On Sunday, Oct. 19, the Redfern Arts Center hosted the Keene-Einbeck Choral Exchange Concert, featuring musicians from Einbeck, Germany. The concert marked the seventh choral cultural exchange between the two cities.
Dr. Sandra Howard, professor of music at Keene State, introduced the musicians and welcomed the Einbeck ensemble to Keene.
“We are so proud to continue tonight the choral tradition between our two partner cities,” Howard said. “We’re so excited to hear you perform this evening.”
John Mitchell, chair of the Partner City Committee in Keene, also spoke prior to the performance.
“I started this process with the Einbeck exchange with high school students,” Mitchell said. “I saw them developing friendships right in front of my eyes. The relationships you develop will enrich your life and experiences.”
The Einbeck musicians were described as trying to incorporate pop music, folk music, and choral works into their performances. The Einbeck VOICES choir was directed by Annett Steinberg.
The Greater Keene Pops Choir, under the direction of Walt Sayre, took the stage as well, starting off with a rendition of the classic hymn “Hallelujah.”
The Chamber Singers of Keene, directed by Morgan Bothwell, tried to incorporate the works of Elaine Hagenberg into their performance, a living composer. According to Elaine Hagenberg Music, “her works are frequently featured at regional symposiums, national American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conferences, All-State festivals, as well as performance venues.”
The Keene State Concert Choir, which is also directed by Bothwell and open to all students regardless of major, was stated to incorporate multiple periods, genres, and cultures into their works, starting off with the piece “Earth Song,” by Frank Ticheli.
The exchange ended with an International Collaboration performance with the different ensembles of musicians, wrapping up with the piece “The storm is passing over” by Charles Albert Tindley.
After the performance, there was a reception with food and beverages in the lobby of the Redfern.
Pianist Gordon Peery, the media director for the community organization Nelson in Common, expressed his satisfaction with the performance.
“I’ve known about this exchange since it started,” Peery said. “I think it’s a fabulous idea. Music is the best thing.”
Gene Faxon, Minister of Music at the First Church in Jaffrey, N.H., echoed Peery’s sentiments.
“I like choral music,” Faxon said. “It was a nice combination of choruses performing here. Fantastic music.”
Chloe Erno can be contacted at
