Blue Ridge Singers Spring Concerts to Showcase Powerful Blend of Voices and Brass

The Blue Ridge Singers are preparing to bring a fresh and powerful sound to the region this spring, blending voices with brass instruments in a series of free concerts across four locations.

Dr. Jeffrey Alban speaks with Mike McCool about the Blue Ridge Singers’ new brass-filled program.

Under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Alban, the group will perform a program titled “The French-American Connection,” featuring music inspired by the rich colors and textures of French composition. The concerts begin on April 17 in Front Royal and continue in Winchester, Manassas, and Upperville.

For Alban, this season marks something new. The choir will perform with brass for the first time, adding a bold layer to its traditional choral sound.

“We’ll be performing with brass for the first time, which is a new thing for us,” Alban said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

The program’s centerpiece is a mass by Belgian composer Joseph Jongen, a piece Alban has studied closely since his graduate school days. He described it as both powerful and balanced, allowing the choir and instruments to shine without overpowering one another.

“It’s a beautiful piece that actually allows for the choir to work with the brass without them being overwhelmed,” Alban said.

The performance will feature an ensemble of two trumpets, four horns, three trombones, tuba, and organ, creating what Alban called a “tasteful big” sound.

In addition to Jongen’s work, the program includes pieces by French composer Alfred Desenclos, American composer David Conte, and Romanian composer Edgar Kozma. Each reflects the influence of French Impressionism, a style known for evoking light and color through music.

“It’s thought that the composers are trying to evoke light and color through the harmonies that they choose,” Alban said.

While the music may sound complex, organizers say audiences do not need a musical background to enjoy the performance. The emotional impact, they say, speaks for itself.

A unique challenge for the singers this year is performing several pieces in French. Choir members have been working together to master pronunciation and meaning, with help from a native speaker in the group.

Concerts are scheduled for April 17 at Front Royal Presbyterian Church, April 19 at First Baptist Church in Winchester, April 21 at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas, and April 26 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville.

The April 19 performance will also feature a guest appearance by a men’s chorus from Loyola Blakefield High School in Baltimore, adding another layer to the program.

All concerts are free and open to the public, though a freewill offering will be collected to help cover expenses, including the cost of the brass musicians.

Organizers say the goal is not just to perform, but to connect with the community. Each concert will include a reception where audience members can meet the performers.

“We want to know the audience and to know what they thought,” Alban said.

As the Blue Ridge Singers prepare to take the stage, they hope the combination of voices, brass, and expressive music will leave a lasting impression on listeners throughout the region.

For more information, visit the Blue Ridge Singers website.

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