PASADENA CHORALE
CHORUS & COMMUNITY
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:
PRINCE TAKANO
What inspired your original piece?
My piece was inspired by baroque choral music. I wanted to replicate the feeling of being in a holy church service at a Venetian chapel in the 18th century. I sought to incorporate the dramatic yet angelic qualities of the baroque style into my music. The lyrics are entirely in Latin and come from Psalms 148 and 150.
What excited you about the “Listening to the Future” program?
I discovered the “Listening to the Future” program through my high school, John Marshall Fundamental in Pasadena. At the time, I had already been composing for a few years, mostly for short films and trailers, but I never had formal experience with choir compositions. I thought that the program would be a good opportunity for me to try something new. "Listening to the Future" has helped me grow immensely as a composer and I still feel its impacts on me today as I continue my music studies at Princeton University.
What were the challenges of working on this project remotely during the ongoing Covid19 pandemic?
I had the privilege of being able to compose my music in-person just before the pandemic. At the time, it was quite disappointing to hear that our concert, scheduled for the Spring of 2020, was cancelled. I am grateful that those, like myself, who were in the program from 2019-2020 are still able to have their music performed in-person.
Describe what it was like working with mentor Saunder Choi? What did you gain from
that experience?
My mentors were Kevin Hartnett and Amy Gordon, who were both absolutely fantastic sources for me throughout the entire composition process. From addressing the “little” details to helping me with my melodic storytelling, they were there every step of the way.
Have you heard your pieces performed by the whole choir yet? If so, what was that experience like hearing it come to fruition?
The most satisfying part of the composition process is hearing your finished music soaring through a concert hall or church. There is nothing better than hearing your music come to life with the grandeur of a full choir, especially when you've been waiting to hear it for nearly two years! Thank you to the Pasadena Chorale, Maestro Bernstein, Amy Gordon, Kevin Hartnett, and everyone else who made this possible!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:
OLIVIANA MARIE
What inspired your original piece?
I’ve always loved the works of Robert Frost and his “A Minor Bird” spoke to me because of the
juxtaposition of the joy the bird found in singing and the distain of the listener upon hearing the
bird’s song.
I have wished a bird would fly away, And not sing by my house all day; Have clapped my hands
at him from the door When it seemed as if I could bear no more.
The fault must partly have been in me. The bird was not to blame for his key.
And of course there must be something wrong. In wanting to silence any song.
It made me think about how people relate to each other these last few years.
There are so many wonderful diverse songs being sung these days, and sometimes upon first
listening to them, some folks might find them unpleasantly dissonant, but it was the speakers
realization at the end that struck a powerful chord in my heart.
“And of course there must be something wrong, In wanting to silence any song.”
That’s why I’m so grateful to Mr. Bernstein, Saunder Choi and the wonderful singers of the
Master Chorale for sharing their time, talent and knowledge with their mentorship, Listening to
the Future and giving this fledgling composer/arranger encouragement and a chance to try her
wings.
What excited you about the “Listening to the Future” program?
Everything! I’ve known Mr. Bernstein through my years at Pasadena Waldorf School and have
been inspired by his kindness and impeccable musicianship. Saunder Choi was incredible and I
learned so much from his guidance and valuable feedback. I really enjoyed doing an arrangement of existing pieces and was over the moon when given the opportunity to write my own piece for the incredible Pasadena Chorale. I’m hooked! I hope that I can continue to create more pieces for these talented singers.
What were the challenges of working on this project remotely during the ongoing Covid19 pandemic?
Creating and collaborating over Zoom isn’t the easiest thing to do but it was a lifeline to
connecting with others and made me even more appreciative when I was able to be in the room
with everybody hearing the piano and all the beautiful voices.
Describe what it was like working with mentor Saunder Choi? What did you gain from
that experience?
I love Saunder! He’s fun, he’s crazy talented, and his name opened doors for me when I at
USC’s Thornton school of music. Upon hearing that Saunder was my mentor for Listening to the
Future they said, “OMG you worked with Saunder Choi! He’s AMAZING!”
Have you heard your pieces performed by the whole choir yet? If so, what was that experience like hearing it come to fruition?
I was at the very first run through and then again at a rehearsal a couple of weeks ago. It was
mind blowing to hear it brought to life. I also had the pleasure of hearing Arian Cazares’s pieces
which I’d listened to during our workshops together. They’re fantastic, and I can’t wait to hear
the rest of the writers works.