The Wilton Singers are "On The Road Again"!
In their first live performance in a year and a half, the Wilton Singers return to the stage feels even more timely with a collection of music that promises to transport the audience around the world.
“This was originally our Spring program theme prior to the pandemic,” explains music director, Kevin Cotellese. “Now that things are hopefully returning to normal, it seemed appropriate to celebrate the idea of traveling again.”
Like choral groups across the globe, the Singers were forced to cancel their scheduled performances last year. In the fall they came together to produce a virtual concert by recording each of their voices separately at home.
“The Singers had to learn how to appreciate their own voices,” Cotellese shared. “Through this process they became more confident and developed more independence. It was immediately noticeable the first time we sang together in person.”
They were finally able to ditch the zoom rehearsals and get together in person this spring. “The choir came together and sounded spectacular. Not only were they accurate, but they sang with such confidence despite social distancing and masks. I have even had more than one singer note how uninhibited they are feeling this year about singing.”
Beyond the choice of music, the theme of the year has been “flexibility and patience.”
“At the start of the year we weren’t sure we’d get to perform,” member Alison Wood shares. “We began rehearsing just for the joy of the process.”
Cotellese adds, “I don't think we were able to confirm our performance date and time until sometime late May!”
The flexibility has paid off, and the group will perform on Saturday, June 26th in an outdoor concert.
“After a difficult year, this program showcases all we missed this past year - traveling, meeting new people, embracing our loved ones, and celebrating our world's great diversity and cultures,” says member Kathy Caprino. “We're thrilled to be able to perform live once again and share our love of music with our community.”
The concert runs the musical gamut, including a visit to England with the classic choral work “If Ye Love Me” by 16th century composer Thomas Tallis and pop tunes by the Beatles. If you're a fan of golden age musicals, you won’t want to miss their medley of songs from South Pacific.
While it takes place at their usual venue - the WEPCO complex, 48 New Canaan Road, Wilton, Conn - in a departure from tradition, the performance will be outside in the courtyard. Guests are asked to bring their own chair to spread out for festival-style seating.
Considering how this last year has changed the group, Cotellese reflects, “I imagine for all of us, this pandemic reminded us how much we love to sing.I believe I speak for everyone in the group when I say I am ecstatic at the opportunity to sing together. This was our goal for the spring, and we're going to achieve that. At the end of the day, if you love to sing, sing!”
Tickets for “On The Road Again” are on sale now. They can be purchased online at WiltonSingers.org. Seating area opens at 6:30 pm (BYO Chair!) and the concert begins at 7 pm on Saturday, June 26th. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to Sunday, June 27th.
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The Wilton Singers is a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded to provide an outlet for adult participation in small ensemble singing, to support the Wilton High School choral program, and to foster an interest in choral singing within the community. Proceeds from their concerts support two scholarships that are presented each spring to graduating Wilton High School seniors who have demonstrated music leadership within the coral program at WHS. For more information about the Wilton Singers: www.wiltonsingers.org
