RainShadow Chorale singers present spring concert

Posted

Anna Tallarico
atallarico@ptleader.com

 

D

eath, despair, romance, and the beauty of the night.

What is the connection between them?

RainShadow Chorale is going to show you. The chorale will present its annual spring performance “The Seal Lullaby” at
7 p.m. Saturday, June 3 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Chimacum.

A second concert is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, June 4 at First Presbyterian Church in Port Townsend.

“The Seal Lullaby” will be RainShadow’s first concert with new artistic director Laurie de Leonne at the helm.

Despite the challenges of navigating a post-COVID landscape,
de Leonne proudly declared her first year a success.

“People are still finding their voice again. They say ‘I haven’t sung in two years, maybe I shouldn’t sing in choir anymore.’ But I say no! Sing everyday! More singing! Please come sing!”

Coming from a classic training background, de Leonne wields a doctoral degree in chorale conducting and an extensive career of composing, music arrangement, and vocal teaching. She has conducted a full spectrum of choirs, from children to adults, and currently splits her time between RainShadow Chorale and three other ensembles.

In her (supposed) spare time, she explores other genres like rock-and-roll with her cover band, Phase 5.

“When you have a classical education, there’s a lot of judgement around that,” she said. “What’s good music? What’s worth your time? What should you be doing? But the farther in I get, the more I think that’s baloney.”

This philosophy influenced de Leonne’s selections for RainShadow’s spring concert repertoire. She chose two versions of the same piece, “Sure on this Shining Night,” and strategically placed one at the beginning and the other at the end.

“The first [arrangement] by Samuel Barber was the gold standard for a long time. People said there would never be another chorale arrangement as good as his,” she said.

Nearly a hundred years later, almost-local Morten Lauridsen of the San Juan Islands reworked it into a contrasting contemporary composition.

“He broke all the rules,” de Leonne laughed.

“As far as the classical chorale enthusiasts were concerned, you never ask singers to vault octaves in the middle of quiet, sustained notes. But Lauridsen just said, ‘Hold my beverage.’”

Despite bringing a new, youthful zest to RainShadow, de Leonne’s ascent to director did not disrupt the existing camaraderie and familial dynamic of the group. In fact, the singers unanimously adore her.

“She’s outstanding. When she asks us to sing something a certain way, she’s able to give us the tools to do it,” said alto Sheila Hunt-Witte.

Wayne Lowe agreed.

“Just because someone is a good singer doesn’t automatically make them a good director,” he said. “But [de Leonne] does everything so naturally. She’s studied her head off, but she is also intuitive and lives for chorale music. Her energy is infectious.”

Tickets for the performances will be available at the door, at a suggested donation of $20/adult, $10/student.

For more information, check the website at rainshadowchorale.org, or call 360-379-3458.