailin’ Jennys are a Canadian folk and bluegrass trio. (Their name is an homage to the famed country singer Waylon Jenings.)  If you are a Wailin’ Jennys fan, you are certainly familiar with “Bird Song.”  It conjures up images of the world around us with a heartfelt appreciation for nature.  “Bird Song” raises hope that, as spring flowers bloom, we also can open ourselves to the world around us.  WomenSing’s version is infused with both excitement for and comfort about what life may bring.  “Bird Song” is the perfect piece to welcome in the spring season.

Please join us for WomenSing’s exploration of moments in a woman’s life.  As we look forward to the spring, let us celebrate together as The World Begins to Wake.

Premiers on Sunday, March 28th at 4pm https://youtu.be/AAGmEift0Qs