Voices Rising ensemble gains popularity throughout holidays

Submitted photo ENSEMBLE: Gaining popularity as a select vocal ensemble, Voices Rising looks forward to providing more musical experiences during the coming year. Group members include, front, from left, Ruth'e Korelitz, Jill Fitzgerald, Fran Stroud, Carmen Edwards, Alice Canham, Joyce Barone, and Nikki Saltmarsh and, back, from left, Steve Matthews, Don Spradling, Bill Lamoureaux, Marc Bremer, and Abe Stroud. Email Janis Bremer at bremerj1978@gmail.com for booking information.
Submitted photo ENSEMBLE: Gaining popularity as a select vocal ensemble, Voices Rising looks forward to providing more musical experiences during the coming year. Group members include, front, from left, Ruth'e Korelitz, Jill Fitzgerald, Fran Stroud, Carmen Edwards, Alice Canham, Joyce Barone, and Nikki Saltmarsh and, back, from left, Steve Matthews, Don Spradling, Bill Lamoureaux, Marc Bremer, and Abe Stroud. Email Janis Bremer at [email protected] for booking information.

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE -- Performing for a packed house, Voices Rising's recent full concert was a program containing a variety of music and provoking a variety of emotions.

"We were honored that so many of our friends joined us for our last concert," Voices Rising Director Fran Stroud said. "We may need to consider a larger venue or two performances in the future, which is a wonderful problem to have."

Selections for the concert brought laughter and awe as this select ensemble performed sacred and secular music in full chorus, quartets, solos, and duets, a news release said. Instruments added an extra flavor to the evening, highlighted by directors Stroud and Nikki Saltmarsh's piano rendition of "Jingle Bells" for four hands.

The audience enjoyed the GWENS (Glad We're Not Sopranos) singing "Cold Snap." Marilyn Antley on flute, Lee Ann Branch on drums, David Childs on harp and handbells, Saltmarsh with an intricate handbell solo, and Terry Odell on guitar provided depth and beauty to the Voices Rising concert. Solos by Marc Bremer, Lamar Cowger, and Ruth'e Korelitz rounded out the evening.

"We are so thankful for our Hot Springs Village supporters who allow us to do what we love, which is provide music and fun for all," Stroud said. "Our a cappella numbers and tight harmonies provide a musical experience that so many in our audiences can truly appreciate." In their second year as a vocal ensemble, Voices Rising anticipates more performances and plans to continue the high standard of musical excellence they are known for as a group.

Voices Rising is available for performances and programs as a full ensemble or as individual performers. Email Janis Bremer at [email protected] for more information.

Entertainment on 01/17/2018

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