ACMF 2024: The Human Voice - A Celebration of Song

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of vocal chamber music at the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival. Join us at and be captivated by the diverse voices that resonate within these compositions.

Experience the captivating power of the human voice at the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival's first full-length vocal concert. Held at the historic Zion Episcopal Church in Charles Town, this program promises a captivating exploration of vocal expression in all its richness.

Featuring baritone Thomas Coltman and pianist Lana Bode, the evening unfolds with a diverse selection of works by renowned composers. From the introspective beauty of Strauss's "Morgen" to the evocative longing of Vaughan-Williams' "Songs of Travel," each piece unveils a unique voice and perspective that highlight the range and scope of vocal chamber music.

Prepare to be moved by the powerful contemporary piece "Pray" by James Pecore, a testament to the enduring human spirit. Cellist Schuyler Slack joins the forces for Lori Laitman's "Seed of Dream," a captivating exploration of hope and aspiration.

The program concludes with the deeply personal journey of Samuel Barber's "Hermit Songs," a collection of poems set to music. These contrasting voices, both historical and contemporary, weave together to create a tapestry of human emotions, reminding us of the power of music to connect us all. 

Musicians

Featuring Thomas Coltman, voice and Lana Bode, piano

Violin | Martin Gwilym-Jones, Rachelle Hunt, Audrey Pride
Viola | Sam Kelder
Cello | Katie Tertell, Schuyler Slack
Bass | Sam Suggs

Program

Richard Strauss: Aus Vier Lieder, Op. 27
   Morgen! (Tomorrow!)
   Heimliche Aufforderung (Secret Invitation)

David Teie: Music for Angelo

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Songs of Travel for Baritone, String Quartet and Piano (1901-1904)
   The Vagabond
   Let Beauty Awake
   The Roadside Fire
   Youth and Love
   In Dreams
   The Infinite Shining Heavens
   Whither Must I Wander
   Bright Is the Ring of Words
   I Have Trod the Upward and the Downward Slope

-intermission-

Lori Laitman: Seed of Dream for Voice, Violoncello and Piano (2004)
   I Lie in this Coffin
   A Load of Shoes
   To My Child
  Beneath the Whiteness of your Stars
   No Sad Songs, Please

John Musto: Litany from Shadow of the Blues for Voice and Piano

Samuel Barber: Hermit Songs for Voice and Piano (1953)
   At St Patrick’s Purgatory
   Church Bell at Night
   St. Ita’s Vision
   The Heavenly Banquet
   The Crucifixion
   Sea Snatch
   Promiscuity
   The Monk and his Cat
   The Praises of God
   The Desire for Hermitage

Please note: All anticipated programs and musicians are subject to changes