The weather might feel like it’s summertime already, but San Benito’s Oriana Chorale is hoping to launch the season officially with its spring concert series on May 3, 5 and 7, at the Hollister First Presbyterian Church with its “Summertime with Oriana.”
Music director Bruce Olstad selects the themes for each concert, with the May concerts featuring songs that evoke the warmest season of the year.
The mix of songs includes pieces from musicals, some oldies and others that are tied together by their summer theme.
“It is a range of singing styles,” said Linda Scholer, a member of the choir and its secretary.
The choral group started rehearsing in January after wrapping the Christmas concert in December.
“We’ve done classical concerts, and a few years ago we did a Gilbert and Sullivan light opera,” Scholer said. “We try to do a range.”
Some of the songs guests can look forward to include “Summer Nights,” from Grease, “Summer Vacation (Will Be Here Soon),” by Jay Althouse and “The Last Rose of Summer,” an Irish folk song.
“I think people will enjoy the light-hearted feel, the playfulness and the contrast,” Scholer said. “We go from some things that are very light-hearted and peppy to songs where you have to envision 103-degree heat and high humidity with songs that are much more lyrical and slow paced.”
The choral group has 28 active members, including people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. The choir has one 15-year-old singer and other singers who are in their 70s, including members from all over the county. Scholer said the mission of the group is twofold – to give live performance of a wide variety of vocal music in San Benito, but also to develop the musical skills of the singers.
Scholer described the Monday evening rehearsals as refreshing in a community where so many people listen to music alone, either while commuting to work or popping in earbuds for an mp3 player or iPod.
“Singing and making music together is an activity that also serves an important social purpose by enhancing our sense of community,” she said.
Tickets are $15. Details: http://orianachorale.org.
