Thames to Tokyo
World Voices began its 2005-2006 season with “ Thames to Tokyo ” a concert which sent spirits soaring as the sounds of Celtic harp, Scottish pipes and Japanese koto melded with 40 singers in an incredible array of music. World Voices, conducted by Karle Erickson, presented the first concert of its Tenth Anniversary Season with music from the British Isles , Russia and Japan. 
The tour began in the Scottish countryside with “By Yon Bonnie Banks”; from the glens of Ireland , an exquisite arrangement of the Old Irish Air “Danny Boy” for voices, Celtic harp and pipe; and from England , John Rutter’s setting of “Dashing Away With The Smoothing Iron.” Then, out of the great acappella tradition of the Russian cathedrals, World Voices delivered the soul-enriching music of “Only Begotten Son” and “Send Forth Thy Spirit. Once the Chorale arrived in Japan “Sakura, Sakura”, for voices and Japanese koto, captivated the audience. 
Saturday evenings’ event at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church included a Multicultural Festival with ethnic musicians and dancers, children’s games and cultural displays from the British Isles , Russian and Japan . The Festival began at 6:00 p.m. , with the performance at 7:00 p.m. During the Festival Andrea Stern, Celtic harpist and Laura McKenzie, pipe player, played lively tunes from the British Isles on the harp and flute; Fern Davidson demonstrated her instrument, the koto and Russian dancers performed spirited dances. Children made Russian crowns, played chess and make bookmarks and origami in the Japan booth. A display from Russia and Japan further enhanced the experience for concert-goers. |
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