“Bright Morning Star” is a phrase taken from the Kentucky folk hymn that will be presented in January at our concerts in Grants Pass and Cave Junction.  It embodies the concepts that 3 Rivers Chorale will be bringing together through our music: death and birth, darkness and light, saying goodbye, and rounding the bend to see what’s next.  

The “bright morning star” is the beacon that has been with us silently through the night, and rises, still visible, as dawn breaks.  It is the magnificent daylight star — the sun, which gives life to all, and whose gradual return during this season is celebrated.   And it is the metaphorical star that “rises in our soul”, bringing joy and hope in a dark place.
 
Other songs in this concert will range from contemporary British composer John Tavener’s haunting ”Alleluia” (our farewell tribute to Dave Marston) to a simple Celtic lullaby which comforts and reassures, waiting for the lark to call as the new day dawns. 

Works by Maurice Duruflé, W. A. Mozart, Johann Jeep, Kristina Vasiliauskaite, John David, I’lana Cotton and Bill Douglas, along with traditional folk numbers from North America, the British Isles and Nigeria are also included. In addition to the full 36 member choir, we will be presenting a small ensemble and several duets and solos performed by choir members.

We welcome instrumentalist Tim Wallace, joining us on flute for several numbers, and keyboardist and improv artist I’lana Cotton, on piano and organ.
 
Celebrate a new day and a new year with 3 Rivers Chorale in early 2010!   We look forward to sharing our music with all who wish to join us on January 16 (in Cave Junction at Immanuel Methodist Church at 3 pm) and on January 17 (at Newman Methodist Church in Grants Pass at  3 pm).