At 4 pm on Sunday, Dec 6, the Kalamazoo Bach Festival will release its annual holiday concert online, in a year when the COVID-19 pandemic has put a stop to live concerts. Director Chris Ludwa and featured soloist Ben Gulley give Cara Lieurance a preview of the production.
It was months in the making and blends the voices of the choir and soloists who mostly recorded their solo tracks at home, with help from pre-recorded guide tracks and video conducting from Ludwa. Even with these challenges, Ludwa says he kept in mind the beloved holiday specials TV networks used to air, as well as a look to the future with new premieres and celebrations of different traditions. Gulley, a tenor with an international career who recently moved to Kalamazoo, admits to singing the high C in "O Holy Night" while sitting at his computer, wired to his headphones. He says he and the other singers were buoyed up by Ludwa's enthusiasm during a difficult time for musicians everywhere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMRV-YuBUP0&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1jL6bTaPLAV5xOvS96hI08GxcFH1IuKtnxyZsiloSC3wtZOPFP3Z-OfBQ
You can stay in touch with WMUK music on Facebook, Twitter, and by signing up for our eNewsletter.
