March 2, 2014
Soprano Carole Cornman Fetterman and oboeist Stephanie Daige performed the challenging Ten Blake Songs by Ralph Vaughn Williams. More than a century separated the author and the composer. Vaughn Williams wrote the music near the end of his life, at the age of 86, infusing Blake's mysticism with his own later style, setting the voice and instrument in a series of dialogs, some harmonious and others argumentative.
Carole's rich soprano and Stephanie's expressive oboe filled the church with glorious sound.
The ten songs are: Infant Joy, Poison Tree, The Piper, London, The Lamb, The Shepherd, Ah! Sunflower!, Cruelty has a human heart, The Divine Image, Eternity.
Following intermission the audience heard Halide Smith's resounding Dedication on the organ. This was followed by an interactive audience performance by two members of the WoodWorks Ensemble. (mouse over photos for captions)
Members of the audience were asked to participate. Olivia Daige, 5, Isabella Fishman, 9 and Charlotte Jaffee, 10 1/2, eagerly obliged. The two marimbists also explained the history and structure of the marimba and how the tones are enhanced.
All proceeds go to local music organizations in the Sarasota/Manatee counties