Above: 11 years ago, AVM performed the “ravishing score” to “one of the greatest movies ever made”. They will do it again a week from Sunday. (Image via Assabet Valley Mastersingers in 2013)
A week from Sunday, the Assabet Valley Mastersingers, a choral group with members from Southborough and other surrounding communities, will repeat a special performance from over 10 years ago. They will provide the choral accompaniment to a silent film produced almost 100 years ago.
This year, the concert will take place at St John’s High School, 378 Main St, Shrewsbury.
The film was originally released in 1928. The selected score was written and released in 1994. AVM selected the music and film to celebrate its 100th concert in 2013.
Then and now, AVM has promoted:
Voices of Light merges the legendary silent film masterpiece, “The Passion of Joan of Arc”, widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made, with a live performance of a ravishing score by award-winning composer Richard Einhorn. An incredibly moving composition for solo voices, chorus and orchestra, Voices of Light has been hailed as “a triumph” (Los Angeles Times) and “an overwhelming experience” (Chicago Tribune).
The concert will run from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Prior to it, AVM will host a 2:45 pm talk with John Michalczyk, Director of Film Studies Program, Boston College.
An AVM press release about the upcoming concert further touts:
The concert, under the expert direction of Dr. Robert Eaton, featuring the Worcester Children’s Chorus as the “Voice of Joan,” promises to captivate audiences with its powerful music and compelling storytelling.
Joan of Arc, the legendary French heroine, is brought to life through a breathtaking combination of arresting choral harmonies and cinematic artistry. As the Assabet Valley Mastersingers weave the musical tapestry, the audience will enter into the heart of Joan’s journey, witnessing her unwavering courage and unyielding faith.
“We are honored to present ‘Voices of Light: The Passion of Joan of Arc’ to our community,” said Kirsten Joyner, General Manager of Assabet Valley Mastersingers. “This work is a testament to the enduring power of music and its ability to illuminate history in a profound and moving way. The transcendent inspiration of Joan’s story cannot be overstated, and it is all the more powerful when experienced through the unique pairing of Richard Einhorn’s exquisite oratorio with Dreyer’s timeless and visually stunning film.”
Click here to buy tickets.
