"A Celebration in Song"

This 45-minute a cappella program will include a repertoire of new music along with previous favorites.

This soprano, alto, tenor, and bass chorus specializes in a cappella music from the 15th through 20th centuries. The chamber chorus local members, Marjie van Gunten, Pat Wilson, Linda Eastman, and music director Roland Stoughton, will be joined once again by professional mezzo-soprano Jennifer Beattie of Philadelphia, Penn.

Beattie, reviewed as a “smashing success” by the San Francisco Examiner, has been praised for her “exuberant voice and personality” by Opera News and her “warmth” by the New York Times. Dedicated to expanding the boundaries of classical performance, Beattie is an engaging and versatile performer.

The program this year includes many pieces being performed by the group for the first time, as well as favorites from past years such as “Lullay My Liking,” by Gustav Holst, and “Psallite,” by Praetorius.  The Mendonoma Chorus members have classical music training and refine the quality of performance with each passing year.

Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Beattie is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of classical performance and is an engaging and versatile performer, he said.

Beattie’s parents have a part-time residence on The Sea Ranch and after visiting she decided it would be a great place to hold retreats for musicians and artists. In collaboration with Gualala Arts Center Beattie formed the organization Artists at Albatross Reach to support developing artists and new music, said Stoughton, who is also President of Gualala Arts Board of Directors.

Workshops at Albatross Reach include a salon series at the house, artist in residence positions, and an annual performance at Gualala Arts Center around Memorial Day highlighting music Beattie and her colleagues have prepared throughout the year, he said.

As part of the collaboration, Beattie coaches the chamber choral group when she is in the area.

Refreshments will be served and youth are encouraged to attend.