Called to Carnegie

Big Bend Community Chorus invited to perform at prestigious New York venue next year

MOSES LAKE — It's a dream most performers aspire to, and yet many never have the opportunity to take the stage at Carnegie Hall.

But, members of the Big Bend Community Chorus will have such an amazing opportunity this spring. The chorus and its director, Big Bend Community College instructor of music Pat Patterson, have been invited to join other selected choirs from throughout the nation in a performance of George Handel's "The Messiah" at Carnegie Hall on April 9, 2006.

"Performing in Carnegie Hall is the Super Bowl for American musicians," described Patterson.

The performance has been organized through MidAmerica Productions. Between 150 and 175 singers are expected to comprise the chorus to sing at Carnegie Hall. Each singing group was invited through a nomination to MidAmerica Productions.

"We were selected because someone in my past recommended me," Patterson said. Though he has a hunch, he's still not sure who that person is.

The full chorus will be accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensemble and conducted by Jonathan Griffith, conductor-in-residence with MidAmerica Productions.

"It's quite an honor to be asked to come and participate," Patterson said.

But the flattering invitation doesn't include an all-expenses-paid trip for the chorus, which has to focus on fund-raising in addition to rehearsals. It is going to cost the chorus about $50,000 to take the trip to sing at Carnegie Hall; per person, the price is about $1,500.

The chorus will give a performance of "The Messiah" at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at Wallenstien Theater in Moses Lake. "Normally, we don't charge admission," Patterson said. He explained there is no set admission fee for this concert, either, but he said, "we are earnestly seeking donations."

Big Bend Community College gave the chorus a $9,000 donation.

A live auction on Saturday, Feb. 11 will serve as the primary fund-raiser for the trip. More details will be released closer to the date, but Patterson anticipates auctioning off travel and entertainment packages.

"The chorus is also available for performances during the holidays," Patterson plugged, explaining that members can be booked to sing at holiday parties.

About 32 members of the 50-member chorus are expecting to take the five-day, four-night trip to New York for the performance, and some may be accompanied by several additional family members.

Chorus member Debbie Roeber will not be among them. She is concerned about taking along her small children, but said she wasn't surprised by the Carnegie invitation. The chorus has many quality singers, she said, along with impressive leadership in Patterson.

"I am always amazed by his piano, and just the expertise," she said of Patterson's ability to play a wide variety of musical styles.

Though Roeber's background includes a stint as a professional opera singer in Spokane, she said she is still constantly learning more and more about voice and singing from Patterson.

Patterson's background is broad. He studied at Stanford University, the Berlin Conservatory of Music, the Vienna Academy of Music and the University of Washington. He holds a master's of music degree in choral conducting and has studied piano, oboe, voice and conducting.

When he's not teaching or directing, he's still heavily involved in numerous other musical endeavors, including church music groups, a mariachi ensemble and the Oasis Jazz Group.

Patterson has taught at Big Bend for 13 years, and though he still misses the trees and water he grew up around in Seattle, "I prefer living here," he said.

"There's lots of good music talent here," Patterson said, explaining most members of the chorus have experience singing.

The chorus' repertoire is primarily traditional, though its members have also sung Pinkham and Vivaldi. This is the fourth or fifth time Patterson has led the group in "The Messiah."

"The tradition of singing Handel's 'Messiah' was started before I came here," Patterson said. "It's a big favorite.

"This work by George Handel is probably the most performed, certainly the most loved, choral works written in the English language. It has a theme about it that appeals to many people."

Griffith will be providing Patterson and the chorus with direction long before they arrive in New York. Once they get there, Patterson has been told the chorus will rehearse two or three hours a day, but will also have plenty of time to sightsee.

"They're very excited about it," Patterson said of the chorus members. "We're very proud to represent our community. We'll be very grateful for all the support we can get."

Those looking to book the chorus for an event can contact Pat Patterson at 793-2140. Donations may be sent in care of the chorus to Big Bend Community College.