Feature
Summer singing with a treble twist
by Jenny Clarke for Vocal Area Network
Posted August 7, 2019

Melodia Women's ChoirSummer months bring a massive shift in the choral world. As the last few concerts of the season close, it’s not just the music that fades away. Gone are the protracted and intense rehearsal periods when conductors and singers seek perfection for their long-anticipated concerts. As a choral singer, I experience a change, even a loss, every year. Others tell me the same thing – and there are two million choral singers across the U.S.

Many singers want to continue to explore broad repertoire during the summer months. Workshops, festivals, tours and open “sings” with score read-throughs have emerged to fill the summer gap. But precious few of these activities explore women's choral music and works scored for treble voices. A quick scan through the summer sing schedules confirms that most of the repertoire is standard classical masterworks for mixed voices.

This year for the first time, Melodia Women's Choir of NYC is pushing open the door to a different summer sing experience -- one focusing exclusively on music for women's voices. On August 13, 2019, Melodia invites sopranos and altos to come and sing -- just grab a score, sight read and sing great works for treble voices.

For the treble singers counting the weeks before for the next choral season starts, there's still a chance to share your passion and voice and experience a whole new summer sing repertoire adventure.The program features the Vivaldi Gloria, as originally sung by women and girls in Venice in 1715; the Britten Ceremony of Carols; and treble gems from the Libana songbook.

The sing takes place at the air conditioned West End Collegiate Church, 245 West 77th Street (at West End Avenue) from 7:30 to 9:30 PM on Tuesday, August 13. Scores and refreshments are included in the ticket price: $12 for adults, $10 for students. Tickets are available at melodiawomenschoir.org or at the door.


Jenny Clarke is the executive director of Melodia.