Choral Union welcomes everyone who loves to sing

BY: Anna Marie Lux
Janesville Gazette | November 24, 2014

JANESVILLE–Gabriela Anderson hesitated when her grandmother invited her to sing with Janesville’s Choral Union.

“I was a little skeptical at first,” 13-year-old Gabriela said.

When more than 80 singers began to practice, however, a wave of classical music swept over the teen, and she had a change of heart.

“I leaned over to Grandma and whispered, ‘I’m in,’” Gabriela said.

Now, the youngest Choral Union member adds her voice to weekly practices at Janesville’s Cargill United Methodist Church.

She can’t wait for her family and the public to attend the group’s two holiday concerts in December. Choral Union will perform “Elijah,” a grand oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn.

Gabriela symbolizes what is unique about the nonprofit Choral Union and its 133-year history in Rock County.

Singers perform some of the greatest choral music ever written, but they never audition for a place in the choir. Anyone who loves music is welcome.

Choral members who have years of training stand next to those who just love to sing. Some do not even read music.

Gabriela is the youngest member, and the oldest is 88.

Reminding them of proper intonation, volume and pronunciation is Richard Severing, who has conducted Choral Union for 21 years.

“We hold that everyone should have the opportunity to experience these wonderful pieces of music,” Severing said.

The retired vocal music teacher also believes everyone should have a chance to be part of a concert that can change lives for the better.

Severing and the union’s board of directors decided to present “Elijah” because it is the second most-performed and beloved of all large choral works.

“Messiah” by Handel is No. 1.

“’Elijah’ is a very dramatic story with recognizable melodies,” Severing said. “It is close to an opera in nature and character.”

Choral Union has performed most of the large choral works, including many masses by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

The group has filled a need in Milton and Janesville for people “who love working together to bring quality music to southern Wisconsin,” Severing said.

The emotional high of singing together brings back members year after year.

“Being surrounded by others with beautiful voices is so exhilarating,” said Annette Reese, Gabriela’s 68-year-old grandmother. “I go home from practice uplifted from the evening.”

She calls it thrilling to be part of a large choir accompanied by a symphony orchestra.

A 45-member symphony orchestra, a 15-member off-stage youth chorus and four soloists perform with the on-stage chorus.

“The sound is so rich and full,” Reese said.

She first signed up about 40 years ago when Choral Union met at Milton College because music is an important part of her life.

Her German mother sang and played the violin. Her Welsh father sang in a quartet and played banjo. She and three siblings sang four-part harmony, and each played a different instrument.

“I joined the Choral Union because singing with a large choir for the benefit of other people is so enjoyable,” Reese said. “I will miss the practices when the concerts are over.”

– See story online at: http://www.gazettextra.com/20141124/janesvilles_choral_union_welcomes_everyone_who_loves_to_sing

What: Choral Union performance of “Elijah,” an oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.

Where: Cargill United Methodist Church, 2000 Wesley Ave., Janesville

Details: Advance $12 tickets can be ordered by calling 608-741-5074 or can be purchased from Choral Union members. Tickets are $15 at the door on both days. Credit cards are not accepted.