The music of Brahms,
Schubert, Persichetti, and others will soon fill the air on campus,
when Mount Holyoke hosts 180 choral alumnae from classes ranging from
1938 to 1999 for the first reunion of its kind at the College.
In addition to the alumnae,
who are journeying to MHC from as far away as England, Germany, and
Sweden, twenty current members of the MHC Glee Club will participate
in the reunion, to be held January 19 - 22. The event will consist of
several days of intensive rehearsals, culminating in a gala public
concert in Abbey Chapel Saturday, January 22, at 7:30 pm. The concert's theme is "How
Can I Keep from Singing?" Included will be works by Hassler, Brahms,
Schubert, Persichetti, Mendelssohn, Ron Perera, Allen Bonde, and
others. Amherst soprano Marjorie L. Melnick '72 and flutist Alison E.
Hale '75 will be featured. Seven conductors are taking part:
Catharine Melhorn, MHC choral director since 1971; Christopher
Aspaas, director of the MHC Concert Choir; Tamara Brooks, MHC choral
director 1966 - 1970; Donald Chen and James I. Armstrong Jr., former
directors of the Concert Choir; Marguerite L. Brooks '69; and Jamie
C. Bartlett '85. MHC music faculty members Larry Schipull and Linda
Laderach will be among the participating instrumentalists. Packets of music and practice
tapes were mailed to participating alumnae, who are expected to
arrive at the reunion having learned the music. Some returnees have
been singing in choirs regularly since graduation, and some have
attained prominence as vocal soloists. For others, the reunion will
mark their first opportunity to return to serious choral performance
in many years. Although alumnae are invited to sing in an alumnae
choir for worship services held during May/June reunions, this is the
first event with a full program of music and rehearsals over several
days.
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