by Don Grigware Dec. 24, 2019
This year’s Holiday Spectacular concert for GMCLA was very special due particularly to the direction by the interim artist Jenny Wong. This super talented lady took the chorus to a new high. I have never heard such beautiful harmony and singing, and I have been attending every year…for many, many years.
Ernest H. Harrison will assume his new leadership immediately and will hold the baton for the spring concert. Wong was available to rehearse the holiday show, and choosing her was a blessing, so in spite of the positive anticipation of having Harrison on board, the chorus is indeed sad at Wong’s departure. In a brief speech she told the audience that the all male chorus inspired her.
This year’s Spectacular was shorter than usual. 35 minutes for Act I, a 25 minute intermission and then another 35 minutes for Act II. There were fun-filled light moments, but fewer wild, full blown comedic turns. The chorus also did not dress down for Act II as they usually do: black bow tie for Act I; red bow tie for Act II. The arrangements of everything performed were utterly amazing. The sound that emanated from “White Christmas”, Paul Williams’ “One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride” was so joyous I practically lept from my seat to cheer the men on. I did yell “Bravo!” more than once to express my admiration. Needless to say, the entire sold out audience were overwhelmed with glee.
Read the full review at Broadway World HERE.
Join us for our two upcoming concerts this season!
THE CALIFORNIA SOUND Saturday, April 4 at 8PM and Sunday, April 5 at 2PM ALEX THEATRE in Glendale Highlighting classic pop harmonies that put the California Sound on the map, and on the charts, with legendary songs of The Beach Boys, The Mamas and The Papas, and The Byrds. Plus the male chorus world premiere of two works by renowned California composer Frank Ticheli.
CATCH THE WAVE! This concert will be a sonic sensation.
QUEEN/ OF THE NIGHT Saturday, July 18 at 7PM
(One Performance Only) WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL in DTLA
From the divas of opera to one of the greatest divas of all time – Freddie Mercury. GMCLA’s annual gala concert will celebrate the greatest hits of the legendary band Queen and the arias that inspired them in this over-the-top mash-up of classic rock and opera. Our season finale at the world famous Walt Disney Concert Hall will truly rock you.
Programs and artists subject to change; Subscriptions are not refundable or exchangeable but may be returned for donor credit; children attending must be over 5 years old, ticketed, and with adult.