Over The Rainbow: A Free Concert Presented by the Travelers Chorale
Bushnell Center for Performing Arts
Hartford
May 16, 2024
Life is full of surprises, and I experienced an excellent one on Thursday evening when I went to the “Over the Rainbow” concert, a performance featuring the Travelers Chorale and Manchester Symphony Orchestra at the Bushnell in Hartford. The concert also served as a food drive, where the price of admission was the suggested donation of a nonperishable food item.
Yes, that Travelers.
First of all, I would have never imagined that an insurance company has a chorus. As it turns out, Travelers has had one for 100 years. It was formed in 1924 as the Travelers Choral Club and performed in the building’s auditorium until it began its tradition of performing in the Bushnell in 1931.
Secondly, I couldn’t have guessed that the chorale would be so incredible. While thanking the conductors and various staff and performers who supported the performance, Chorale President Don Weber joked that their patience was invaluable, as they were teaching music to “a group of insurance professionals.”
You could have certainly fooled me. The Travelers Chorale was easily the most enjoyable choral group I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t believe that there were so many talented singers working for one organization. And that was the kicker: These were all working people with a regular job that demands most of their attention throughout the day. They still find the time to maintain a level of musical excellence that rivals any professional performance I’ve attended.
It made me think about the multitudes that exist within every individual. I know that sounds grandiose, but it was a grandiose performance, so I beg your indulgence. The depths of talent on display seemed so far beyond what I’m sure is a constrained rehearsal schedule due to the responsibilities of the chorale members. Not only are they full-time employees, but they are family and community members who must have any number of demands on their time. They still manage to make some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard.
The Manchester Symphony Orchestra has a 50-year pedigree of professional and amateur volunteer musicians coming together to bring music and music education to the Manchester community. As a former band nerd, I love few things more than live orchestral music; the pairing of the MSO with Travelers Chorale was a match made in heaven.
A few pieces stood out above the rest for me. The concert began with a stirring choral rendition of “Carry Me Home” arranged by Joel Raney. Travelers Chorale came out swinging, with the group covering everything from the lower octaves of “Swing low, sweet chariot” to soaring runs with high energy and crystal clear sounds. They let it be known early that this wasn’t some rinky-dink chorus that sings for each other. This was seriously good music performed by people who are serious about good music.
My favorite piece of the first half of the show was the “Phantom of the Opera Medley” arranged by Ed Lojeski. Even though the performance had to substitute a keyboard for an actual organ, it was more than capable of belting out the chilling chords that Phantom is known for. It was my first time hearing the music from the mega-hit; I was surprised at how tender the lyrics were, delivered by several outstanding soloists who took turns in the spotlight. The performance made me regret never seeing Phantom on Broadway before it closed permanently.
The Manchester Symphony Orchestra played a couple of selections from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was a playful contrast to the heaviness of Phantom. I heard their music before I could see the symphony, and was immediately disappointed, because I thought I was hearing a recording of the orchestra. But I’m an orchestra noob, so I didn’t realize that they were playing from the pit in front of the stage. Watching them rise up as the violins and woodwinds produced their whimsical fairy music was a dramatic image I won’t soon forget.
In the second half of the performance, Latanya Farrell sang “The Greatest Love of All” as a solo performer. Although Farrell is listed as a professional singer, she too has a day job, as the principal of Stafford Elementary School in Bristol. Her performance was another example of how someone who seems too busy for the arts can in fact excel at them.
The Chorale and MSO joined forces for the last four songs of the show, and that’s where I heard my favorite piece of the evening: “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” arranged by Mark Hayes. Although I’m a still-recovering clarinet player, my favorite instrument is the French Horn, so I instantly recognized its breezy, brassy sound as the song opened. Somehow they gathered all the featured sounds I enjoy the most into one song: triangle, wind chimes, an oboe solo, and deep harmonizing from the choir. The concert wasn’t even over yet, and I was ready to give a standing ovation.
I had a wonderful time at the Bushnell, and came away with a true appreciation for what dedication to the arts can accomplish even when time is at a premium. The Travelers Chorale will be holding its 100th anniversary Winter and Spring concerts in late 2024 and 2025. You better believe I’ll be there in the front row.
NEXT
The Bushnell Center for Performing Arts presents Madame Butterfly on May 18.
Jamil is taking the weekend off. See you next week!
