Carolina Master Chorale

Verdi: La Traviata

This was a full length version, sung in its original Italian.  The program called the production semi-staged, but there was nothing amateurish about it.

Koch’s sensitive conducting of the orchestra let listeners feel the impact of such passages as the high, poignant strings which open the opera, returning late in the work after many shifts of mood.

The remarkable Carolina Master Chorale sent forth jolts of energy in such numbers as the famous “Drinking Song” in Act 1, making listeners completely unaware this is a volunteer group with diverse backgrounds, and not a full time professional music ensemble.

Everyone and everything worked well in this production.  Nothing dragged, and there was a sense of hardly realizing it was over when it ended. 

Timothy Koch, the Carolina Master Chorale, and the cast of fine professionals let us experience a work which is an artistic entrée into a world which existed as vividly today as it did in the 19th century.

- Myrtle Beach Herald

Verdi: Stabat Mater

In tones that ranged from quiet and contemplative to mournfully passionate, the 80-member Chorale offered up a stirring rendition of Giuseppe Verdi’s Stabat Mater. A flawless performance, it demonstrated the group’s vocal skills and precision.

- The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Ginastera: Lamentations of Jeremiah

In one of the special moments of the afternoon, this region’s other treasure, the Carolina Master Chorale, took the stage.  Timothy Koch prepared the audience for the music to come with a brief description of the background of Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera and his powerful Lamentations of Jeremiah.  Secure intonation let listeners concentrate on the vocal tone colors, the complex and difficult harmonies,  and shifting dynamics.

- The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

It’s not often that one associates a powerful, well trained choir with jazz, but the program presented by the CMC certainly erased any doubts about whether this works.  The CMC handled all of this effortlessly, and the soloists – Emily Hindrichs, David Bankston, Joe Chappel, and Drew Trautman – were exceptional.  Certain parts must be pointed out - the jazz waltz feeling in No. 8, “Run Run Run”, the Three Wise Men in No. 9, “Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh” with the unconventional chords,  the riveting No. 10, “My Soul Magnifies the Lord” with its interweaving of declamatory instrumental gestures and a beautiful solo, and finally  No. 14, “God’s Love Made Visible, with its unusual beat and massive, breathtaking conclusion, using all vocal and instrumental forces – because they  demonstrate clearly the skill and power of the CMC itself.

- Myrtle Beach Herald

GUEST ARTIST REVIEWS

The highest praise from me.

-  Carlisle Floyd, World-Renowned American Opera Composer

How can I thank the Carolina Master Chorale enough for its superlative performances of my Seven Deadly Sins and An American Hallel performed this past weekend? To put it in a nutshell CMC’s skill and execution was right up there with America’s top choral ensembles. Undoubtedly, this is due not only to the genuinely dedicated and nice community of CMC singers but also to their gifted and inspired musical leaders Maestro Tim Koch and composer - in - residence / accompanist Andrew Fowler. When leaders with vision show their charges the mountaintop and accept no less, great heights are attained. For all this I am grateful for a thrilling weekend of music making. I will always be a devoted friend of the Carolina Master Chorale.

-  Michael Isaacson, Ph.D., composer

I thank you for reaching out to me to be a part of a great experience. Cheers and rousing applause.

-  Mitch Laurance, narrator, actor, ESPN commentator

AUDIENCE REVIEWS

My friends and I are still talking about how blown away we were today by that concert we saw. The chorale sounded amazing. Very impressive!!!!!

-  Michael Orland, music director, American Idol

What a wonderful, innovative program by you and the CMC yesterday!  The choir sounded great, and the new works were very enjoyable and engaging.  It is so encouraging not only to see the CMC continuing to build momentum, but to see the success of interesting, fresh programming concepts presented in this community.  Your efforts in this regard help to open up the market for new ideas with the Symphony and all other arts groups.  Please share with the chorus (and with Andy Fowler) my enthusiastic congratulations for a huge undertaking well done!

-  Charles Jones Evans, music director, Long Bay Symphony

Thank you again for the wonderful performance. You guys are really special.

- Ewa Mataya Laurance, world champion billiard player

I have to tell you that the best and highest class music making I've experienced since I have been here has come from the Carolina Master Chorale - it is really a first class organization. I wish you all continued success!

- John Santuccio, Executive Director
Horry County Arts & Cultural Enhancement