Brandon and Camerata Create Joy with New Music

Peanut knows that he is a joy to all those who have the privilege of being around him.  He reluctantly admits that joy can be found in other pursuits —  like the newly commissioned work that will be presented by the Long Beach Camerata Singers –at their concert on October 25th.  Long Beach composer Jenni Brandon was asked to write a piece to commemorate Camerata’s 50th Season.  Entitled, “We Are Joy,”   the piece features chorus, orchestra and piano.  The following
is an excerpt from the Ms. Brandon’s program notes for the concert:

“The significant theme of this work asks the question “What is Joy,” and how we interpret this in our daily lives. Throughout the work we

are asked to explore what joy means to us and the responsibility it takes to create that joy in our every day lives.

This unique orchestration of piano, choir, and chamber orchestra, borrowed from Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, allows this ensemble to create a colorful world to explore joy, happiness, and the feeling that “we are blessed, and can bless.”

The piano throughout the work is extremely important in telling the story, but it does not stand alone in this task. The piano, choir, and orchestra work symbiotically: the piano as the individual voice, supported by the choir, or the voice of many individuals seeking what Joy means to them through the colors and contrasts of the orchestra.

All involved play an equally important part, often coming back to the theme of joy and happiness. It becomes apparent that through even the simplest of moments, if we remain present, we will realize that we ARE joy – we are the poems, the songs, and the blessed that can bless.” — Jenni Brandon

Joy, Fantasy and Remembrance:  A 50th Anniversary Celebration.  TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE $30/$40.  www.LBCamerata.org or call 562-522-1045.  Sunday October 25, 4:30pm Long Beach City College Auditorium