Eight ensembles of the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir will participate in the organization's winter concert in the afternoon of Jan. 23 at Oakland's First Presbyterian Church.
Artistic Director Robert Geary says the program will focus on American folk songs and spirituals, but it will also include music from Finland, by Olli Kortekangas, and from the Philippines, by Maria Theresa Vizconbe-Rolden. The event, Geary says, is a showcase for the Choir and presents a special opportunity "for families with young children who might like to join a choir and see children their age on stage."
There will be some 200 singers participating, between ages six and 16, coming from two of the Choir's performing departments — Concert Choir and Ensemble (Piedmont's famous international touring group) — and all six levels of the Training Department. Tickets range from $12 to $30 in advance, $15 to $20 at the door.
The children of the Training Department will sing classical and contemporary songs, such as "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" and "Home on the Range." The finale will present a massed choir of all groups.
Founded by Suzie Rahl in 1982, the Choir is known internationally for its activities, and it is a factor locally in performing and commissioning new music. The annual concert schedule includes some 50 performances by the 15 choirs that comprise the organization.
The flagship performance group, Ensemble, tours internationally, winning top honors and awards at competitions and music festivals in Europe, Asia, and North America. Recent awards include three first prizes in the International Youth Music Festival in Bratislava; a first prize for Contemporary Music and second prize for children’s choir in British Columbia; the distinction of being the only choir to win three gold medals at Grand Prix St. Petersburg Choral Festival in Russia; and two gold medals at the Hong Kong International Children's Choral Festival, among others.
Geary — also founding artistic director of Volti, 37 years ago, and leader of other ensembles — oversees at Piedmont a choral instruction team that includes eight conductors and six accompanists, all experienced educators with impressive artistic credentials.