"Lauridsen in Wonderland" Brings Audience in off The Streets

The “Lauridsen in Wonderland” concert was absolutely fantastic!  Conductor Dr. Bryan Baker and Masterworks Chorale captivated the audience with a seamless combination of ethereal singing, and upbeat, theatrical humor.  The performance was so moving, pedestrians stopped in their tracks while passing by the San Carlos Community United Church, and joined in the musical fun.

If you would like to consider joining Masterworks in time for its gala 50th season, come sing with them in August!   On August 5th there is a Carmina Burana Sing-Along, starting the celebration of Masterwork Chorale’s 50th Anniversary.  Artistic Directors Bryan Baker and Gregory Wait will combine the two prominent Bay Area choirs, Masterworks Chorale and Schola Cantorum.  Join in to be transported back in time over 800 years, bringing to life bawdy, satirical poems written by medieval clergy and students, found preserved in a monastery in Bavaria. 

The unusual sing-along will be conducted by Vance George, the world-renowned conductor who led the San Francisco Symphony Chorus to four Grammy awards and Best Choral Album for Brahms' A German Requiem. Tickets will be $20 at the door, or buy them at the Mountain View Center for Performing Arts website.

Once you have warmed up your vocal chords, consider auditioning August 19th for Masterworks Chorale when rehearsals begin for the glorious 50th season!   Guaranteed to thrill singers and audience alike, the year begins with the grand re-opening of the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, when Masterworks sings Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy with the Peninsula Symphony.  In November the Chorale performs the grand Mendelssohn’s Elijah with full orchestra, then a charming holiday concert featuring “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and the traditional homemade cookie buffet.

In March enjoy Orff’s stunning Carmina Burana with orchestra and dancers – sung first by Masterworks in New York’s Lincoln Center with Vance George again!  The year’s final concert will highlight Gershwin and memorable music from his era in “Some Enchanted Evening”, for a lustrous finish to a fabulous season.

Auditions and rehearsals are held at the College of San Mateo.  Contact the Masterworks office at 650.574.6210, or email info@masterworks.org for more information.  You can read more at www.masterworks.org/audition.  Masterworks will be delighted to have you join!