A Letter From the President of the Board
Dear Friends, The Octavo Singers are proud to once again offer Handel’s Messiah, a true centerpiece of the holiday season for so many. For more than two centuries, Messiah has provided a much needed respite from troubling current events and daily cares. It is also a time to reflect on our personal joys and sorrows since the last holiday season. Whether you are a regular or a first time audience member, we are happy to share this musical celebration with you. Looking to the New Year, we are excited to present our ‘‘Octavos Annual Gala” a fundraising event at Glen Sanders Mansion on February 9, 2020. Along with camaraderie and excellent fare (cocktail hors d’oeuvres and family style dinner with three entrées included in the price), we will enjoy the Singing Anchors, Benita Zahn and Jerry Gretzinger, presenting “Side by Side,” selections from the Great American Songbook. Tickets are available today at the door or at octavosingers.org. Seating is limited and ticket sales will end at 9 a.m. on February 3, 2020. Please join us! On April 25, 2019 we will present Dvorak’s Stabat Mater at Saint John the Evangelist Church, Union Street, Schenectady at 7:30 p.m. This evocative work, the only piece written without a commission, is stunning in its melodic and harmonic beauty. We would love to share what promises to be a moving and beautiful evening with you. Once again, thank you for being a part of this time-honored tradition today. Enjoy! If you would like to know more about us, go to octavosingers.org. Best for the Holidays and the New Year! —Diane M. Deacon, President |
The Messiah
G.F. Handel
Presented by the Octavo Singers
with the Octavo Chamber Orchestra
Curtis Funk, Artistic Director and Conductor
Jean Leonard, Soprano
Ann Marie Adamick, Mezzo-Soprano
Casey Gray, Tenor
Joshua Schultz, Bass
Sunday, March 27, 2022
Presented by the Octavo Singers
with the Octavo Chamber Orchestra
Curtis Funk, Artistic Director and Conductor
Jean Leonard, Soprano
Ann Marie Adamick, Mezzo-Soprano
Casey Gray, Tenor
Joshua Schultz, Bass
Sunday, March 27, 2022
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Part I
1.Overture Orchestra 2.Comfort ye, comfort ye my people Recitative (Tenor) 3.Every valley shall be exalted Air (Tenor) 4.And the glory of the Lord Chorus 5.Thus saith the Lord Recitative (Bass) 6.But who may abide the day of His coming Air (Bass) 7.And He shall purify Chorus 8.Behold, a virgin shall conceive Recitative (Alto) 9.O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion Air (Alto) and Chorus 10.For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth Recitative (Bass) 11.The people that walked in darkness Air (Bass) 12.For unto us a Child is born Chorus 13.There were shepherds abiding in the field Recitative (Soprano) 14.And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them Recitative (Soprano) 15.And the angel said unto them Recitative (Soprano) 16.And suddenly there was with the angel Recitative (Soprano) 17.Glory to God Chorus 18.Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion Air (Soprano) 19.Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened Recitative (Alto) 20.He shall feed His flock like a shepherd Air (Alto, Soprano) 21.His yoke is easy, and His burthen is light Chorus Part II 22.Behold the Lamb of God Chorus 23.He was despised Air (Alto) 24.Surely He hath borne our griefs Chorus 25.And with His stripes we are healed . Chorus 26.All we like sheep have gone astray Chorus 27.All they that see Him laugh Him to scorn Recitative (Tenor) 28.He trusted in God that he would deliver him Chorus 29.Thy rebuke hath broken His heart Recitative (Tenor) 30.Behold, and see if there be any sorrow Air (Tenor) 31.He was cut off out of the land of the living Recitative (Tenor) 32.But thou didst not leave His soul in hell Air (Tenor) 33.Lift up your heads, O ye gates Chorus |
— INTERMISSION --
34.Pastoral Symphony Orchestra 35.Let all the angels of God worship Him Chorus 36.Thou art gone up on high Air (Bass) 37.The Lord gave the word Chorus 38.How beautiful are the feet of them Air (Soprano) 39.Their sound is gone out into all land Chorus 40.Why do the nations so furiously rage Air (Bass) 41.Let us break their bonds asunder Chorus 42.He that dwelleth in heaven Recitative (Tenor) 43.Thou shalt break them Air (Tenor) 44.Hallelujah! Chorus Part III 45.I know that my Redeemer liveth Air (Soprano) 46.Since by man came death Chorus 47.Behold, I tell you a mystery Recitative (Bass) 48.The trumpet shall sound Air (Bass) 49.Then shall be brought to pass Recitative (Alto) 50.O death, where is thy sting? Duet (Alto and Tenor) 51.But thanks be to God Chorus 52.If God be for us, who can be against us? Air (Soprano) 53.Worthy is the Lamb Chorus |
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The Messiah—Program Notes
It has been said that the only thing two historians can agree upon is the incompetence of a third. Nonetheless, historians and musicians alike agree that one of the most popular biblical stories among composers is the Passion of Jesus Christ. If one accepts that premise, then by sheer number of performances, Handel’s Messiah is among the greatest of the Passion’s settings. By 1741, the waning of interest in Italian opera had reduced Handel’s bank account considerably. To be candid, Handel was in part responsible for the decline of Italian opera in London by composing too many in too little time. This left him quite depressed, particularly given his love of food and drink. (It is difficult to find a flattering portrait of Handel in his later years.) Handel’s finances and depression found some amelioration in the form of an invite from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to visit Dublin and stage a number of concerts. Handel began composing Messiah. Twenty-four days later, Handel finished Messiah. Librettist and elite egotist Charles Jennens prepared the text, using verses from both Old and New Testament. Handel took Messiah with him when he went to Dublin in December 1741. Shortly after arriving and staging a series of concerts of his other pieces, Handel announced with much aplomb that his new oratorio would premiere on April 13. In a display of marketing genius, Handel staged an open rehearsal the day before. Interest in attending had been brisk already, but this ploy took “Messiah fever” over the top. Hundreds of Dubliners were turned away from the premiere. The first London performance of Messiah took place a year after the Dublin premier, but it was the better part of a decade before it really caught on with Londoners. Partially hampering its success was the decision to premiere it in a theater instead of a church, and the negative press associated with ‘performing’ the word of God in a secular setting. This wasn’t so much a calculated mistake on Handel’s part as it was a ramification of his on-again, off-again relationship with the Church’s leaders in that city. Eventually, however, Messiah earned its place in Londoners’ hearts. In the early 19th Century, the availability of inexpensive vocal scores of the work allowed the piece to continue being a favorite among singers and audiences alike. A combination of many qualities affords Messiah its enduring popularity—the variety and richness of the 53 movements, the playful yet erudite matching of word and sound (known as word painting), and the seemingly effortless ability to conjure such overriding emotions as serenity, sadness, and joy. Messiah is presented in three sections. In Part the First, the emphasis is on the Redeemer’s coming. This Part ends with the chorus “His yoke is easy.” Part the Second describes the Passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. It concludes with the “Hallelujah” (get ready to stand!). In Part the Third, spiritual messages depicting Christ’s teachings and his eternal existence are set to beautiful, rich melodies. It opens with the moving Soprano aria “I know my redeemer liveth” and concludes with a five-minute “Amen” that is thought by many to be among the greatest of musical conclusions. —Curtis Funk |
The Octavo Singers
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Soprano
Patricia Aycox 90 Jane Baker 60 Darcy Baumbach Laural Burns Diana Carter 75 Diane Deacon 30 Mary Dickson-Compton Diane Hasenbein 75 Jill Hayes Kathy Hodges 30 Erin Kilmer 15 Kate Kilmer 15 Nina Kryzak 45 Julia Lee Gayle McLaughlin 30 Jo Page 15 Mary Park Flanders Susan Pascazio 45 Marcella Reiter Kathryn Rose 15 Gloria Sleeter 30 Brenda Smith-Booth 45 Janet Stasio Sofia Stolkarts 15 Christine Suhr 75 Marygrace Tagarelli Katherine Trimarco 120 Janice Walz 135 Elaine Wertalik 30 |
Alto
Cathie-Jo Brun Alison Calvagno Fran Carroll 30 Meg Eckhardt Jill Faustel 15 Lena Faustel Danielle Funk 15 Sandra Governor 15 Veronica Herring 30 Judith Israel 30 Doris Kirk 90 Jean Lamere 15 Susan Larsen 75 Katherine Ludewig 105 Wendy Luft 15 Linda Mayou Heather McCord 45 Angela Nelligan 30 Deborah Pavlus 75 Leah Rucinski Stacey Shinske Danielle Shubert Pat Sweeney 15 Debbie West Mary Widdis Christine Yost 75 |
Tenor
Brad Biondo Clark Cooper 30 Nancy Davis Andrew Harvey 15 Richard Hasenbein 75 Alec Hicks Benjamin Pomerance Roger Sheffer Sondra Sherry Daniel Sleasman Harlene Smalkin 45 Alex Turpin Susanne Wither 30 |
Bass
Julius Aycox 30 Don Beaulac 15 John Bonaker 15 Mike Brun Richard Carroll 15 Frank Clapper Stephen Davies Mark Eamer Rick Eckhardt Stan Kaltenborn Nikolas Krainchich Clifford Lamere 30 Matthew Pascazio George Repicky 60 David Roberts 15 Kenneth Rudolph Christopher Rush 30 Thomas Smith 45 Steven Sokal 15 Terry Topka 15 George Trimarco 60 David Walz 60 |
15–150 denotes concert performance milestones in 15-concert increments.
Octavo Singers Staff
Curtis Funk, Artistic Director
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Detroit, Curtis attended Michigan State University, where he studied piano with Ralph Votapek, tuba/euphonium with Leonard Falcone and organ with Corliss Arnold. He also attended Eastern Michigan University, where he studied composition with Anthony Iannaccone. Upon graduation, Curtis studied conducting with Gustav Meier of the Tanglewood Music Center. Curtis has taught vocal, instrumental, and classroom music in three public school districts and has been the music director at numerous churches for over 35 years. Currently, he is the organist at Trinity United Methodist Church on Lark Street in Albany. He is also the Music Director of the Fort Orange Club Singers, and an Adjunct Professor of Music at the College of St. Rose. In addition to his permanent positions, Curtis has guest conducted the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the Dorothy Welch Choral Society, the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, and various ad hoc music ensembles in New York City and Long Island.
Curtis also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and is the Director of the Finance and Budget Office for the NYS Department of Public Service. He lives in Niskayuna with his wife, Danielle Funk, and a menagerie of pets. He has two daughters, Liz and Allie.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Detroit, Curtis attended Michigan State University, where he studied piano with Ralph Votapek, tuba/euphonium with Leonard Falcone and organ with Corliss Arnold. He also attended Eastern Michigan University, where he studied composition with Anthony Iannaccone. Upon graduation, Curtis studied conducting with Gustav Meier of the Tanglewood Music Center. Curtis has taught vocal, instrumental, and classroom music in three public school districts and has been the music director at numerous churches for over 35 years. Currently, he is the organist at Trinity United Methodist Church on Lark Street in Albany. He is also the Music Director of the Fort Orange Club Singers, and an Adjunct Professor of Music at the College of St. Rose. In addition to his permanent positions, Curtis has guest conducted the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the Dorothy Welch Choral Society, the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, and various ad hoc music ensembles in New York City and Long Island.
Curtis also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and is the Director of the Finance and Budget Office for the NYS Department of Public Service. He lives in Niskayuna with his wife, Danielle Funk, and a menagerie of pets. He has two daughters, Liz and Allie.
Trevor Kahlbaugh, Accompanist
Trevor is a native of the Capital Region, where he began studying the piano and the organ at an early age. He completed his undergraduate study in organ performance and church music at Indiana University. His teachers have included Dr. Lloyd E. Cast, Dr. Marilyn Keiser, Dr. Christopher Young, and Dr. John Schwandt. As a church musician, Trevor has had the privilege of serving many parishes. Most notably, he has served as organ scholar and assistant choirmaster at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, New York; as assistant music director at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bloomington, Indiana; and as organist at Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany. He currently serves as organist at First Presbyterian Church in Albany. In addition to his duties at First Presbyterian, he maintains an active studio of piano and organ students of all ages and is a studio accompanist at the University at Albany and the College of St. Rose. Trevor has performed in recitals and concerts throughout the United States and Europe and has fulfilled many accompanying engagements in the Capital Region.
Trevor is a native of the Capital Region, where he began studying the piano and the organ at an early age. He completed his undergraduate study in organ performance and church music at Indiana University. His teachers have included Dr. Lloyd E. Cast, Dr. Marilyn Keiser, Dr. Christopher Young, and Dr. John Schwandt. As a church musician, Trevor has had the privilege of serving many parishes. Most notably, he has served as organ scholar and assistant choirmaster at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, New York; as assistant music director at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bloomington, Indiana; and as organist at Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany. He currently serves as organist at First Presbyterian Church in Albany. In addition to his duties at First Presbyterian, he maintains an active studio of piano and organ students of all ages and is a studio accompanist at the University at Albany and the College of St. Rose. Trevor has performed in recitals and concerts throughout the United States and Europe and has fulfilled many accompanying engagements in the Capital Region.
Guest Soloists
Jean Leonard, Soprano
Over the last 20 years, soprano Jean has been heard with Albany Pro Musica, Schenectady’s Octavo Singers, Auriel Camerata, and the Musicians of Ma’alwyck. Jean’s solo opportunities include the Bach Magnificat, Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, Handel’s Messiah, Puccini’s Stabat Mater, McCullough’s Song of the Shulamite, and Beethoven’s Mass in C Major. She has been a guest soloist with the Oneida Area Civic Chorale and the St. John’s UUC Music Series, and has presented recitals for the St. Paul’s Tuesdays at Noon concert series, the Bethlehem Public Library Friends of the Library Music Series, and the First Friday Music Series at First Reformed Church of Schenectady.
Jean’s past stage credits include various musical theatre and operetta roles. Most recently, Jean was thrilled to perform in the world premiere of the opera Aleda, The Flight of the Suffbird Women with the Musicians of Ma’alwyck. Jean is a cantor at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, and a member of the High Holy Day choir at Congregation Beth Emeth. Jean has studied under the direction of William Leyerle, Dr. Pamela Kurau and most recently Anne Z. Turner.
When not on stage or at work as the Chief of Staff at Proctors, her time is spent singing and dancing in the car as she plays the role of Uber Driver for her teenage children, Morgan, Kara, and Jack. They find her car antics rather embarrassing. Thankfully her husband Rob continues to be amused.
Over the last 20 years, soprano Jean has been heard with Albany Pro Musica, Schenectady’s Octavo Singers, Auriel Camerata, and the Musicians of Ma’alwyck. Jean’s solo opportunities include the Bach Magnificat, Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, Handel’s Messiah, Puccini’s Stabat Mater, McCullough’s Song of the Shulamite, and Beethoven’s Mass in C Major. She has been a guest soloist with the Oneida Area Civic Chorale and the St. John’s UUC Music Series, and has presented recitals for the St. Paul’s Tuesdays at Noon concert series, the Bethlehem Public Library Friends of the Library Music Series, and the First Friday Music Series at First Reformed Church of Schenectady.
Jean’s past stage credits include various musical theatre and operetta roles. Most recently, Jean was thrilled to perform in the world premiere of the opera Aleda, The Flight of the Suffbird Women with the Musicians of Ma’alwyck. Jean is a cantor at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, and a member of the High Holy Day choir at Congregation Beth Emeth. Jean has studied under the direction of William Leyerle, Dr. Pamela Kurau and most recently Anne Z. Turner.
When not on stage or at work as the Chief of Staff at Proctors, her time is spent singing and dancing in the car as she plays the role of Uber Driver for her teenage children, Morgan, Kara, and Jack. They find her car antics rather embarrassing. Thankfully her husband Rob continues to be amused.
Ann Marie Adamick, Mezzo-Soprano
Ann Marie Adamick is a lifelong singer and performer who has worked with a variety of classical choral groups for over thirty years. She is a frequent soloist with the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society and Schenectady Octavo Singers, appearing in performances of Handel’s The Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Mozart’s Requiem, Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, Bach’s Magnificat, Vivaldi’s Gloria and Rutter’s Magnificat. Ann Marie was the alto soloist in the 2011 world premiere of Thomas F. Savoy’s chancel opera, The Agon of St. Joseph, and made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2012 performing the Slavonic liturgical works of Vladimir Pleshakov. She is a member of Auriel Camerata and Clare Ensemble Singers, and has also appeared as a soloist with Albany Pro Musica and the Hudson-Mohawk Chorale. Equally at home with musical theater, Ann Marie has performed many leading roles with Syracuse-based Theater ’90 and Talent Company production companies. Ann Marie has studied with Anne Turner and Carolyn Amory. She is a University at Albany graduate and teaches English as a Second Language and Mandarin Chinese for WSWHE BOCES.
Ann Marie Adamick is a lifelong singer and performer who has worked with a variety of classical choral groups for over thirty years. She is a frequent soloist with the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society and Schenectady Octavo Singers, appearing in performances of Handel’s The Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Mozart’s Requiem, Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, Bach’s Magnificat, Vivaldi’s Gloria and Rutter’s Magnificat. Ann Marie was the alto soloist in the 2011 world premiere of Thomas F. Savoy’s chancel opera, The Agon of St. Joseph, and made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2012 performing the Slavonic liturgical works of Vladimir Pleshakov. She is a member of Auriel Camerata and Clare Ensemble Singers, and has also appeared as a soloist with Albany Pro Musica and the Hudson-Mohawk Chorale. Equally at home with musical theater, Ann Marie has performed many leading roles with Syracuse-based Theater ’90 and Talent Company production companies. Ann Marie has studied with Anne Turner and Carolyn Amory. She is a University at Albany graduate and teaches English as a Second Language and Mandarin Chinese for WSWHE BOCES.
Casey Gray, Tenor
Casey Gray is an adjunct faculty member at The College of Saint Rose, Managing Director & Vocal Coach/Music Director at the Saratoga Children’s Theatre, and Organist at Jonesville UMC. He earned his Master of Music degree in Voice Performance from SUNY Fredonia, where he studied with Laurie Tramuta. In 2009, he earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music: Voice, cum laude from Bethany College where he studied with David J. Rudari.
Casey is thrilled to be joining the Octavos again as a soloist. He has also performed with the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, was a member of the Auriel Camerata, and performed the role of Pirelli in Schenectady Light Opera Company’s production of Sweeney Todd (2016). Additionally, he has performed with the Hillman Opera in La Bohème, as Pitichinaccio in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, and, in his first appearance as a guest artist, as Little Bat in Susannah in 2014. In 2011 he premiered as the Evangelist/Victim in Samaritan, a Chamber Oratorio by composer Sean Doyle. With the Western New York Chamber Orchestra he has performed the role of Alfred in Die Fledermaus. In the summer of 2008 he studied with Wanda Brister and performed as a soloist at the Schlern International Music Festival in Völs am Schlern, Italy. Casey continues to be an active recitalist and performer throughout New York State and is in demand as a voice teacher, vocal coach, and accompanist for various programs throughout the Capital region.
Casey Gray is an adjunct faculty member at The College of Saint Rose, Managing Director & Vocal Coach/Music Director at the Saratoga Children’s Theatre, and Organist at Jonesville UMC. He earned his Master of Music degree in Voice Performance from SUNY Fredonia, where he studied with Laurie Tramuta. In 2009, he earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music: Voice, cum laude from Bethany College where he studied with David J. Rudari.
Casey is thrilled to be joining the Octavos again as a soloist. He has also performed with the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, was a member of the Auriel Camerata, and performed the role of Pirelli in Schenectady Light Opera Company’s production of Sweeney Todd (2016). Additionally, he has performed with the Hillman Opera in La Bohème, as Pitichinaccio in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, and, in his first appearance as a guest artist, as Little Bat in Susannah in 2014. In 2011 he premiered as the Evangelist/Victim in Samaritan, a Chamber Oratorio by composer Sean Doyle. With the Western New York Chamber Orchestra he has performed the role of Alfred in Die Fledermaus. In the summer of 2008 he studied with Wanda Brister and performed as a soloist at the Schlern International Music Festival in Völs am Schlern, Italy. Casey continues to be an active recitalist and performer throughout New York State and is in demand as a voice teacher, vocal coach, and accompanist for various programs throughout the Capital region.
Joshua Schultz, Bass
Joshua Shultz is an undergraduate student studying Music Industry and Business at The College of Saint Rose. He has been singing for 15 years and has performed in a wide range of styles. In addition to classical voice, he has participated and led jazz, rock, and hip-hop ensembles, and also composes EDM and Electronica under the artist name MISTAjOSH. Joshua also teaches individual music lessons at Guilderland Music Academy and is looking forward to an industry career as both an artist and artist manager/advocate.
Joshua Shultz is an undergraduate student studying Music Industry and Business at The College of Saint Rose. He has been singing for 15 years and has performed in a wide range of styles. In addition to classical voice, he has participated and led jazz, rock, and hip-hop ensembles, and also composes EDM and Electronica under the artist name MISTAjOSH. Joshua also teaches individual music lessons at Guilderland Music Academy and is looking forward to an industry career as both an artist and artist manager/advocate.
Upcoming Performances
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MORE?
The Octavo Chamber Orchestra
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Violin I
Michael Emery, Concertmaster Nathan Lawrence Heather Chan Violin II Julie Signitizer Jessica Belflower Marla Bracco |
Viola
Stephani Emery Beth Moll Cello André O’Neil Bass Taylor Abbitt |
Bassoon
Susan Daves Oboe Cathryn Jones Susan Gierthy Trumpet Peter Bellino |
Timpani
Kathy Lowery Continuo Trevor Kahlbaugh Orchestra Contractor Stephani Emery |
Our 2019–2020 Donors, to date
We are grateful for the support of our donors. This community involvement allows us to continue to entertain and enlighten our audiences each concert season. For information on how you can help support the Octavo Singers, visit our Support page.
We are grateful for the support of our donors. This community involvement allows us to continue to entertain and enlighten our audiences each concert season. For information on how you can help support the Octavo Singers, visit our Support page.
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Partner
David & Janice Walz Honorary Maestro Diane M. Deacon Katherine Ludewig Anonymous |
Benefactor
Jane Baker Sandi Donahue David Kahlbaugh Marianne & Daniel M. Sleasman Melvin Wigler |
Patron
Jonathan S. Ewbank & Meredith C. Ewbank Diane & Richard Hasenbein Howard Hasenbein Doris S. Kirk David B. Roberts Chris & Pat Rush |
Supporter
Mr. & Mrs. Les Hipenbecker Richard Mazzaferro Max & Linda Rodriguez In Honor Diana Carter by Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church |
Octavo Singers of Schenectady Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
The Messiah—Libretto
Part I
1.Overture
2.Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. —Isaiah 40:1-3
3.Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough places plain. —Isaiah 40:4
4.And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. —Isaiah 40:5
5.Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come. The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. —Haggai 2:6,7
6.But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner’s fire. —Malachi 3:1,2
7.And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. —Malachi 3:3
8.Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us. —Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23
9.O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain; O thou that tallest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. —Isaiah 40:9
10.For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. —Isaiah 60:2,3
11.The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
—Isaiah 9:2 (Matthew 3:16)
12.For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Ever-lasting Father, the Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6
13.There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
—Luke 2:8
14.And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. —Luke 2:9
15.And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. —Luke 2:10,11
16.And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying —Luke 2:13
17.Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men.
—Luke 2:14
18.Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. —Zechariah 9:9,10
19.Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.
—Isaiah 35:5,6
20.He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and He shall give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him; for He is meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. —Isaiah 40:11, Matthew 11:28,29
21.His yoke is easy and His burthen is light. —Matthew 11:28-30
Part II
22.Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. —John 1:29
23.He was despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: He hid not His face from shame and spitting. —Isaiah 53:3
24.Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. —Isaiah 53:4-5
25.And with His stripes we are healed. —Isaiah 53:5b
26.All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. —Isaiah 53:6
27.All they that see Him laugh Him to scorn, they shoot out their lips, they shake their heads, saying --Psalm 22:7
28.He trusted in God that he would deliver him; let him deliver him, if he delight in him. —Psalm 22:8 (Matthew 27:43)
29.Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; He is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on Him, but there was no man; neither found He any to comfort Him.
—Psalm 69:20
30.Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow. —Lamentations 1:12
31.He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of Thy people was He stricken. —Isaiah 53:8b
32.But thou didst not leave His soul in hell; neither didst thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. —Psalm 16:10 (Acts 2:27)
33.Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory. —Psalm 24:7-10
— INTERMISSION --
34.Pastoral Symphony
35.Let all the angels of God worship Him. —Hebrews 1:6b
36.Thou art gone up on high, Thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men; yea, even for Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
—Psalm 68:18 (Ephesians 4:8)
37.The Lord gave the word: great was the company of the preachers. —Psalm 68:11
38.How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! —Romans 10:15 (Isaiah 52:7)
39.Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world.
—Romans 10:18 (Psalm 19:4)
40.Why do the nations so furiously rage together? Why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His anointed. —Psalm 2:1,2 (Acts 4:25,26)
41.Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us. —Psalm 2:3
42.He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision. —Psalm 2:4
43.Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. —Psalm 2:9
44.Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Hallelujah!
—Revelations 19:6, 11:15, 19:16
Part III
45.I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first-fruits of them that sleep.
—Job 19:25,26; 1 Corinthians 15:20
46.Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. —1 Corinthians 15:21
47.Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. —1 Corinthians 15:51,52
48.The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised in corruptible, and we shall be changed. —1 Corinthians 15:52,53
49.Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ —1 Corinthians 15:54b (Isaiah 25:8)
50.O death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. —1 Corinthians 15:55,56 (Hosea 13:14)
51.But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
—1 Corinthians 15:5
52.If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us. —Romans 8:31,33,34
53.Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen. —Revelations 5:12,13
1.Overture
2.Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. —Isaiah 40:1-3
3.Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough places plain. —Isaiah 40:4
4.And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. —Isaiah 40:5
5.Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come. The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. —Haggai 2:6,7
6.But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner’s fire. —Malachi 3:1,2
7.And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. —Malachi 3:3
8.Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us. —Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23
9.O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain; O thou that tallest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. —Isaiah 40:9
10.For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. —Isaiah 60:2,3
11.The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
—Isaiah 9:2 (Matthew 3:16)
12.For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Ever-lasting Father, the Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6
13.There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
—Luke 2:8
14.And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. —Luke 2:9
15.And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. —Luke 2:10,11
16.And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying —Luke 2:13
17.Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men.
—Luke 2:14
18.Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. —Zechariah 9:9,10
19.Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.
—Isaiah 35:5,6
20.He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and He shall give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him; for He is meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. —Isaiah 40:11, Matthew 11:28,29
21.His yoke is easy and His burthen is light. —Matthew 11:28-30
Part II
22.Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. —John 1:29
23.He was despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: He hid not His face from shame and spitting. —Isaiah 53:3
24.Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. —Isaiah 53:4-5
25.And with His stripes we are healed. —Isaiah 53:5b
26.All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. —Isaiah 53:6
27.All they that see Him laugh Him to scorn, they shoot out their lips, they shake their heads, saying --Psalm 22:7
28.He trusted in God that he would deliver him; let him deliver him, if he delight in him. —Psalm 22:8 (Matthew 27:43)
29.Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; He is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on Him, but there was no man; neither found He any to comfort Him.
—Psalm 69:20
30.Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow. —Lamentations 1:12
31.He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of Thy people was He stricken. —Isaiah 53:8b
32.But thou didst not leave His soul in hell; neither didst thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. —Psalm 16:10 (Acts 2:27)
33.Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory. —Psalm 24:7-10
— INTERMISSION --
34.Pastoral Symphony
35.Let all the angels of God worship Him. —Hebrews 1:6b
36.Thou art gone up on high, Thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men; yea, even for Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
—Psalm 68:18 (Ephesians 4:8)
37.The Lord gave the word: great was the company of the preachers. —Psalm 68:11
38.How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! —Romans 10:15 (Isaiah 52:7)
39.Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world.
—Romans 10:18 (Psalm 19:4)
40.Why do the nations so furiously rage together? Why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His anointed. —Psalm 2:1,2 (Acts 4:25,26)
41.Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us. —Psalm 2:3
42.He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision. —Psalm 2:4
43.Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. —Psalm 2:9
44.Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Hallelujah!
—Revelations 19:6, 11:15, 19:16
Part III
45.I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first-fruits of them that sleep.
—Job 19:25,26; 1 Corinthians 15:20
46.Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. —1 Corinthians 15:21
47.Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. —1 Corinthians 15:51,52
48.The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised in corruptible, and we shall be changed. —1 Corinthians 15:52,53
49.Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ —1 Corinthians 15:54b (Isaiah 25:8)
50.O death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. —1 Corinthians 15:55,56 (Hosea 13:14)
51.But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
—1 Corinthians 15:5
52.If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us. —Romans 8:31,33,34
53.Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen. —Revelations 5:12,13
A Brief History of the Octavo Singers
The Octavo Singers have been a choral tradition since the Great Depression. In the early 1930s, the Schenectady Recreation Department used Federal WPA funds to promote low-cost recreation, including choral groups. Directed by a young music teacher, Gordon Mason, the groups sang just for fun. Wishing to continue even after the WPA funds ran out, some of the singers founded the Octavo Singers. What they had in common was a genuine delight in the challenge of learning and performing great choral works. For many years, the Octavo Singers were the only oratorio society in this part of the state.
Upon Mason’s retirement at the end of the 1969-1970 season, George Moross, a member of the chorus, assumed leadership and introduced orchestral accompaniment to the group’s performances. Under his leadership the group introduced several lesser known pieces to the area, including Orff ’s Carmina Burana, Rachmaninoff ’s Vespers, and Bloch’s Sacred Service, as well as commissioned works by local composers Thomas Savoy, Cici Hunt, Joseph Orietas, and Brian Hoffman. Following Morross’s death in 2010, the Board of Directors approved Curtis Funk as the new artistic director in March 2011. The following February, Trevor Kahlbaugh assumed the position of accompanist.
Upon Mason’s retirement at the end of the 1969-1970 season, George Moross, a member of the chorus, assumed leadership and introduced orchestral accompaniment to the group’s performances. Under his leadership the group introduced several lesser known pieces to the area, including Orff ’s Carmina Burana, Rachmaninoff ’s Vespers, and Bloch’s Sacred Service, as well as commissioned works by local composers Thomas Savoy, Cici Hunt, Joseph Orietas, and Brian Hoffman. Following Morross’s death in 2010, the Board of Directors approved Curtis Funk as the new artistic director in March 2011. The following February, Trevor Kahlbaugh assumed the position of accompanist.
Behind the Scenes
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Executive Board
Diane Deacon, President Judy Israel, 1st VP—Ways and Means Meg Eckhardt, 2nd VP—Publicity Katie Rose, Secretary Wendy Luft, Treasurer Curtis Funk, Artistic Director David Roberts, Member at Large Christine Yost, Member at Large Nina Kryzak, Member at Large |
Volunteer Leadership
Gayle McLaughlin and Jo Page, Scholarship Committee Jerry and Fran Carroll, Donor Relations Nina Kryzak, Grant Writer Danielle Funk, Webmaster Janice Walz and Patricia Aycox, Personnel Committee |
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