In 1966, after a decade of involvement with local musical ensembles, Marjorie Rawlins of Palo Alto founded the American Association of University Women Midpeninsula Chorus, with 17 members. She soon recognized the limitations of working within the AAUW graduates' organization, and abandoned the affiliation; the choir was subsequently renamed the University Women’s Chorus. The principles established from the outset were that, although the choir was informal, its aims would be ambitious. In particular, members were expected to sing all pieces from memory, and the repertoire was to be ambitious, with many pieces sung in foreign languages.
When Mrs. Rawlins left in 1975, the members, by then increased to over 50, appointed 25-year-old Patricia (Patty) Hennings as their new director. Under her leadership the choir, soon rechristened the Peninsula Women's Chorus to emphasize its inclusive recruiting policy (though it maintained an association with Foothill College), continued to increase its standards, and[1] in 1982 was selected by Stanford University for a project to record vocal scores written from memory in a Second World War prison camp on Sumatra by Margaret Dryburgh and Norah Chambers, as recorded in the TV documentary Song of Survival.[2] This was such a success that the Chorus performed in Europe in 1984.
Patricia Hennings, after suffering for several years from cancer, died in December 2001;[3] for a short time her place was taken by Karen Robinson. Between 2003 and 2020 Argentinian-born Dr. Martín Benvenuto served as the Artistic Director until Dr. Anne K. Hege was appointed in 2021 after serving as an interim Artistic Director for 6 months.
Known for its adventuresome programming and recognized as one of the leading women’s choruses in the U.S. and beyond, the PWC is dedicated to commissioning new works, discovering rarely performed works, and keeping classical choral masterpieces for treble voices alive.
In 2008, the PWC was among the founding choirs of the New Music for Treble Voices (NMFTV) festival, which brings together diverse local and national choruses in the study and performance of innovative contemporary works. The PWC has assumed production of the festival in 2013 and in March 2023 the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Commissioned repertoireedit
The Peninsula Women's Chorus adopted a policy of commissioning new works to suit the Chorus, in addition to scouring the musical histories of cultures throughout the world.[4] In both 1999 and 2003, the Chorus received ASCAP awards for adventurous programming- the first group to receive the award twice,[5] and between 1987 and 2001, they performed three times for the national convention of the American Choral Directors' Association. The Chorus has released 9 CDs, two of which have won the American Prize in the Community Chorus Category.
Grants, honors, and awardsedit
In 2016, the PWC was selected to perform on the primary stage at the ACDA Regional Conference in Pasadena, CA.
In 2015, the PWC won first place for the American Prize, Community Chorus Category, based on the submission of their eighth CD Mostly Made in America.
In 2015, the PWC was selected to participate in “San Juan Coral” International Choral Festival in Argentina.
In 2011, the PWC won second place in the American Prize for Choral Performance for its 2010 CD Nature Pictures.[6]
In 2011, the PWC was selected to participate in the Seghizzi International Competition of Choral Singing in Gorizia, Italy.
In 2009, PWC was awarded a grant from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, which recognizes performing organizations "whose artistic excellence encourages and improves public knowledge and appreciation of serious contemporary American music."
In 2006, the PWC was awarded third place in the Béla Bartók 22nd International Choir Competition and Folklore Festival, women's division. * Twice the PWC has received the prestigious ASCAP award for adventurous programming, most recently in June 2003, reflecting the excitement of performing challenging contemporary music from around the world.
In 2003, the PWC was awarded American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Award for Adventurous Programming in the category for choruses.
Premieres by Peninsula Women's Chorusedit
World premieres, unless indicated otherwise.
2022
Would You Like to Have it All?, by Jennifer Wilsey
2021
Despertar, by Karen Siegel (consortium commission by the Peninsula Women’s Chorus, Consonare Choral Community, West Village Chorale, and the Yale Glee Club)
2019
Hands upon the Plow, by Jocelyn Hagen (Trailblazers Project)
Rise Up, by Jake Runestad (commissioned by the PWC through the ACDA Women’s Consortium)
When the Dust Settles, by Mari Esabel Valverde (jointly commissioned by the PWC and VOX Femina)
2018
Moon Goddess, by Jocelyn Hagen (commissioned by the Peninsula Women’s Chorus through the ACDA Women’s Consortium)
2017
Child of Impossibles, by Julia Adolphe (Trailblazers Projecr)
Come home little sister, by Cecilia McDowall
displacement I-V, by Eric Tuan (I. From Psalm, II. Overheard in Silicon Valley, III. Wayfaring Stranger, IV. Frosty night, V. San Francisco)
Harriet Tubman, by Walter Robinson, arranged by Kathleen McGuire
Patterns on the Snow, by Mari Esabel Valverde (commissioned by the PWC through the ACDA Women’s Consortium)
2016
A Blessing of Cranes, by Abbie Betinis (commissioned by the 2014 Women’s Choir Commission Consortium of the ACDA)
Flare, by Dale Trumbore (commissioned by the PWC through the ACDA Women’s Consortium)
Yellow Twig of Willow, by Stephen Smith (commissioned by the PWC through the ACDA Women’s Consortium)
2015
Oración del remanso, by Jorge Fandermole arranged by Eduardo Ferraudi
2014
Green Music, by Kirke Mechem
Heart Spells 1-3, by Mark Winges (Spell to Be Said upon Waking, Spell to Be Said Before Sleep, Spell for Inviting-in the New Soul)
2013
Songs of Night, by Kirstina Rasmussen (Night, Oportunidad, Ololiuhqui, Antigua Canción)
2012
Alma Submerged, by Frank Ferko
Ripple, by Ted Hearne
Song-Gatherings, by Eric Tuan (co-commissioned by the Peninsula Women’s Chorus with Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir and Acalanes High School Bella Voce)
2011
Bright Mansions, arranged by K. Lee Scott (treble version commissioned by the PWC)
Face and Heart, by Pablo Ortiz (co-premiered with Volti, Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir, Cantabile Youth Singers, and Crystal Children's Choir)
2010
Little man in a hurry, by Eric Whitacre (co-premiered with Golden Gate Men’s Chorus)
The Jumblies, by Judith Shatin
Viento, by Leonardo Lebas
Three Buttons (known as "What's This?"), by Frank Ferko
2009
Martes, by Joseph Gregorio
2008
Nature, by Tal Peleg (student composer)
The Nickel Moon, by Laura Wise (student composer)
The Big, Shy Moon, by Miriam Helmy (student composer)
Wind Songs, by Karen Linford
2007
Acrostic, by Marta Lambertini
Looking at the Sea, by Chen Yi
Otherwise, by Brian Holmes
Thou Famished Grave, by Stacy Garrop
2006
Briefly it enters, and briefly speaks, by Brian Holmes
2004
The Snow Lay on the Ground, by David Conte
2003
Fanfare of Praise, by Sandra Milliken
2002
Jabberwocky, by Ron Jeffers
I Shall Keep Singing, by Brian Holmes
Benediction, by Ron Jeffers
Mila Begi, by Javier Busto
2000
Psalm 121, by Libby Larsen
Aphorisms, by Ron Jeffers
Dos Cantos, by Ron Jeffers
I Am Dice, by Ron Jeffers
Falling Rain, by Brian Holmes
Rabbit Skunk, by Brian Holmes
Wish Song, by Brian Holmes
This wonderful feeling, three compositions by Joan Szymko
Bright Love, by David Meckler
Take Up the Song, by Ron Jeffers (U.S. Premiere)
1999
When You Are Old, by Peter Tryggvi Bjerring
Oh Great Spirit, by Michael Cleveland
For Lou, by Rick Kvistad (written for Lou Harrison's 80th birthday)
Carols and Lullabies, Christmas in the Southwest, by Conrad Susa
1997
Christmas Intrada, by David Conte
1996
Two Songs of Love, by Michael Cleveland
Jesu dulcis memoria, by Michael Cleveland
1995
Requiem for the Earth, by Nancy Telfer
Indian Singing, by Ron Jeffers
1993
Miss Rumphius, by Victoria Ebel-Sabo
1991
In Praise of Music, by David Conte
1990
There is No Rose, by Brian Holmes
1989
Refuge, by Libby Larsen
Ballad of Befana, by Kirke Mechem
A Christmas Carol, by Kirke Mechem
1981
Shenandoah, arranged by James Erb
Referencesedit
^Peninsula Women's Chorus Turns 40! 2009-03-20 at the Wayback Machine Palo Alto CA, Peninsula Women's Chorus newsletter (Fall 2006)
^Roger Emanuels Song of Survival KUSP Review, vol.4, no.5 (Dec. 1983)
^Suzanne Herel Obituary: Patricia Hennings -- Women's Chorus head, San Francisco Chronicle (2002-01-04)
^Elaine Larsen Ms. Maestro, San Francisco Examiner (2000-05-19)
^Cicero A. Estrella Chorus wins national award San Francisco Chronicle (2003-11-14)
peninsula, women, chorus, women, choir, based, palo, alto, california, contents, history, commissioned, repertoire, grants, honors, awards, premieres, referenceshistory, editin, 1966, after, decade, involvement, with, local, musical, ensembles, marjorie, rawli. The Peninsula Women s Chorus is a women s choir based at Palo Alto California Contents 1 History 2 Commissioned repertoire 3 Grants honors and awards 4 Premieres by Peninsula Women s Chorus 5 ReferencesHistory editIn 1966 after a decade of involvement with local musical ensembles Marjorie Rawlins of Palo Alto founded the American Association of University Women Midpeninsula Chorus with 17 members She soon recognized the limitations of working within the AAUW graduates organization and abandoned the affiliation the choir was subsequently renamed the University Women s Chorus The principles established from the outset were that although the choir was informal its aims would be ambitious In particular members were expected to sing all pieces from memory and the repertoire was to be ambitious with many pieces sung in foreign languages When Mrs Rawlins left in 1975 the members by then increased to over 50 appointed 25 year old Patricia Patty Hennings as their new director Under her leadership the choir soon rechristened the Peninsula Women s Chorus to emphasize its inclusive recruiting policy though it maintained an association with Foothill College continued to increase its standards and 1 in 1982 was selected by Stanford University for a project to record vocal scores written from memory in a Second World War prison camp on Sumatra by Margaret Dryburgh and Norah Chambers as recorded in the TV documentary Song of Survival 2 This was such a success that the Chorus performed in Europe in 1984 Patricia Hennings after suffering for several years from cancer died in December 2001 3 for a short time her place was taken by Karen Robinson Between 2003 and 2020 Argentinian born Dr Martin Benvenuto served as the Artistic Director until Dr Anne K Hege was appointed in 2021 after serving as an interim Artistic Director for 6 months Known for its adventuresome programming and recognized as one of the leading women s choruses in the U S and beyond the PWC is dedicated to commissioning new works discovering rarely performed works and keeping classical choral masterpieces for treble voices alive In 2008 the PWC was among the founding choirs of the New Music for Treble Voices NMFTV festival which brings together diverse local and national choruses in the study and performance of innovative contemporary works The PWC has assumed production of the festival in 2013 and in March 2023 the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary Commissioned repertoire editThe Peninsula Women s Chorus adopted a policy of commissioning new works to suit the Chorus in addition to scouring the musical histories of cultures throughout the world 4 In both 1999 and 2003 the Chorus received ASCAP awards for adventurous programming the first group to receive the award twice 5 and between 1987 and 2001 they performed three times for the national convention of the American Choral Directors Association The Chorus has released 9 CDs two of which have won the American Prize in the Community Chorus Category Grants honors and awards editIn 2016 the PWC was selected to perform on the primary stage at the ACDA Regional Conference in Pasadena CA In 2015 the PWC won first place for the American Prize Community Chorus Category based on the submission of their eighth CD Mostly Made in America In 2015 the PWC was selected to participate in San Juan Coral International Choral Festival in Argentina In 2011 the PWC won second place in the American Prize for Choral Performance for its 2010 CD Nature Pictures 6 In 2011 the PWC was selected to participate in the Seghizzi International Competition of Choral Singing in Gorizia Italy In 2009 PWC was awarded a grant from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music which recognizes performing organizations whose artistic excellence encourages and improves public knowledge and appreciation of serious contemporary American music In 2006 the PWC was awarded third place in the Bela Bartok 22nd International Choir Competition and Folklore Festival women s division Twice the PWC has received the prestigious ASCAP award for adventurous programming most recently in June 2003 reflecting the excitement of performing challenging contemporary music from around the world In 2003 the PWC was awarded American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming in the category for choruses Premieres by Peninsula Women s Chorus editWorld premieres unless indicated otherwise 2022 Would You Like to Have it All by Jennifer Wilsey 2021 Despertar by Karen Siegel consortium commission by the Peninsula Women s Chorus Consonare Choral Community West Village Chorale and the Yale Glee Club 2019 Hands upon the Plow by Jocelyn Hagen Trailblazers Project Rise Up by Jake Runestad commissioned by the PWC through the ACDA Women s Consortium When the Dust Settles by Mari Esabel Valverde jointly commissioned by the PWC and VOX Femina 2018 Moon Goddess by Jocelyn Hagen commissioned by the Peninsula Women s Chorus through the ACDA Women s Consortium 2017 Child of Impossibles by Julia Adolphe Trailblazers Projecr Come home little sister by Cecilia McDowall displacement I V by Eric Tuan I From Psalm II Overheard in Silicon Valley III Wayfaring Stranger IV Frosty night V San Francisco Harriet Tubman by Walter Robinson arranged by Kathleen McGuire Patterns on the Snow by Mari Esabel Valverde commissioned by the PWC through the ACDA Women s Consortium 2016 A Blessing of Cranes by Abbie Betinis commissioned by the 2014 Women s Choir Commission Consortium of the ACDA Flare by Dale Trumbore commissioned by the PWC through the ACDA Women s Consortium Yellow Twig of Willow by Stephen Smith commissioned by the PWC through the ACDA Women s Consortium 2015 Oracion del remanso by Jorge Fandermole arranged by Eduardo Ferraudi 2014 Green Music by Kirke Mechem Heart Spells 1 3 by Mark Winges Spell to Be Said upon Waking Spell to Be Said Before Sleep Spell for Inviting in the New Soul 2013 Songs of Night by Kirstina Rasmussen Night Oportunidad Ololiuhqui Antigua Cancion 2012 Alma Submerged by Frank Ferko Ripple by Ted Hearne Song Gatherings by Eric Tuan co commissioned by the Peninsula Women s Chorus with Piedmont East Bay Children s Choir and Acalanes High School Bella Voce 2011 Bright Mansions arranged by K Lee Scott treble version commissioned by the PWC Face and Heart by Pablo Ortiz co premiered with Volti Piedmont East Bay Children s Choir Cantabile Youth Singers and Crystal Children s Choir 2010 Little man in a hurry by Eric Whitacre co premiered with Golden Gate Men s Chorus The Jumblies by Judith Shatin Viento by Leonardo Lebas Three Buttons known as What s This by Frank Ferko 2009 Martes by Joseph Gregorio 2008 Nature by Tal Peleg student composer The Nickel Moon by Laura Wise student composer The Big Shy Moon by Miriam Helmy student composer Wind Songs by Karen Linford 2007 Acrostic by Marta Lambertini Looking at the Sea by Chen Yi Otherwise by Brian Holmes Thou Famished Grave by Stacy Garrop 2006 Briefly it enters and briefly speaks by Brian Holmes 2004 The Snow Lay on the Ground by David Conte 2003 Fanfare of Praise by Sandra Milliken 2002 Jabberwocky by Ron Jeffers I Shall Keep Singing by Brian Holmes Benediction by Ron Jeffers Mila Begi by Javier Busto 2000 Psalm 121 by Libby Larsen Aphorisms by Ron Jeffers Dos Cantos by Ron Jeffers I Am Dice by Ron Jeffers Falling Rain by Brian Holmes Rabbit Skunk by Brian Holmes Wish Song by Brian Holmes This wonderful feeling three compositions by Joan Szymko Bright Love by David Meckler Take Up the Song by Ron Jeffers U S Premiere 1999 When You Are Old by Peter Tryggvi Bjerring Oh Great Spirit by Michael Cleveland For Lou by Rick Kvistad written for Lou Harrison s 80th birthday Carols and Lullabies Christmas in the Southwest by Conrad Susa 1997 Christmas Intrada by David Conte 1996 Two Songs of Love by Michael Cleveland Jesu dulcis memoria by Michael Cleveland 1995 Requiem for the Earth by Nancy Telfer Indian Singing by Ron Jeffers 1993 Miss Rumphius by Victoria Ebel Sabo 1991 In Praise of Music by David Conte 1990 There is No Rose by Brian Holmes 1989 Refuge by Libby Larsen Ballad of Befana by Kirke Mechem A Christmas Carol by Kirke Mechem 1981 Shenandoah arranged by James ErbReferences edit Peninsula Women s Chorus Turns 40 Archived 2009 03 20 at the Wayback Machine Palo Alto CA Peninsula Women s Chorus newsletter Fall 2006 Roger Emanuels Song of Survival KUSP Review vol 4 no 5 Dec 1983 Suzanne Herel Obituary Patricia Hennings Women s Chorus head San Francisco Chronicle 2002 01 04 Elaine Larsen Ms Maestro San Francisco Examiner 2000 05 19 Cicero A Estrella Chorus wins national award San Francisco Chronicle 2003 11 14 Nature Pictures Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Peninsula Women 27s Chorus amp oldid 1182938166, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
