Livermore, Calif. – The Valley Concert Chorale, the Tri-Valley’s premier chorus for over 60 years, has a new artistic director, Joseph Castro, who will make his debut in directing the chorale for two performances March 15 and 16. Both performances will feature Beethoven’s Mass in C Major and Hegenberg’s Songs from Silence. Audiences can expect to hear gorgeous music and participate in a musical journey detailing the perseverance of the human spirit that everyone can relate to. Details are as follows:
Saturday, March 15, 7:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, Livermore
2020 Fifth Street, Livermore
Sunday, March 16, 4:00 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
1225 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton
“The Chorale is excited and looking forward the March concerts when we will introduce our new artistic director Joseph Castro to our audiences,” says Sarah Allendorf, VCC Board President. “The program he selected for the March concerts is an example of his vision for the future of the Chorale.”
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to join such a vibrant group of choral artists,” says Joseph Castro. “VCC has a rich history and tradition in the choral arts, so naturally I was drawn to composers from past and present who embody similar qualities I have heard in the sound from the Chorale. Beethoven is a natural embodiment of the human spirit; to persevere and reach toward our ideals despite what life may throw our way. I found common ground between the spirit of Beethoven and our choristers and found the perfect marriage of ideals to bring together a performance that is more than a concert — it is an artistic experience of how the human spirit can navigate immense adversity to inspire hope.”
The Mass in C Major, Op. 86, was composed during a period of personal, professional, and political upheaval in Beethoven’s life. It represents his exploration of sacred music in the Classical tradition, while also showcasing his own burgeoning style. Though not as famous as his later choral works, the Mass in C Major is a testament to Beethoven's continued development as a composer and his ability to navigate the challenges of his life, health, and environment while producing music of lasting importance.
“Silence may have been a reality for Beethoven near the later portion of his life, and certainly was beginning to take hold around 1807 when he composed the Mass, adds Castro. “It would not be many years later when silence would become his most hated companion. I chose the Jake Runestad A Silence Haunts Me (2019) which is based on a letter Beethoven wrote to his family regarding his settling deafness. It appropriately compliments Beethoven's Mass in C.”
Also featured in the program is Elaine Hagenberg’s Sounds from Silence, of two pieces Song of My Heart and Stir the Embers, and the sound of love and hope in Joshua Shank’s Musica Animam Tangens.
“We are really enjoying the challenge of learning and perfecting this music,” says Allendorf, “and these concerts are sure to break new ground for the chorale. Join us as we embark on a new level of artistic expression and storytelling with our new artistic director Joseph Castro.”
Tickets
Tickets are $30. College students are $10 with valid student ID. Children K-12 are free. Advance tickets may be purchased by visiting the Chorale’s website at www.valleyconcertchorale.org, or by calling the Chorale’s information number at (925) 866-4003.
About Valley Concert Chorale
For over 60 years, the Valley Concert Chorale has been the Tri-Valley’s premier chorus. Under the direction of Joseph Castro, the Chorale offers a variety of musical performances to serve the diverse musical tastes of its audiences.
Valley Concert Chorale’s mission is to engage audiences in the transforming power of music by sharing their passion and joy in live performance. They are dedicated to excellence in singing choral music of all genres, nurturing the next generation of singers, and supporting musical endeavors in the Tri-Valley community.
The all-volunteer, non-profit chorale receives financial support from grants, ticket sales, membership dues, fundraisers and donations.
About the Director
A Bay Area native, Joseph Castro is an choral Conductor, festival clinician, soloist, and adjudicator who has worked with choirs from the elementary through collegiate levels in public, private, nonprofit, and faith-based settings.
Joseph holds both a Masters Degree in Choral Conducting and Bachelor Degree in Vocal Performance from California State University East Bay, where he studied under the tutelage of Dr. Buddy James, Christine Abraham, and Dr. Jeffery Sykes.
Joseph has been blessed to travel around the world performing with and conducting choirs in the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Israel, New York City, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the state of California. Joseph's tenure in choral conducting has its roots in various choral programs throughout the East SF Bay Area. Most recently, he served as the Associate Conductor, Director of the Young Men's Division, and Principal Vocal Coach with Cantabile Youth Singers of Silicon Valley with world-renowned Choral Pedagoge and Conductor Elena Sharkova. Currently, Joseph is happy to serve as the Director of Choral Activities at West High School in Tracy CA, and as VCC's Artistic Director.
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