I have had the great privilege of singing with Portsmouth Pro Musica (PPM) since the beginning of this year. I heard about PPM from a fellow chorister in St. John’s Parish Choir, with which I have been singing since our bishop Gene Robinson was installed in March 2004. Before then, the last time I had sung in a chorus was back in—wait for it—junior high school (circa 1967). Although raised in a musical family, I didn’t know I had a talent for singing, but evidently I do. (Thanks, Mom, for teaching me how to read music!)
When I was approached to audition for Portsmouth Pro Musica, everyone I spoke with was excited about the spring program, Carl Orff’s masterpiece Carmina Burana: Cantiones Profanae. Having never heard of Carmina Burana before, I googled it and found a 71-minute YouTube video of the entire performance. Upon hearing the first movement, O Fortuna, I realized I had heard it before. I knew then that I had to be a part of this.
It is powerful music. For four months we had been rehearsing with one or both piano accompanists, and the sound was already impressive. However, this past Sunday we had the opportunity to rehearse for the first time with the award-winning Portsmouth High School Percussion Ensemble, and I knew we had a winner on our hands. There were times I had tears in my eyes, the music was so moving and powerful. And it won’t be until this coming Sunday when we have our first dress rehearsal with our three Boston-area soloists, soprano Susan Consoli, tenor Matthew Anderson, and baritone Thomas Jones.
This concert is not to be missed! If you live nearby (and even if you do not), be sure to attend one (or both) of our performances next weekend:
- Friday, May 7, 8:00 p.m., Marshwood High School, South Berwick, Me.
- Saturday, May 8, 8:00 p.m., Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth, N.H.
Tickets are $12.50 in advance, $15 at the door (seniors/students $10 in advance, $12.50 at the door). I have tickets to sell, and tickets are also available at five locations in or near Portsmouth (see poster for details). But don’t wait. There was a huge write-up in today’s Portsmouth Herald, and tickets are sure to go fast. You will kick yourself if you miss this great performance.
So don’t! 
