San Diego Master Chorale presents FROSTIANA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2024

Media Contact: Laura Schairer
laura@audiencemagnets.com

San Diego Master Chorale presents FROSTIANA

Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of poet Robert Frost’s Birth with Concerts and Events Oct. 19-Nov. 3, 2024

(San Diego, California) — To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of legendary American poet Robert Frost, the San Diego Master Chorale is partnering with The Robert Frost Society, Library Foundation San Diego, San Diego Public Library, and Sweetwater Union High Schools to present a series of concerts and community events in honor of the occasion.

Robert Frost (1874–1963) was an iconic American poet, renowned for his vivid depictions of rural life and masterful use of American colloquial speech. His works explore complex social and philosophical themes, earning him four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry.

“The medium for poetry is not ink and paper. The medium for poetry is the human voice,” said Robert Bernard Hass, Executive Director of The Robert Frost Society. “We sometimes forget that in its earliest forms, poetry was an oral performance. So there is a natural connection between poetry and song, and this wonderful event allows for music and poetry to converge in fascinating ways.”

On November 2-3, 2024, the SD Master Chorale’s 64th season will open with FROSTIANA, featuring Randall Thompson’s beloved suite for chorus and piano of the same name, that remains a cornerstone of American choral music. Frostiana features settings of seven of Frost’s famous poems including “The Road Not Taken,” “The Pasture,” and “A Girl’s Garden.” The program will also include works by other American composers including Anthony Trecek-King, Shawn Kirchner, Stephen Paulus, and H.T. Burleigh. Tickets are $30, with discounts available for students, seniors, and active-duty military; children 12 and under are free; all tickets can be purchased at sdmasterchorale.org. 

FROSTIANA CONCERTS
San Diego Master Chorale
Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 4:00 pm 
Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (2128 Chatsworth Blvd.) 

Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 4:00 pm 
San Dieguito United Methodist Church (170 Magdalena, Encinitas)

In addition to the FROSTIANA concerts, SD Master Chorale is excited to offer additional community programs celebrating Robert Frost’s legacy, including a special Lecture Performance and Side-By-Side Community Concert.

Presented in collaboration with The Robert Frost Society, the FROSTIANA: Lecture Performance on October 19, 2024 will feature readings of Robert Frost’s poems by local poets, followed by performances of Randall Thompson’s musical settings by members of the SD Master Chorale. The event will include commentary from Robert Bernard Hass, Executive Director of the Robert Frost Society, and a Q&A session with the audience. This event is possible with support by The Robert Frost Society, San Diego Public Library and the Library Foundation SD for making this event possible. This event is free and open to the public. 

FROSTIANA: Lecture Performance
Featuring San Diego Master Chorale & The Robert Frost Society
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 2:00 pm
San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common
Neil Morgan Auditorium

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of American poet Robert Frost’s birth, the San Diego Master Chorale presents FROSTIANA: Side-By-Side Community Concert on October 26, 2024, at the San Ysidro Performing Arts Center. This special performance features over 90 high school choir students from the Sweetwater Union High School District, including those from San Ysidro, Bonita, Chula Vista, and Olympian High Schools. These talented young singers will join the SD Master Chorale performing selections of Frostiana, Randall Thompson’s choral setting of Robert Frost’s poetry. This concert offers students a unique opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Chorale, sharpening their vocal and ensemble skills. SD Master Chorale’s Music Director, John Russell, will also lead workshops and masterclasses at each school to prepare the students for the concert. The concert is general admission, and tickets are available at sdmasterchorale.org.

FROSTIANA: Side-By-Side Community Concert
Featuring San Diego Master Chorale & Sweetwater High Schools
Saturday, October 26, 2024, 4:00 pm
San Ysidro Performing Arts Center (5353 Airway Rd., San Diego)

San Diego Master Chorale – John K. Russell, Music Director
Chula Vista High School – Daniel Moyer, Choir Director
Olympian High School – Jennifer Opdahl, Choir Director
Sweetwater High School – Adam Larocca, Choir Director
San Ysidro High School – Wendy Charines, Choir Director

For more information on tickets, community programs, and SD Master Chorale’s full season, visit sdmasterchorale.org.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO MASTER CHORALE  Since 1961, the San Diego Master Chorale has presented inspiring and exhilarating performances throughout San Diego County. Featuring 130 of the region’s finest singers, the Chorale performs classical masterworks, new music by contemporary composers, and diverse works under the direction of Music Director John K. Russell. 

Each year, the SD Master Chorale reaches tens of thousands of listeners, both on stage and off, through live performances across San Diego including collaborations with the San Diego Symphony and Mainly Mozart Festival, and through broadcasts on San Diego’s NPR station, KPBS. The mission of SD Master Chorale is to connect all people to the joy of professional-caliber live choral music and enrich lives by sharing what we have in common — our voice. For more, visit sdmasterchorale.org.

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