CHORAL FESTIVAL'S 2011 CONCERT ROCKED THE HOUSE!
On Sunday, August 28th, the Broomfield Choral Festival (BCF) lifted the Broomfield High School Auditorium with a stirring performance as 125 musicians, including chorus, soloists and orchestra performed Ronald J. Williams’ “Sanctus” and W.A. Mozart’s Requiem. Broomfield Mayor Patrick Quinn opened the concert with a moving remembrance of those who lost their lives on 9-11.
Over 400 folks of all ages filled the auditorium for this sixth annual event. Their standing ovation illustrated a true appreciation of both the beauty of the music and the hard work that went into its preparation.
Since the first concert in 2006, the BCF has thrived under the direction of award-winning conductor and composer, Ronald J. Williams. In prior years the BCF has performed works by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Gilbert & Sullivan.
"This concert was undoubtedly the best so far," Director Ronald J. Williams said. "These were the most singers we've had thus far, and they were also the most enthusiastic, and dedicated group yet. They immersed themselves not only in the music, but in the culture of the organization. They were a pleasure to work with. I think their dedication was evident in the quality of the performance. They made me look good."
Mr. Williams, who has directed choral groups for over thirty years, (and who also composes, produces, and teaches music), began the concert by premiering his new composition, “Sanctus.” The Sanctus is part of the church's traditional communion liturgy. Mr. Williams’ dynamic orchestral setting employed three-note phrases and rhythm throughout to echo the thrice-repeated “Holy, Holy, Holy” of the text which was sung in English.
"When we sang “Sanctus” with the orchestra, I had tears in my eyes," stated Barbara Schipper, Director of the Broomfield Civic Chorus. “It was Carnegie Hall all over again.” Ms. Schipper, whose community chorus was one of several area groups that performed with Mr. Williams at Carnegie Hall in 2007, was participating in the chorus for the fifth straight year. "This was the best concert yet,” she said. The audience seemed to agree.
Of the Requiem, a contemporary of Mozart wrote, “Mozart has disclosed his whole inner being in this one sacred work, and who can fail to be affected ... [it] is unquestionably the highest and best that modern art has to offer to sacred worship.”
This is the second time the BCF has performed Mozart's Requiem. The organization is dedicated to providing the community with access to major choral works. The choir offers local singers a rehearsal atmosphere that is fun, informative and professionally conducted to fully prepare them to present a music masterpiece; free admission to the festival provides audiences with the opportunity to experience and enjoy the power of live concert performances.
According to several of this year's choir participants, the BCF met the goals to which the organization aspires.
"It was great," said Karen H., who joined the choir this year. "I was welcomed even though I hadn't performed in years. Though the music was a challenge for me, Ron (Williams) and the other choir members were encouraging and supportive. I loved it. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything."
“I can’t believe Ron (Williams) is able to produce this quality of music in just 10 rehearsals,” stated Susan P., “but he does it every concert. I look forward to rehearsing and singing in this group for the entire year.”
This year’s chorus ranged in age from 14-84 and gave this father and son (left) the opportunity to perform together. Singers came from a diversity of backgrounds. Ten area church choirs and ten Denver area community chorales were represented in addition to many singers not affiliated with any singing group. Members of the audience came from throughout the greater Denver area and from as far away as Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Castle Rock to enjoy the free concert.
Because the BCF is a summer event, the singers won't meet again until next year. Many are returning to rehearsals with metro area churches and choral groups.
The Broomfield Choral Festival welcomes new voices of all ages every year. In addition, the organization continues to seek support for its arts and education mission. For more information about the BCF, please visit our website at http://broomfieldchoralfestival.org or contact Ron Williams at 303-325-3849.
The BCF is supported by its singers and through generous grants and donations from area foundations, organizations, businesses and individuals. Numerous volunteers make possible each annual performance, representing over 1500 hours of time, talent and dedication for every concert.
Please click on our Sponsors Tab to see a listing of our 2011 corporate sponsors.
The Broomfield Choral Festival ...
Opportunity
Who will form the choirs and orchestras of the future? Will our musical heritage be lost to future generations? As a Colorado non-profit corporation, the Broomfield Choral Festival (BCF) is providing wide access to major choral music to youth and adults alike while contributing to the healthy future and vitality of music and arts in our community. More...
Community
Music in a live concert setting has great "shared expe
rience" value to audience and performer alike. The Broomfield Choral Festival shares the magical experience and the powerful transformation that live music can afford. More...
Education
The BCF believes in actively engaging our youthful singers in an inclusive concert setting so they might become the music lovers and performers of tomorrow. Our summer schedule is student- and family-friendly, and our concert setting provides lasting memories. More...
Collaboration
The Broomfield Choral Festival provides an annual opportunity 
for the community to gather to celebrate some of the greatest musical works ever written. While music brings us together, strong and lasting friendships and artistic partnerships result. More...
