WESTFIELD-Music is alive and thriving in the city and two virtual concerts this month are showcasing the talent of singers of all ages.
Nine young singers have been rehearsing since late February and their efforts will be on view during a virtual concert on June 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Kerry Cipoletta, artistic director for the Young Singers of Greater Westfield, said the students have worked hard and created “something truly unique and beautiful.”
“We have a great group of students who have endured through these trying times, never giving up their love for music,” said Cipoletta.
Students featured in this spring’s virtual concert include Aaron Boyd, Madison Boyd, Arianna Blake, Luke Bulan, Chloe Fisher, Ella Hamel, Emma Miltimore, Noah Perkins, and Ceileigh Thomson.
“This semester we focused on three very different pieces of music,” said Cipoletta. “One song is an African American Spiritual, another a traditional canoe song from Polynesia, and the third a hit from a popular musical.”
Cipoletta added that students also had the opportunity to record solo performances.
“You will hear some singing, flute playing, and ukulele strumming,” she said.
For area residents unable to view the live premier of the concert, a link to YouTube will be provided on the group’s Facebook page and website.
Cipoletta said to attend the live premier, a Google form to register can be found at https://forms.gle/JRuW7hhXiJ2hpDb89
Persons registering will receive a follow-up email with the link to attend.
Cipoletta noted the organization is always seeking to add more singers to the group, as well as volunteers. For more details on becoming involved with the Young Singers, get in touch through Facebook, Young Singers of Greater Westfield, its website – ysgw.org – or by sending an email to [email protected].
“Though it is harder to interact in this virtual world, my Young Singers come to each rehearsal eager to learn and make music,” said Cipoletta. “They put a smile on my face each time I see them!”
The concert is supported by grants from the Westfield Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the Shurtleff Fund.
The Greater Westfield Choral Association, under the music direction of Marc Winer, showcased its virtual spring concert with a launch on June 6 and the performance can now be viewed through its Facebook page – Greater Westfield Choral Association – or by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMhoS3DVOWQ
On the association’s website – www.westfieldchoral.org – the group notes “The pandemic didn’t stop us from making music in 2021. We’re all looking forward to the 2022 season when we can once again get together in person, this time for our 45th anniversary season.”
