2021
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
with ‘McNamara’s Band’
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Our video performance of "McNamara's Band" was released on St. Patrick's Day 2021 (March 17).
Our special guest was piccolo player Patty Lazzara. Many Irish Americans are familiar with the song "MacNamara's Band" (also known as "McNamara's Band"), with music by Shamus O'Connor and lyrics by John J. Stamford. The jovial song was inspired by four Limerick brothers who founded a prize-winning band before immigrating to the United States and recording for a number of labels. |
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Our in-person concerts for Spring 2021, which usually would have been held in April, were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bizwood Podcast Interviews John Palatucci
John J. Palatucci and Eric Chemi. Courtesy of Eric Chemi.
Eric Chemi's The Bizwood Podcast shines a spotlight on Ridgewood and Bergen County businesses.
On his April 26, 2021, podcast, Chemi interviewed John Palatucci, Orpheus' Music Director.
Palatucci and Chemi talk about how the pandemic has forced Orpheus to change its approach. John shares what makes the organization unique after 100+ years, and gives podcast listeners a short but exclusive vocal performance.
Listen to the podcast (50 minutes).
On his April 26, 2021, podcast, Chemi interviewed John Palatucci, Orpheus' Music Director.
Palatucci and Chemi talk about how the pandemic has forced Orpheus to change its approach. John shares what makes the organization unique after 100+ years, and gives podcast listeners a short but exclusive vocal performance.
Listen to the podcast (50 minutes).
Songs We Love to Sing: A Choral Festival
“Songs We Love to Sing: A Choral Festival” was a virtual event on May 23, featuring the music of:
It also featured two of Orpheus’ previous recordings:
- Hopewell Valley Chorus (Dr. Heather Mitchell, Artistic Director).
- Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus (John J. Palatucci, Music Director).
- Sharim v’Sharot: People of Song (Dr. Elayne Robinson Grossman, Music Director).
It also featured two of Orpheus’ previous recordings:
- How Can I Keep From Singing? (from 2015).
- “The Prayer” from Lohengrin, featuring soloist Edward J. Brouillard (bass) (from 2012).
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Orpheus Awards Two Scholarships
In May 2021, Orpheus Club Men's Chorus honored two graduating high school seniors with scholarships: violinist Alisa Berenshtein and vocalist Emanuel Singletary.
You’ll Never Walk Alone"Walk on . . . though your dreams be tossed and blown."
The singing men of the Orpheus Club Men's Chorus extend warmest wishes for all success to the Class of 2021, be they preschool or grad school. Additionally, we would be worse than remiss if we failed to acknowledge all who have endured, are enduring or are helping others endure through so much incredible hardship these days. You'll Never Walk Alone. We sing as one! |
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Live Rehearsals Resume!
On September 8, 2021, Orpheus resumed live rehearsals for the first time in a year and a half. Photos by Zigi Putnins. Join us!
Singing at Winterfest
We performed Christmas carols and other holiday tunes at Ridgewood Guild's Winterfest, on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Photos by Zigi Putnins.
Holiday Concerts Mark Orpheus’ Return to the Stage
We presented our Holiday 2021 concerts, with the theme Children’s Joy, on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. The concerts were performed at First Presbyterian Church, 722 East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450. For the first time, Orpheus offered audiences the opportunity to access the concert online: via livestream or an on-demand recording (available for a week following the Sunday concert).
Photos by Dana Rizzo. More information below.
Photos by Dana Rizzo. More information below.
The repertoire included:
- Fanfare for Christmas Day, words and music by Martin Shaw.
- Bidi Bom, words and music by David Eddleman.
- Prayer from “Hansel and Gretel,” words and music by Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921), arranged by Fred Shattuck.
- Peace Song (with We Shall Overcome), lyrics by Christie Smith Stephens, music by Greg Gilpin.
- ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, music by Ken Darby, arranged by Harry Simeone.
- Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, words and music by Randy Brooks, arranged by Christopher W. Peterson.
- Affirmation, text by Marcia Sloat, music by Richard Lane, arranged by John J. Palatucci.
- Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, words and music by Johnny Marks, arranged by Mark Hayes.
- You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, lyrics by Dr. Seuss, music by Albert Hague, arranged by Jeff Funk.
- Believe, words and music by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, arranged by Mark Hayes.
- A Holiday Road of Carols, arranged by Greg Gilpin.
- Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming, words and music by Michael Praetorius, English version by Dr. Theodore Baker.
- All Through the Night, traditional Welsh.
- Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep, words and music by Irving Berlin.
- Salutation (“Hail, Friends of Music”), words and music by Wm. P. Bentz.
Below: Slideshow of photos of Pascack Valley High School students and alumni at the concert. Photos by Dana Rizzo. More information below.
Our guests were music students and alumni from Pascack Valley High School (PVHS), directed by Mrs. Argine Safari, featuring:
- Oblivion, music by Astor Piazzolla. Audrey Koh'22, cello; Sharanya Devarakonda'22, piano.
- Gesu Bambino, composed by Pietro A. Yon, arranged by Stephen DeCesare. Amy Santo'18, soprano; Joel Noonan'16, tenor; Argine Safari, piano.
- Maurice Ravel's Sonatine, 3rd Movement, Animé. Alex DeBiasio'24, piano.
- I'll Be Home for Christmas, lyrics by Kim Gannon, music by Walter Kent. Steven Gincley'22, Amorie Lewis'23, Areg Safari'20, Juan Zapateiro'24, vocals; Lucas Tytla'22, guitar, Alex DiBiasio'24, piano.
- Feliz Navidad, lyrics and music by Jose Feliciano, arranged by Tom Gentry. PVHS Bro Squad current and alumni members: Nick Bender'13, Steven Gincley'22, Amorie Lewis'23, Joel Noonan'16, Areg Safari'20, Liam Sandt'19, Juan Zapateiro'24, vocals; Lucas Tytla'22, guitar.
