About the Repertory Singers
2005-06 Season Archives
May, 2006
Mozart's Mass in C Minor
"West Coast Premiere of Robert Levin's new edition"
The Southern Oregon Repertory Singers is proud to offer the Rogue Valley an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of Mozart scholarship as we celebrate his birth with a gala performance of an acknowledged masterwork, the Mass in C Minor and the opening movement of Piano Concerto No. 26 in D Major (Coronation) played by pianist Jodi French. Arguably Mozart's finest choral composition, the Mass has not been performed locally in any version for over 15 years. The Repertory Singers commemorates our Twentieth Anniversary Season with the new performing edition by Mozart specialist, Robert Levin. Levin's edition, based on recently discovered sketches in Mozart's hand, adds seven movements to the traditional edition and is being hailed as "a glorious, fully Mozartean vision of a complete Mass" (Allan Kozinn, "New York Times"). Our performance will include the Repertory Singers, the Southern Oregon University Chamber Choir, full orchestra, and soloists.
This version of the Mass has not been performed locally in any version for over 15 years and our concert represents the Northwest premeire of Levin's edition.
We would like to thank all those that contributed to this wonderful event, financially, musically, and simply by being there. Here is a sample of what people said about the concert:
"Having just moved to the Rogue Valley nine months ago from San Francisco, on May 7 I attended the Repertory Singers performance of Mozart's Great Mass in C Minor, at SOU, conducted by Dr. Paul French. I sat in total amazement and delight at the spectacular and glorious sound of this group. It measured up to anything I have heard in any concert hall...anywhere. The discipline and deep musicality drawn from the chorus by Dr. French filled me with joy, and the great music they produced rang in my head for days following the performance. The Rogue Valley is indeed fortunate to have such an organization, led by such a talented conductor, residing within its borders."
Willene Gunn
Director Emerita
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Opera Program
"SORS is like a bright comet in the beautiful constellation of art organizations in our region. Its ascension to greatness took off with the convergence of outstanding local talent in people passionate about vocal literature and singing, a conductor who inspires and guides these volunteers to collective mastery of challenging scores, and a board of directors eager to share the wisdom and joy of music with our communities. The range of this repertory is stunning-from heartwarming familiar tunes to the far reaches of complex music across the ages. SORS seeks out creative partnerships to leverage the brilliance of art forms and venues in our region. Jointly performed by SORS and the SOU Chamber Choir, Mozart's C minor Mass was magnificent. The summer Songs of Shakespeare concert by SORS on the OSF Elizabethean Stage weaves together song and verse. We are blessed to have such excellence in vocal music performed by, for and about the people and character of Southern Oregon."
Elisabeth Zinser, former President, Southern Oregon University (2001-2006)