Call Times and Concerts

Martin Palmeri’s Misa A Buenos Aires Misatango
for Mezzo-Soprano, Mixed Choir, Bandoneon,
Piano and String Orchestra arrived months
ago. Purchased the score; highlighted my soprano parts.

Rehearsed hours daily with a few CDs until
the music was in my head. I had music dreams.
Weekly rehearsals with the Syracuse Chorale.
The behind-the-scenes preparations before concerts.

Last week a dress rehearsal with soloist and orchestra to
fine tune this premiere performance in Central NY.
Checklist of eyeglasses, water, music score, pencil.
Get rest – lots! Proper diet and practice daily!

We are finally ready for call time and concert
and our appreciative audience. It is our final
concert for the season with Syracuse Chorale.
Our music-making does not cease however.

Next up will be the Stabat Mater by Antonín Leopold Dvořák
in August at the Prague Castle with the Berkshire Choral
International. Meanwhile, our beloved Pastor entered
eternal rest this past week and the church choir

is tasked with a visitation and prayer service followed
by a funeral Mass. Also this weekend will be First
Communion services. The life of a musician and music
minister is varied and at times intense. Would we

change anything? No. Perhaps wish for better weather
and fewer performances. The life of a music minister at
church calls for commitment. Sometimes it is challenging
to balance the singing. Concert attire is all black.

Finally we are ready for the big day and performance.
Call time is one hour ahead to warm up and get
in place before the performance. Glamorous in black tuxedos,
dresses and shoes. Enter Director. Stand. Applause. Sing.