JANUARY 27, 1995 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

21

EVENINGS OUT

Ensemble welcomes the New Year with song

Windsong Womyn's Ensemble Unitarian Society of Cleveland January 14

Reviewed by Lucy Dearly

The weather outside was not frightful, only unusually warm for the Windsong Womyn's Ensemble winter concert. Conductor Diane Hobus led her women's chorus through challenging music by local women composers to traditional folk music.

This was the Ensemble's second concert. They premiered wonderfully at Ursuline College last June, and this music lover has been anxiously awaiting their second concert. The Unitarian Society of Cleveland provided a less formal setting than Ursuline's Little Theatre, but the acoustics were good and the seating roomier. Parking as always with any program at the Unitarian Society was constrained. Next time I vow to arrive earlier so I don't have to rush from the parking garage a block away.

The Ensemble began their concert with "Twenty-first Century Woman,” arranged by Kay Gardner, an empowering opening to a concert that would focus on the celebration of the earth and the strength of women. Humor is never forgotten (they do meet for the "pleasure of making music") and the presentation of "Where Are the Simple Joys of Maidenhood," complete with slides accentuating the verses, was great fun.

The group is beginning to show more and more of the individual talents that make up the Windsong Womyn's Ensemble. Soloists Beth Czatt-Weidner, singing "Not A Day Goes By," and Michele Colopy singing "I'll Never Say Goodbye," reminded me that Valentine's Day is not far away.

A brief intermission allowed us all to so-

cialize with old friends. The Ensemble brought us back with a rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Louise, who included this concert in her birthday celebration.

In the second half of the concert, the Ensemble was warmed up and more relaxed as they treated us to the true story, in music, of two women attending their high school prom. The traditional "Let Peace Fill the Earth/Vine and Fig Tree" had audience members joining in the Hebrew reprise as the tempo increased and winded the conductor.

Song introductions were timed well. After "Vine and Fig Tree" was a brief 'commercial' for the Ensemble, affording the conductor time to catch her breath. Hobus is quite comfortable with an audience, making us feel as if we are an integral part of their performance. This Ensemble sings for us, not to us.

Of the twelve songs presented in this concert, "Merry Are the Bells" came the closest to being a "holiday" song. The subtle additions of hammered dulcimer and bells have made this now one of my favorite winter songs. The variety and depth of this small ensemble is evident in the music they sing. This group of twelve women astounded me when they sang "Blue Eye of God" at their first concert. They continue to grow as vocalists, especially with songs such as "Marie" and "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel."

The Ensemble is building a very appreciative audience as they continue to build their repertoire. One audience member exclaimed, "This was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday evening. It was fun, safe, social, and entertaining." Future performances for the Windsong Womyn's Ensemble are at the Earth Day activities at the Cleveland Zoo, April 23; at the Archwood United Church of Christ April 30, and a summer concert during Pride activities.

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