08 December 2011
The Los Robles Children's Choir will be holding their annual holiday
concert this Saturday at the Fred Kavli Theater.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Los Robles Children's Choir |
The celebrated Los
Robles Children’s Choir will, once again, be regaling locals at
their 15th Annual Holiday Concert this Saturday, Dec. 10, at
the Fred Kavli Theater in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.
Entitled Christmas in Song, the children, whose ages range from 6 to
19, will be performing such holiday favorites as Clement C. Moore’s
“Twas the Night Before Christmas,” as well as Christmas carols and
Hanukkah songs.
Musicians from the Conejo Valley Youth
Orchestra will be providing some of the accompaniment.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Los Robles Children's Choir |
The choir, started by artistic director Donna Young back in 1996, was
established as a music performance and education program for children
and youth that emphasizes the development of musical skills and
understanding. Singing is the major focus of the musical experience.
“I had always wanted to start a local children’s choir,” said Young.
She began the program with a handful of children from across the
region in beginner’s and advanced groups, who rehearsed weekly at
Moorpark College. Five years ago, the choir started rehearsing at United
Methodist Church in Westlake Village.
With 125 members, there are now four sub-choirs, including an
Apprentice Choir (introductory), Bel Canto Choir (beginning), Amadeus
Choir (advanced treble) and Camerata Chamber (advanced high school
singers).
The repertoire is selected according to each choir's level of skill
and encompasses a wide range of musical styles, according to Young.
While singing everything from classical works to folk song arrangements,
the children learn various styles of music as well as many languages,
she said.
Agoura Hills resident Emma Brandon, 10, is happily anticipating this
year’s holiday concert. “It’s her third season but her first year in the
Amadeus choir,” said mom Kathy.
The fifth-grader has been putting in hours of daily rehearsal time
with the group. “We had to learn about 10 songs in English, Latin and
Hebrew,” she said.
Like Brandon, Kara Thackston, 19, also had to juggle rehearsals and
schoolwork. The college freshman might be one of the more senior choir
members, but she is just as enthusiastic. “Performing really makes me
happy,” said Thackston, who also hails from Agoura. A choir member since
she was eight, Thackston joined to follow her older brother’s
footsteps.
“Their family probably has the longest history with the choir,” said
Young of the Thackstons. “Jared, the older brother, sang with us for the
first 12 years.”
Thackston has toured with the choir twice, including a much-talked
about performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. “That was really an
unforgettable time in my life,” she said.
The choir has performed in various festivals around US and Europe and
has worked with several world-renowned conductors.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Los Robles Children's Choir |
“They don’t sound like other children when they sing,” said Young.
“They have beautiful head voices and excellent tone quality. Think
Vienna Boys’ Choir.”
This year’s holiday concert will be bittersweet, as Young recently
announced that she is retiring at the end of the season. “The time has
come for me to use my energy in other places,” said the recent
grandmother. “I adore the children but they will be in good hands.”
To purchase tickets to the show, click
here.
For more information about the choir, click here.
0 comments:
Post a Comment