Christmas Opera In Williamstown02:08PM / Monday, December 08, 2008
Williamstown, Mass. - On Saturday, December 13 at 6 pm, the First Congregational Church (UCC) in Williamstown will host the South County a cappella group Quintessential for a holiday performance of the Christmas opera "What Owls Do," in conjunction with the Williamstown Holiday Walk. Admission is free, but free-will donations are welcome.
"What Owls Do" is a 45-minute opera based on Isaiah's prophecy of the coming of the Messiah. It tells the story of a hungry owl who captures a little mouse on Christmas Eve, and plans to make a meal of him. One by one, the mouse's brother, mother and father try to convince the owl to be merciful, but the owl insists, "Eating smally furry things is what owls do." Finally, with the help of a little prayer and a little divine intervention, the owl gets the message of peace on Earth and mercy toward all creatures, even one's intended dinner. The opera is sung throughout; it is tuneful and accessible and suitable for people of all ages.
The libretto and music, except for a liberal quotation from Schubert and a Danish Christmas carol by Niels Gade with words by Hans Christian Anderson, were written by David Anderegg, a founding member of Quintessential. "What Owls Do" had its premiere in Stockbridge in 2005 and has been performed in churches and concert halls throughout the Berkshires since that time.
Quintessential is a five-voice men's a cappella group begun in Stockbridge in 2003. The men of Quintessential, tenors Al Thorp, Jay Wise and Jim McMenamy and bass/baritones John Miner and David Anderegg, are all former members of the Berkshire Bach Society singers. They are also veteran performers who have appeared with several other local groups, including the Stockbridge Festival Chorus, Earth Angels, the Berkshire Concert Choir, Great Barrington Performing Arts, the Berkshire Opera, Shaker Mountain Festival, and the Lorien Ensemble.
Quintessential sings in the widest possible variety of musical styles. At present, their repertoire includes gospel, reggae, classical, barbershop, American standards, classic rock and funk, as well as original liturgical and popular music. In the future, plans are to embrace even more musical genres, including grand opera, and to perform another original opera, The Beasts. Quintessential aims to make good on its promise: "We'll sing anything that moves." |
