Following the trend in earlier performance times, the Downtown Singers are shifting to a new start time for our performances.  Beginning with our 2024 Messiah performance, our concerts will now start at 7pm.  Please be sure to make note and leave yourself plenty of time to arrive.  Late comers will be asked to sit in the back of the church until the end of the overture or the start of intermission.

What is a community in choir form?  This question has been on my mind the past year as the new Artistic Director of the Binghamton Downtown Singers.  The Singers welcomed me with open arms and jumped into a new way of rehearsing, singing, and communicating.  For me, it has been both exciting and challenging to lead such a dedicated choral ensemble. Exciting, because I get to be in front of a choir and make music with people who are extremely dedicated to choral singing. Also, I get to direct, shape, and bring to life pieces of music that I have enjoyed throughout my life.  Challenging, because I am relatively new to leading such a large choral ensemble, and leading them through an enjoyable, educational, and emotional choral performance is not easy. So, what does community mean in a choral setting? I think this past year has shown me that firstly, it is the music and stories we bring to life. Secondly, it is the connections made between the choir members who are communicating this musical story. Thirdly, it is the choir's relationship with the audience in a performance and our ability to lead them on an emotional journey as well.  Lastly, and most importantly, it is the way in which we give back to the community we sing in.  Yes, our performances are a way of giving back, but what else does a choir do for a community?

Messiah 2023 was a change for the singers, with me stepping in as Artistic Director. Spring 2024 was a challenging emotional journey for the choir as we sang Sing for the Cure, a modern oratorio dealing with cancer and its effect on people's lives.  It is my goal as the Artistic Director to find new ways to give back to the community with our time as well as our voices.  The Downtown Singers have a long legacy of giving to the community since its inception in 1983, and I hope to be able to continue that legacy and add to it.  I hope to find new and exciting music to bring to our audiences. I hope to continually be challenged by the question of what a community choir is and means for our singers and our community.  Messiah 2024 is sure to be a wonderful performance, and I am excited by our upcoming Spring 2025 concert.  As I look to future years ahead with the Downtown Singers, I know I will continue to grow, but I hope to continue to grow the outstanding legacy and connection the choir as with you, our community as well.

With thanks,
Robert Manners, Artistic Director
 

Our Spring Concert promises to uplift your spirits and fill your heart with joy. Prepare to be moved by the power of music as our talented choir presents a diverse program: Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg, Two Psalms by Gustav Holst, and Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi.  We hope you can join us Saturday June 7th at 7pm.

Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg

Composed by Elaine Hagenberg, Illuminare is a captivating choral work that explores themes of darkness, hope, and the enduring power of light. The piece draws inspiration from sacred scripture and the writings of saints, weaving together a tapestry of text and music that evokes a sense of spiritual renewal.

Hagenberg's masterful composition guides the listener through a journey of emotional depth, from the depths of despair to the heights of joy. The choral writing is both challenging and rewarding, demanding precision and expressiveness from the performers.

Two Psalms by Gustav Holst

Holst's Two Psalms is a pair of choral works composed in 1912. The first psalm, Psalm 86, is a prayerful and introspective setting, characterized by its intimate and austere style. Holst draws inspiration from the Genevan Psalter, using a 16th-century melody as the basis for his composition. The music reflects the text's sense of longing and supplication, with stark harmonies and sparse instrumentation.

The second psalm, Psalm 148, takes a more exuberant and celebratory approach. It is a joyful praise of God's creation, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. The music is full of energy and vitality, reflecting the text's exuberant praise of God

Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi

This masterpiece showcases Vivaldi's signature style, blending elements of Baroque opera and concerto. The work opens with a triumphant chorus, featuring trumpets and oboes, and continues with a series of contrasting movements, including expressive solos, duets, and ensembles. The "Et in terra pax" movement is particularly notable for its meditative quality and unexpected harmonic shifts.The final "Cum Sancto Spiritu" is a powerful fugue, borrowed from another composer and enhanced by Vivaldi's distinctive orchestration. This Gloria is a testament to Vivaldi's genius, captivating audiences with its exuberance, beauty, and emotional depth.
 

 

The Downtown Singers want to ensure our patrons are aware of all the parking options available for our performances.  The parking lot for the church proper is small, and we would ask that everyone leave those spaces for our patrons with mobility challenges.  That said, UHS has generously offered their parking lot, directly behind the church lot, for the use of our patrons during our performances.  After hours parking is also available across the street at the Johnson City Post Office, another UHS parking lot next to the post office, and at the bank.  Please be careful and use caution crossing the street.