Cherry Creek Chorale Celtic Fest
By Rodger Hara

Depending on the source, there are either six or seven Celtic Nations; most agree on Brittany, Cornwall, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man – all linked by root languages and similarities in music. Galicia is often left out though there are many words in the regional dialect, archeological structures and above all instruments and music that support its inclusion.

The musical thread that links each of the Celtic nations also runs through the biennial Celtic Festivals presented by the 36 year-old Cherry Creek Chorale. This 135 voice chorale, led by Brian Patrick Leatherman for the past 21 seasons, presents four concerts a year, one of which is a Christmas holiday concert and a Celtic-themed concert every other year.

The Celtic focus for this year is Wales – the music, poetry and culture of this often over-looked Celtic Nation. Not generally thought of as a prime source of Celtic music, the Chorale has nonetheless managed to bring much of it to the fore – although not without stretching a bit to quite good effect – and commissioning the writing of new music.

A member of the Chorale of Welsh descent asked his fellow members for donations in lieu of flowers when his father passed away with the understanding that the funds would be used to commission music for the Chorale in his honor. They readily agreed and the fruits of that planting will be presented for harvest along with other selections on March 11th, 12th and 13th in concert with guest artists at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden in Cherry Hills Village on the 11th and 12th at 7:30 PM and at 2:30 PM on the 13th at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd. in Highlands Ranch.

The stretching part is manifested in two songs made famous by singers of Welsh descent: Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones. Bassey is most famous for her rendition of the theme songs from the James Bond film “Goldfinger”. One of Jones’ most popular songs is “Delilah”. The Chorale will present both.

Five world premieres of commissioned works by four artists will also be debuted; Two of the pieces are by K. Lee Scott and are titled “Consider the Lilies” and “The True Glory” (no Welsh connection, but music commissioned by the Chorale at an earlier time being premiered now.) The second two have been composed by Rick Seaton, music director and organist at Bethany (and also a member of the Michael Collins Pipe Band) and make reference to Wales and include some sections in Welsh. The fifth work is a four-part composition from Margot Krimmel and Beth Gadbaw using a poem called “Birder” by Gwyneth Lewis, former poet laureate of Wales (which seems only appropriate considering that Margot and Beth’s musical partnership is called White Birds Music. So much symmetry and connectedness here…)

Margot and Beth (who have played with the Chorale before) will perform some other songs accompanied by fiddler Jessie Burns and have written an arrangement of The Parting Glass for the finale that will include a solo voice from the Chorale, Margot’s harp, Beth’s voice and bodhrán, Jessie’s fiddle, the voices of the Chorale and the Michael Collins Pipe Band.

It promises to be a rousing, interesting and entertaining concert. Ticket prices start at $5 for children, $12 for students, $15 for senior citizens and $19 for adults and can be ordered online or purchased at the door. http://www.cherrycreekchorale.org/current-season/purchase-tickets/