Conductor’s Message

Consisting of five-movements for SATB chorus and chamber orchestra, Illuminare, by Elaine Hagenberg, is her first extended work. Using lesser-known sacred Latin texts, the piece takes us through a season of beauty and goodness that has been disrupted by darkness and confusion. But as light gradually returns, hope is restored, illuminating our future and guiding us in peace. Illuminare, with its theme of light and darkness, was the impetus for our spring concert’s theme.

Night and day have long been symbolic of various philosophical and spiritual concepts across cultures and belief systems. The symbolism of night and day is rich and multifaceted, offering insights into the human condition and the mysteries of existence. The repertoire chosen for this concert expresses the concepts of dualism, the cycle of life, symbolism, contemplation and also metaphor within the theme of light and darkness, or Night and Day.

In addition to their symbolic meanings, night and day also have practical implications in human life. Nighttime is associated with rest, introspection and dreaming, while daytime is associated with activity, productivity and engagement with the external world. This perception mirrors the rhythm of life itself, with periods of darkness and stillness followed by periods of light and movement.

The concept of night and day is deeply ingrained in human culture and literature. It illustrates contrasting elements that reflect various themes and ideas which we hope you will hear in the performance of these choral gems. The symbolism is rich and multifaceted, representing a range of ideas and emotions. Whether portraying the struggle between good and evil, the journey from ignorance to enlightenment, or the natural cycle of life, night and day continue to captivate our imaginations and inspire our creative expressions.

We look forward to sharing this experience with you, our dedicated audience. Thank you for joining us!

Ted Hesse, Conductor