Warwick Valley Meistersingers soar at Disney Honors Festival

Warwick - Twenty-seven Warwick high school singers recently returned from their invitation-only performance at the Disney Honors National Concert Band, Orchestra, and Choral Invitational at The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. On April 12, the choral students, their director, Lois Heller, and chaperones departed for Orlando, Fla. These high school vocalists were one of ten choral groups from across the country invited to perform before a nationally recognized choral adjudication panel. Following the Meistersingers performance, Dr. Craig Jessop, the music director for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, worked with the young singers for an hour. Commenting on their performance, the noted choral leader said: “Beautiful artistic performance. All technical aspects beautifully prepared in every way. Excellent interpretation and musicianship throughout. Strong emotional involvement of singers throughout all selections. Excellent choice of repertoire. First-class performance in every way. Congratulations on a wonderful presentation.” Heller prepared and rehearsed the following pieces with the Meistersingers for their repertoire: “Muie Rendera” by C.A. Pinto Fonseca; “Rest” by Ralph Vaughan Williams; “Salmo 150” by Ernani Aguiar; “Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord” by Undine S. Moore; and “If Music Be the Food of Love” by David C. Dickau. “Great choice of music,” said Dr. Joseph Flummerfelt of the Westminster Choir College and Spoleto Festival. “The group looked terrific and poised at the performance. Sounded very confident.” Others added their compliments as well: “What a lovely ensemble. Excellent teaching taking place here. The music was so carefully planned and tastefully executed. The Dickau was deliciously sensitive. I thoroughly enjoyed this ensemble. Nice accompaniment. Musically most gratifying,” said Dr. Eph Ehly, emeritus director of choral studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. “Very pleasing tone and blend. The men were exceptional. Technique, facility and accuracy were certainly your strong points. Remarkable solos,” added Dr. Weston Nobel, the emeritus director of choral activities at Luther College. In addition to their performance, the students attended a one-hour master class and a themed evening social event at Dinoland where they met other talented musicians from across the country. The festival concluded with a semi-formal gala event where the Warwick Valley Meistersingers were recognized and presented with the Disney Honors Award. In addition, Heller received a gift from the Disney Honors program for having been a part of the festival since its inception in 2005. The Meistersingers’ last performance of the year will be their spring concert on Thursday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Warwick Valley High School.