Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@voxveritatischoir presented its first official solo concert with a program built around themes of mental health and social justice. While the concert itself contained an unusually small amount of repertoire, the amount of pure talent on the stage of Heart of Northside more than made up for it.
The program opened with a vibrant performance of Benjamin Britten’s cantata Rejoice In The Lamb. Setting text from the poem Jubilate Agno by Christopher Smart which he wrote while confined to an asylum due to severe mental health issues (most likely schizophrenia), the choir wonderfully captured the schizophrenic nature of the music. This included manic, yet happy, depictions of summoning different Old Testament figures in the opening section snd the wonder and power of instruments. Wonderful solo moments depicting anamidtic praise were provided by soprano Avery King, mezzo-soprano Lauren McAllister and tenor Luke Barath, with an additional contribution from bass Rene Eaton. Organist Peter Douglas was a gracious accompanist, demonstrating great craarivity with the limited resources of Heart of Northside’s Taylor & Boody pipe organ. Douglas later played an evocative improvisation inspired by mental health.
The rest of the program was a healthy mix of music by modern composers and pop and gospel traditions, with a guest appearance by members of the Martin Luther King Chorale. Joan Szymko’s The Peace of Wild Things and a medley of songs from Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton were particular standouts, with warm accompaniment by pianist Charles Worth.
@voxveritatischoir and its director, Danielle Cozart Steele, is among the fiercest advocates for choirs which celebrate diversity and inclusion, with singers of all age ranges, genders and abilities as well as supporting local charities and nonprofits, such as Cincinnati Animal Care, that provide much-needed services to the wider Cincinnati community. Being a fairly new organization, they have made tremendous strides and I eagerly anticipate all the new projects to come from this group in the near future.