Let the Whole World Sing!
“LET THE WHOLE WORLD SING”
Hollywood Master Chorale raises its voice to celebrate our world’s many cultures
Jenine Baines' Press Release:
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. Music lovers who, like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, believe that “music is the universal language of mankind” may want to attend the Hollywood Master Chorale’s performance, “Let the Whole World Sing,” on Sunday, June 11 at 4 p.m. at St. Ambrose Church in West Hollywood. The program will include works by composers ranging from Fauré, Brahms, and Debussy to the modern Estonian composer Veljo Tormis, who passed away earlier this year. The Chorale will also perform a number of English-language pieces that refer to international destinations.
" ‘Let the Whole World Sing’ is a celebration of our world's cultures and the crucial role that singing plays in shaping and expressing them,” says Dr. Stephen Pu, Artistic Director of the Hollywood Master Chorale (HMC). “To me, this program is refreshing. It will be a performance of vitality and variety, offering our audience not only a sampling of musical flavors from around the world but music of breathtaking beauty alongside music that is delightfully playful.”
Perhaps the most “playful” song on the program is Czech folk song Stodola Pumpa, which depicts shepherds or workers returning to the farm from the fields for a drink of water at the barn pump. “It is short and subtle and over before you know it,” says HMC board member Sandra Kapin. “It’s a very cute piece.”
Yet, while folk songs like Stodola Pumpa may be new to HMC’s audience, other works – such as Africa by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro – will be more recognizable because of their presence in popular culture. Africa, for instance, was recorded by the rock band, Toto, in 1982. HMC will present a choral arrangement of the song by Roger Emerson.
“We don’t often hear Asian music. And because it’s so unlike western music, it’s especially exciting to have this opportunity to share Molihua and In the Stillness with the community,” says Kapin. “This is a very family-friendly concert as well – a great way to take children on a musical journey around the world in 80 minutes. With no passports required!”
See you there!
We Welcome Dr. Stephen Pu
Stephen Pu is an award-winning choral-orchestral conductor, pianist, singer, and teacher. As a pianist, Stephen has won many awards from regional competitions and appeared in concert both in California and Hawaii to enthusiastic applause. A noted singer as well, he has performed on many major stages, including Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Carnegie Hall.