From lift, Cindy Little, guest pianist; Madeline Thibodeaux, Director, Los Alamos Children’s Chorus; and Nylea Butler-Moore, Coro Artistic Director. Courtesy photo
BY NYLEA BUTLER-MOORE
Artistic Director
Coro de Cámara
When you think of a choral music performance, weaving may not come to mind. But in Coro de Cámara’s “Weaving a Musical Tapestry” concerts, the musicians weave voices, instruments, narration, and music threads into a vibrant, colorful tapestry of sound. Guest pianist Cindy Little, and the Los Alamos Children’s Chorus under the direction of Madeline Thibodeaux, add to the tapestry’s striking pattern. Two 4:00 p.m. performances are offered, on April 18 in Santa Fe and April 19 in Los Alamos.
According to Artistic Director Nylea Butler-Moore, the rich weaving traditions of Puebloan, Hispanic, and Diné (or Navajo) weavers in Northern New Mexico and the Four Corners region helped inspire this unique Coro music program and script. Several beautiful weavings from around the world will be on display before and after the performances for attendees to enjoy.
In Coro’s musical tapestry, each composition is linked to two corresponding ‘threads’, such as “Threads of Discovery and Potential” with “Measure Me, Sky!” by Leonora Speyer and Elaine Hagenberg and “Threads of Love and Respite” with “Tu sangre en la mía” by Pablo Neruda and Shawn Kirchner. Other music textures in the tapestry include the compassionate “Emily’s Creed” by Emily Dickinson and Philip E. Silvey and the spirited “A Jubilant Song” by composer Norman Dello Joio with text adapted from Walt Whitman. Weaving a little plaid into the design, the newly formed Los Alamos Children’s Chorus shares the Scottish folksong, “Wild Mountain Thyme,” and joins with Coro in weaving in “Threads of Hope and Freedom” through the African American spiritual, “Over My Head.”
The “Weaving a Musical Tapestry’ program continues the theme of Coro’s Connections season: to develop connections within our communities and with area arts groups and musicians. In the season’s three programs, Coro de Cámara has collaborated with dancers and choreographers from Dance Arts Los Alamos and the community, the Los Alamos Children’s Chorus, area mental health professionals and organizations, and over 100 youth and adult musical guests. What a wonderful gift to connect with others through music and choral singing!
Since 1989, Coro de Cámara has offered captivating music to Northern New Mexico audiences. The group’s distinctive, thematic programs present a wide range of music, often with drama, storytelling, instruments, visuals, dance, and special guests. Don’t miss the chance to connect with Coro in the final performances of the season. Purchase your “Weaving a Musical Tapestry” concert tickets now at corodecamara-nm.org or at the door. Saturday, 4/18, 4:00 p.m. at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 550 West San Mateo Rd, Santa Fe Sunday, 4/19, 4:00 p.m. at The United Church of Los Alamos, 2525 Canyon Road, Los Alamos.