Review: Stars shine bright on the Black Tulip Chorale at St. Paul UCC

Even though St. Louis is a large metropolitan area, it is still amazing to realize how many skilled performing ensembles--musical, theatrical and dance--flourish here, particularly when you contemplate that dedicated amateurs as well as professionals pump lifeblood into these groups despite day jobs, families and other responsibilities. Affirming their commitment to unity, integration and inclusivity, the Black Tulip Chorale capped its fifth season December 8 and 9 with a program that spanned over 300 years, arching from a Bach cantata all the way to a joyful finale specially commissioned in the 21st century and themed. During its short span of years, BTC has developed into a tight cohesive ensemble able to equally negotiate both classical and popular repertoire.

Much of the credit for the success of the Black Tulip Chorale surely is owed to founding director Robert Stumpf, who has worked tirelessly to nourish and encourage the talent of each performer, providing opportunities for narration and solo as well as ensemble work. Themed "The Stars Are Brightly Shining," the Chorale performed with an ASMR-like precision and blending of voices that brilliantly highlighted their outstanding diction. Even some of the finest choruses struggle with diction, yet every word audibly and clearly sparkled on the ears of the audience. Moreover, the unity of singers combined expressively with an equally homogeneous instrumental consort of string players, organ and piano. Pianist Curtis Farrell, along with the entire instrumental consort of string players and organ, provided much of the glue that assisted in binding the singers and musicians together under Robert Stumpf's baton.

The program opened with a vibrant rendition of J. S. Bach's cantata "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" (Now Come, Savior of the Heathen), which brilliantly displayed the vocal strength of the Chorale. It was particularly satisfying to witness the superb balance among all ranges of the voices, even as they negotiated Bach's vernacular German text with flowing fluency. The presentation of this cantata made a poignant tribute to the fact that 2023 marks the 300th anniversary--to the very month--of the first performance of the definitive version of this work at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, where he had recently been appointed as music director in 1723.

A variety of works followed the Bach cantata, ranging from the sublime to the light-hearted, yet somehow always calling the audience to reflect. The expertly written program notes reminded us that the choral version of "O Holy Night" had been translated from the original French with an emphasis to spark deeper commitment to the abolitionist movement in the United States ("for the slave is our brother"). Without preaching directly to the audience, selections such as "Alterations" by Andrea Ramsey, "When I Have Sung My Songs to You" by Ernest Charles, "Let Me Fall" by Jim Corcoran, and "Light" (from the musical "Next to Normal") led the audience to contemplate the needs to work for peace, to accept those who are different, and to never forget those who have sacrificed their lives in the process of working to achieve those goals. It is beautiful to note that this effect on the audience was produced without any words of hatred or singling out of real or perceived enemies. Rather, the Chorale, as always, simply encouraged all of us to think clearly and place ourselves in each other's shoes.

The program closed with a rousing specially commissioned work by Missouri-born composer Greg Gilpin (currently living in Indiana), "We Rise! We Sing! We Soar!" Building upon the words of British poet Arthur O'Shaughnessy:  "We are the music makers, and we are the makers of dreams," the work paid tribute not only to the power of music to transform us, but also to the unflagging devotion and skill of all musicians. Written in a short, powerful yet happy and almost boisterous style, it brought the audience to their feet for the closing ovation and sent them forth fully charged for the holiday season.

The St. Louis and southern Illinois region is blessed to have so many talented artists working tirelessly in our midst, and we are blessed that our community supports them. BTC's concert was a sold-out performance to a grateful audience. May it always continue so.

Robert Stumpf's concert format bears noting. First of all, there are no intermissions, and somehow that seems very appropriate. The music is allowed to build on its own without interruption, thus heightening the energy. Secondly, although the the power of the Chorale and orchestral ensemble seems almost greater than the sum of its parts, Stumpf regularly allows individual soloists and smaller ensembles to perform. Also, a regular component of the BTC mission is the inclusion of narratives of members' own individual stories of the challenges and triumphs they have faced. All this helps build confidence and even greater ownership by all to the work and mission of BTC, and is one of unique characteristics that imparts a unique brand to BTC. Finally--and very importantly--the program notes and printing layout produced by BTC are superb and are among the finest produced by any performing ensemble in our area. The well-written thumbnails of each work respect the intelligence of the audience and provide valuable historical context. AND...they respect the power and usage of the English language (and occasionally others languages as well) to communicate effectively--right down to careful grammar and punctuation.

If any suggestion could be made for the future development of the Black Tulip Chorale--and this should be taken as a compliment--it is that individual soloists should keep working to build their projection and the inner confidence that will shine forth in their performances. Each one is gifted with a beautiful voice, and they need to be heard. This is an ongoing process, but eminently worth pursuing. Many of the soloists project beautifully already, and all are capable and worthy of building ever higher.

The St. Louis and southern Illinois region is blessed to have so many talented artists working tirelessly in our midst, and we are blessed that our community supports them. This Black Tulip Chorale concert was a sold-out performance to a grateful audience. May it always continue thus.