The Singers -- Minnesota Choral Artists are making a name for themselves in the overcrowded field of Twin Cities choruses. Their Christmas concert, "What Sweeter Music," again demonstrated their professionalism. But director Matthew Culloton's program of holiday favorites and less familiar music was less entertaining than might have been expected from a Christmas celebration.
The concert opened and closed with such traditional carols as "Away in a Manger" (arranged by Culloton), "What Child is This?" (arranged by Culloton's mentor, Dale Warland) and "Once in Royal David's City" (arranged by Jeffrey Van). These were fresh approaches to familiar music.
Also featured was the world premiere of a Gloria by composer-in-residence Jocelyn Hagen, part of a multiyear project to write a complete Mass. This Gloria is a complex and challenging work, but its earnestness misses the sense of jubilation in the text.
There was also the world premiere of a new arrangement of "Joy to the World" by Culloton's brother Michael that was so self-consciously elaborate that the original carol was almost lost. By contrast, Culloton's own arrangement of "Silent Night," also having its world premiere, was a model of beautiful simplicity. The evening ended with Stephen Paulus' joyous arrangement of "Ding Dong! Merrily on High."
But the evening was not as enjoyable as it should have been. The Singers performed with precision and a rich, full-bodied sound, but the results were often cold and bloodless. Technical proficiency replaced passion, and I was left appreciating the work rather than being engaged or moved by it.
I think Culloton was simply trying too hard. He wants to prove that the Singers deserve to be taken seriously. It wasn't until the encore, "Go Tell It On the Mountain," that the Singers exhibited some genuine exuberance. If Culloton would just relax a little, all involved might have more fun.
William Randall Beard is a Minneapolis writer.
