Enjoy the sixth and final concert in On the Journey the Lent series for 2023:
The Confession Stone and Stabat Mater
Kim Greenwood (mezzo soprano), accompanied by Jim Hill (piano),
performs Robert Fleming's ‘The Confession Stone’.
Marnie Setka-Mooney (soprano), and Sara Partridge (mezzo soprano), accompanied by Curt Bergen (piano) perform Pergolesi's ‘Stabat Mater’, and
NOTE: This is an in-person concert as well as live streamed.
About the Performers
Kim Greenwood, is a multi-faceted singer with a love of many genres from jazz to classical. She frequently performs jazz at many venues in Greater Victoria, and is the lead singer for the Commodores Big Band. Kim was on the faculty of the Canadian College of Performing Arts for nine years and has been teaching privately for over twenty. www.kimgreenwood.com
Marnie Setka-Mooney, Marnie Setka-Mooney, has recently retired as a faculty member at the Victoria Conservatory of Music after 25 years of service. There, she taught all ages, from post-secondary students (Camosun College) through to mature adults with medical issues. This variety of ages and needs continues to keep her focused on the latest pedagogical practices. Marnie was also on the faculty of the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) for a few years, until leaving to homeschool her two youngest children for 6 years. Her studio in the Cowichan Valley - Voice Care Vocal Studio - is primarily online via the newest technology, FarPlay, a platform designed for music education and performance. This platform allows Marnie to reach not only continuing students in Victoria, but also students from as far away as Fraser Valley, Port Hardy and the Seattle area! A member of the jazz trio, On the ‘hat, Marnie has always sung in many different styles, from Jazz at her fathers' knee to Jazz jingles, her indie rock band days to premiering new music for young composers. You can reach Marnie at voicecarevocal.com
Sara Partridge, has been sharing her love of singing with students of all ages for many years. She taught at the Victoria Conservatory of music, sharing musical skills with age groups spanning early childhood programs to professionally ambitious Camosun College students. Sara is presently teaching at the Canadian College of Performing Arts.
About the Programme
The Confession Stone (Songs of Mary) by Robert Fleming (1921-1976) Poetry by Owen Dodson (1914-1983)
This classic song cycle came about when John Newmark, mentor and collaborative pianist of Maureen Forrester phoned Robert Fleming. The composer was in the midst of wallpaper hanging when called to the phone where he was told by Newmark: “I have found a wonderful set of poems, The Confession Stone, in the collection Beyond the Blues – New Poems by American Negroes (1962). You must set them to music for Maureen.” Newmark had become familiar with this poetry through Bernard Diamant, Ms. Forrester’s original vocal coach. The poems are by the black playwright and teacher, Owen Dodson (1914 – 1983)
This cycle became one of Forrester’s most frequently performed works. After The Confession Stone had been published by Leeds Music in 1968, she always took several copies of the score with her on tour. Whenever a person expressed genuine interest in learning and performing the work, Ms. Forrester would give out a copy.
By Dodson’s own account, his best work was The Confession Stone written in the voice of Mary about the life of her son, Jesus; the piece is often performed at Easter.
- Oh, my boy: Jesus...
- Don’t pay attention to the old men in the temple...
- Jesus, did you know that Lazarus is back?...
- There’s a supper in Jerusalem tonight...
- Cold and icy in my bed....
- Bring me those needles, Martha...
- Everything is black...
- Oh, my boy: Jesus...
Stabat Mater Dolorosa, by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736)
The "Stabat Mater" is a 13th-century Christian hymn to Mary, which portrays her suffering as Jesus Christ's mother during his crucifixion. Its author may be either the Franciscan friar Jacopone da Todi or Pope Innocent III. The title comes from its first line, "Stabat Mater dolorosa", which means "the sorrowful mother was standing" [from Wikipedia]
Text and translation of Pergolesi's Stabat Mater Dolorosa (external link, opens in a new window)
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