Five rings, a torch, and the sound of a fanfare–these are some of the most recognizable symbols of the Olympic Games. The Games themselves symbolize international friendship, human excellence, perseverance, and teamwork. In celebration of these ideals, the Dubuque Chorale, their chamber choir Cadenza, and both Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choirs present their fall concert, Olympic Dreams.
The Olympic theme is fitting for 2024, not only due to the recent Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, but also because this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Winter Olympic Games, which began in the Alpine town of Chamonix, France in 1924. In celebrating this milestone, this concert invites the Dubuque community to reflect on how the spirit of the Games can inspire us in all aspects of life.
Dubuque Chorale Artistic Director Dr. Amanda Huntleigh says, “Olympic Dreams is about committing to work toward a goal with hope. It is about dreaming what might be possible…, finding inner strength to work toward it, and sticking it out, especially when it is challenging.” The same spirit that drives Olympians can inspire people to pursue excellence in all their endeavors, including the arts. According to Dr. Huntleigh, “All expertise requires tens of thousands of hours of practice to achieve. That is true for elite athletes and professional musicians alike.”
The practice of music and sport both require dedication to training the mind and body, as well as working as a team to achieve a common goal. Victoria Bausman, director of one of the Children’s Choirs, says that one aspect she loves about choral music is that it requires collaboration, “Each person’s voice, each person’s practice and participation matters, but it’s what it adds to the group that is the main focus.”
Throughout the history of the modern games, music has played a special role, from soundtracking events like figure skating and the newly introduced breaking, to celebrating the cultural identity of the host nation. Several pieces of music also serve as symbols of the games, from Spýros Samáaras’s “Olympic Anthem,” composed for the inaugural modern games in 1896, to 20th century compositions like Leo Arnaud’s “Bugler’s Dream,” John Williams’s “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” and the titular theme from Chariots of Fire.
Iconic performances from the history of the games inspire athletes and spectators alike to embrace the Olympic spirit. The Children’s choirs will remind audiences of one such performance with their rendition of Gloria Estefan’s “Reach.” “It is an iconic tune that brings me back to 1996 whenever I hear it,” says Karmella Sellers, program director for the Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choirs. “Music and sport are two fields where grit, determination and practice are needed to succeed…I hope [this] becomes a song of encouragement for our singers.” Audience members will also recognize fanfares and familiar Olympic themes performed by trumpeter Amy Dunker as part of the transitions within the program. In addition to songs performed at the games, the concert features music that captures the Olympic spirit, such as “Go the Distance” from Disney’s Hercules and “Heroes,” by David Bowie and Brian Eno.
Come and let the Dubuque Chorale inspire you to pursue your own Olympic Dreams.
Olympic Dreams will be performed at 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 9, and at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 10, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2155 University Ave, Dubuque.
There is no charge for admission; freewill donations will be accepted.
For further details, visit DubuqueChorale.org.
Thank you to our sponsors and in-kind donors: Premier Bank, Gronen, Home and Floor Show, Iowa Arts Council, City of Dubuque, DRA, National Endowment for the Arts, Henry Family Foundation, Schoen Family Charitable Trust, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Grand View Methodist Church, Church of the Nativity, and the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation.
We couldn’t do it without you!
Click to subscribe for convenient delivery of Julien’s Journal by mail, or call (563) 557-7571. Single issues are available in print at area newsstands and digitally on JuliensJournal.com.
Comment here