Well, maybe not so much hidden as under-appreciated. Saturday night, here in Easton, a group of women performed an extraordinary program of music, music written by and for women to sing. When I say “women”, I mean adult women with mature, rich voices. And they are our neighbors, friends and family. Not imported from New York or Washington. Living and singing among us. I’ve heard many lovely, accomplished women’s glee clubs and acapella groups, and that being my point of reference is what I expected with this ensemble.
But in my many years as a professional musician in the US and Europe, I haven’t heard a women’s ensemble like this one. Maybe one exists, but one would have to search pretty hard to find it, and why search when this ensemble is right here! They sing serious music with lyrics reflecting many of the contemporary themes we all experience in our lives…Search for meaning; Recognition of the earth’s beauty; Desire for peace and unity. Profound poetry in accessible musical settings. As I write that, I wonder if it makes the group seem stuffy. It isn’t! The ensemble and the music they sing is full of life, and the concert was a delight to a cheering audience.
The name of the ensemble is Allegra! – with a well-deserved exclamation point! They represent the realized vision of their conductor, Amy Morgan. Ms. Morgan, an accomplished conductor and pianist, is the founder and driving force of the Allegro Academy of Music on Washington Street in Easton. She chose an astonishing variety of interesting, beautiful and intense pieces which the women performed with obvious joy and skill. It was an uplifting evening of music beautifully performed. If you get a chance to hear them be sure to take the opportunity. You will be glad you did.
Darrell Parsons
Talbot County
Eva M Smorzaniuk says
I agree wholeheartedly! This is a group of extraordinarily talented women whose collective voices create a sound that sends chills up your spine. Their repertoire includes traditional songs as well as music by modern day women composers. The passion they have for their craft is palpable when they perform. I’m already looking forward to the next perfect!