MTC Week #112 - Mahler's Eighth & Virtual Filming

What a long and tiring week.
But as the choir endured what we were called upon to do, several highlights emerged and blessings were felt.

The fun all began Tuesday night as the choir convened for another rehearsal of Mahler's 8th Symphony. A symphony that we have been rehearsing for probably upwards of 40-50 hours (I could go back and get an accurate count, but that's an approximate guess that's hopefully somewhat close). As we met Tuesday, we were joined by the Utah Symphony, The Madeleine Choir School (comprised of elementary/junior high kids), and eight soloists. And Thierry Fischer, of course, as our conductor. We went through various portions of the symphony. And then on Wednesday night and Thursday night, we went through the whole program, occasionally going back to perfect certain parts here and there. 

I can say, that despite the difficulty of learning this masterpiece, it was gratifying to see it all come together with the full ensemble. Mack had given us the pep talk way back in Sept/Oct time frame, that learning Mahler's Eighth would equate to "heavy lifting". And heavy lifting it certainly was! There were plenty of rehearsals that were grueling and plenty that seemed to go on forever. But as it all came together this week, I had a new appreciation for this work of art and was grateful to be a part of the overall musical experience. 

Our performances were Friday and Saturday evening--singing and playing to a full-capacity crowd. My favorite performance was on Saturday. As a choir, we seemed to have fewer mistakes that night. For me personally, it just felt better. The symphony contains a lot of interesting and emotionally charged sections. But my favorite was the magnificent ending. 

It was grand.
It was glorious.
It was moving.

And afterwards, kind Thierry Fischer gave Mack Wilberg and the Madeleine Choir director a big hug for all of their help in preparing the choirs. I was grateful for that, particularly since Mack spent all of that time preparing us and wasn't able to actually conduct us. To his additional credit (and with no surprise), each night he was right there giving us notes on what to improve based on our performance the night previous. Fully invested, he was! As always.

Will I miss it? No.
Will I miss waking up every morning with Mahler's music going through my head? No.
Will I miss rehearsing it? No.
Am I grateful I was part of the performance? Definitely.
After all, it feels good to do hard things, doesn't it? Isn't life itself full of hard things? And each time we get through one successfully, we feel good. We feel like we've grown. And we feel like we've learned. 

The next morning, being very tired (following each performance, there was a recording session we had to stay for), we prepared for Music & the Spoken Word--singing some personal favorites such as "Redeemer of Israel", and "Arise, O God, and Shine". Afterwards, we stayed for filming of the Virtual Choir project. I had no idea this project was so BIG. I don't think I've personally seen so many cameras and lighting equipment and monitors, all in one space. We were joined by several dozens of "extras"--non-choir members who had applied to come sing with the choir for this project. Men and women from a wide range of ages and nationality and individual uniqueness. Once they took their places, we sang "Hallelujah" from Handel's Messiah, many times, as cameras took footage after footage. 

You can see some pics, below. AND, here's a great summary/feature story from a local news channel that will give you a better appreciation of how the filming went and what the project is all about. 

Anyhow, it'll be interesting to see the final product once it's released next month. As always, I was grateful to be a part of the experience. Anything that is designed to promote good, uplifting music and to help others feel included and inspired is always great to be a part of.

Until next time, God be with you.

(some photos courtesy KSL)