Oaks Chamber Singers give inspirational performance at seminary Concert

"The Oaks Chamber Singers presented an inspirational program of choral and vocal music in the picturesque setting of St. John's Seminary in Camarillo on March 15.

. . .

The concert began with the solo motet "O Qui Coeli Terraeque Serenitas" for voice and strings by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by the Royal Oaks String Quartet, featuring soprano soloist Debra Schaeffer. The work is one of three surviving motets Vivaldi wrote during the Roman carnival seasons in 1723 and 1724.

. . .

The motet requires virtuosity for its soprano lead, and Debra Schaeffer's radiant voice rang throughout the chapel in the fourmovement work, which concluded with an exultant "Alleluia."

. . .

Following this was the premiere performance of a new group, the Mighty Oaks Men's Quartet, consisting of four standout vocalists from the Oaks Chamber Singers.

. . .

The centerpiece of the concert was the majestic "Stabat Mater," the last work of the tragically short-lived Giovanni Pergolesi, who died in 1736 at the age of 26. The work is divided into 12 sections, with choral parts by the Oaks Chamber Singers (led by Annette Murphy) interchanging with segments of chant, movingly sung by the trio of Edward Varias, Raymond Towne and Tom Schultz from the Gregorian Schola of Los Angeles.

The marvelous performance, with the alternating passages ringing out from opposite ends of the chapel, makes one understand why it was the most frequently published work of the 18th century. The splendid soprano solo on "Vidit suum dulcem natum" was sung by Susan Frye.

After the concert, the capacity audience remained seated for a few moments, as if to take in the resplendent setting for a little while longer before returning to the real world. For a brief time, at least, troubles were forgotten and the glorious, centuries-old music washed over all, giving concertgoers a chance to relax and enjoy the spiritual musicality of these remarkable groups."

Cary Ginell, The Acorn

"In a society awash in the banalities of popular culture, the Oaks Chamber Singers' ongoing dedication to recreating some of the truly outstanding works of the choral and vocal ar t represent a welcome island of artistic integrity... It is my great privilege to enthusiastically recommend the Oaks Chamber Singers, Annette Murphy, Director, for the 2006 Thousand Oaks Excellence in the Arts Award."

Randall K. Green, Professor of Music, Angelina College

"The Oaks Chamber Singers ... exemplify the best in community arts. The ensemble provides local singers an outlet to exercise their talents under ... a highly qualified leader. The result is a flawless performance for the enjoyment of both the community audiences and the ensemble members."

Margaret Travers, Board President, Arts Council of Conejo Valley

"For the past five years, the Oaks Chamber have been the musical cornerstone of our special programs series ... at St. John's Seminary... The Oaks Chamber Singers have always impressed me by their ability to beautifully perform a vast repertoire of musical pieces and do this with grace and dignity. They communicate their enthusiasm with a performance that engages their audience and provide an experience that delights the senses."

Rev. Leon M. Hutton, Director of Formation, St. John's Seminary

"One of my joys these last five years, since moving to California, has been the Oaks Chamber Singers. Under the skillful and nuanced direction of Annette Murphy, they consistently bring forth superior choral music to an appreciative and faithful audience. I am most grateful to be one of the many beneficiaries of this splendid group."

Robert B. Jacoby, Ph.D., Pastor Emeritus, First Presbyterion Church of Springfield

"I am happy to recommend the Oaks Chamber Singers for an Excellence in the Arts for 2006 award. This extraordinary community group ... has contributed much to the community and deserves this recognition."

Boris Brott, Music Director, New West Symphony

"What you do is a beautiful gift to us all. I was enthralled by the sound and quality. Where did the time fly?"

Fr. Leon Hutton of St. John's Seminary of Camarillo

Joanna Bushnell of Newbury Park is one of the founding members of the Oaks Chamber Singers . She has sung in many groups since college days, but, unlike some groups, she said this one is a "perfect fit".

"It is really a privilege to belong to this group. The music is so beautful... so ethereal. There is a high degree of difficulty and complexity to the music. Some of the pieces have 8 or even 12 part harmony, not something for a novice..."

THE ARTS, Thousand Oaks Star, Thursday, November 4, 1999

"For me, music is play. After long days with small children, it is wonderful, stimulating, soul-nurturing play, and Annette leads us all with excellence and a twinkle in her eye!"

Susan Frye

"Chamber music performance requires the singers to manage intimacy with the music, the other voices and the audience. Each member of the ensemble must listen intently to the other voices, be aware of the contribution his or her voice is making, and reflect the intentions of the composer. When it is well done, chamber music is every bit as satisfying as a large choral work, not because of the large sound made, but because of the precision in performing the music. The singer doesn't stand and belt it out; he or she performs it with intention and control. I enjoy the challenge of performing in a small, intimate group"

David Hill, Professor of Music at Keene College, Keene, N.H.

"Singing with the Keene Chamber Singers under Annette Murphy, was at once the most challenging and rewarding experience in the 30+ years of singing in choirs. With only 20 singers, there is no place to hide! Mrs. Murphy is very clear about what she wants from her singers, and she gets it. Her creative programming is very well received. From our first concert, we looked, sounded and felt like a professional group."

Joyce Lehman, Keene, N.H.

"Through college, through medical school and residency in the Dartmouth-Hitchcock program in Hanover, I have been a part of a number of small singing groups and performing groups. ......I have never learned so much while having so much fun as I have singing with the Keene Chamber Singers under the direction of Annette Murphy. I looked forward to the practices eagerly. I almost always came away with a new exercise or a new skill. I have never had a more organized program. We knew at the beginning of the season when and where we would be with a piece practically every week. It ws truly remarkable. We developed a confidence that a piece would gel and come together satisfactorily before performance time."

"William Byrd's Mass for Five Voices was transformed from mechanical to mystical during our evening practices. When the performance was over I can't tell you how pleasing it was to KNOW we had done something well."

Dr. Steve Larmon, Keene, N.H.