The Mississippi Boychoir at Fondren Presbyterian Church, April 26, 2009
The music sung by the Boychoir was interspersed so that each selection had
a function in the Choral Evensong service. The Introit, for example, was
Aguilar's 'Salmo 150', a piece with a Latin flavor. At different places
were "This Little Light of Mine", arr. Berg; "I Will Magnify thee, O Lord",
by Joseph Corfe; Paul Halley's "Agnus Dei"; Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus";
"Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet", arr. Joy Webb; "His Voice, as the
Sound", arr. Milburn Price; Faurè's "Benedictus"; and Kodály's 'Evening
Song'. All were sung from memory, some were also a capella, and a few
were SATB, reflecting the maturing of some of the older members. Soloists
included Seth Womack, baritone (and trumpet); and Caleb Aultman and
Dylan Breazeale, sopranos. The choir was accompanied by Rosanne Smith
(organ & piano) and Caryn Womack (flute). Director Margaret Ewing Thomas
has done an outstanding job with this very polished and impressive group.
The music as a whole was varied in style, and while some of the pieces were
rather difficult, in particular the Kodály (which was a capella),
the choir sang with confidence from start to finish. I trust that this group
will continue to flourish, and to grow in number as well.
- Glenn A. Gentry