This is a spectacular building with wonderful acoustics for this type of program: about a two or three second reverb.
The chorus of MOB was conducted by Steven Fox, who is the Artistic Director of New York City's Clarion Orchestra and choir. He did a beautiful job leading this splendid chorus.
The program consisted of a variety of compositions, mostly a capella, ranging from Gregorian Chant to Francis Poulenc and Philip Ledger. The brass ensemble was excellent, though they did get into a bit of trouble in 'Sonata for Four Trombones and Basso Continuo. The tempo they took was just too fast for clear articulation.
The chorus, usually led by Jane Glover, is one of the best I have ever heard, singing with a clear, bright sound that is always on pitch (especially the sopranos, who often sound a bit flat when trying to sing with no or very little vibrato). I especially enjoyed the fact that I could always hear the alto line, which often gets lost en route.
Singers from the choir did the vocal solo work.They included Amanda Koopman, alto, Brendon Marsh,tenor, Susan Nelson, soprano, and Rosalind Lee, soprano. All sang well. I especially like Ms. Lee.
The church itself was a beautiful part of the concert, its American Rococo decoration sparkling and its amazing altarpiece almost stealing the show.
A lovely evening in Old Town, an elegant neighborhood of the Windy City. Driving home along Lake Shore Drive, seeing all the twinkling Christmas lights that seem to decorate every shrub and tree in front of elegant apartment buildings, was a beautiful end to a very enjoyable evening that began with an excellent meal in China Town's Moon Palace!
