Big changes on the horizon for Ariose Singers as season ends

BY CATHERINE PICKERELL

The Ariose Singers, a 16-member vocal ensemble, close their fifth season May 20-21 with the concert "Spring!" featuring music from Mendelssohn to Piazzolla. Concerts are May 20 at 8 p.m. at the Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga, Santa Cruz, and May 21 at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 9850 Monroe Ave., Aptos.

The singers will perform Mendelssohn's "Op.100," three selections from "Frogs," a collection of Haiku poems set to music by Norman Dinerstein, "...And Sparrows Everywhere" by contemporary composer Libby Larsen, two seasonal pieces by Argentine tango master, Astor Piazzolla, arranged for chamber choir by Oscar Escalada; as well as several renaissance madrigals by various composers.

Director Leta Miller said this concert exemplifies the type of programs she has favored over the years.

"It's an eclectic mix of works centering loosely around a broad theme. The music ranges from renaissance pieces to contemporary and features works rarely performed in this county. The works were chosen after an extensive search on my part, in which I rejected many pieces and finally came out with this program of small gems."

For the members of Ariose, this month's concert will be one of mixed feelings -- a happy musical celebration to welcome the long-awaited springtime, and a fond but sad farewell to their director. Now that her fledgling chamber choir has its wings, Miller has decided to cut them loose and let them fly on their own. This performance marks her last appearance with the group.

After founding The Ariose Singers five years ago and serving as conductor and artistic director since then, Miller has decided that it is time for her to pass the conductor's baton on to someone else.

Miller has asked Michael "Mickey" McGushin to take up the directorship of Ariose.

"I've known Mickey for over 20 years," Miller said. "He has been our staff accompanist at UCSC and as a flutist I performed with him on many occasions. Over the years, I have constantly been impressed by his insights into the music he plays and directs. As a pianist, he worked with the voice faculty at UCSC for years and is highly skilled as a vocal coach. He has a great ear -- hears problems and knows right away how to correct them. I couldn't think of anyone better to take over this fine group."

McGushin has sung as a baritone with The Ariose Singers from its beginning, and comes to the position with a long list of musical accomplishments and experience. As assistant director of Ariose, he conducted the group in a performance of Morten Lauridsen's "Fire Madrigals." Formerly, he conducted the Full Spectrum Chorus in Santa Cruz and is currently conducting Cabrillo College's Westside Choir. McGushin has served as music director for the last two seasons of Cabrillo Stage where he conducted "Music Man" and "The Fantasticks." He was also music director for Shakespeare Santa Cruz's winter productions of "Princess and the Pea" and "Cinderella."

In addition to numerous other stage productions, he has also guest conducted for the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus, Cantiamo Cabrillo and the New Music Works Ensemble.

Concerning his new position (come the fall) as director for Ariose, McGushin said, "I'm very excited to work with this fine small ensemble on the rich tradition of repertoire for chamber-sized chorus. Having worked alongside Leta with Ariose since its inception, I look forward to continuing the high standard the group has developed and the further exploration of both the well-established and lesser-known treasures of choral music."

McGushin said he doesn't plan on making any big changes as far as the size of the group or the variety of music they perform. "We'll continue to work on choral repertoire from the earliest to the most recent eras, and a diversity of styles," he said. "The small size of Ariose makes available to the group a tradition of virtuosic music for chamber chorus not often encountered in some of the larger-sized choruses in our area."

Leta Miller, who for the past five years has volunteered her time, energy and expertise in establishing, educating and encouraging this group of singers, is confident that she is leaving her group in good hands. She said she feels that her time with Ariose has also made her a better musician. "I've learned a great deal of wonderful repertoire and how to make it come alive with a great group of singers," she said.

Although the members of Ariose are sorry to see Miller leave, they are looking forward to a bright future with McGushin, in whom they have every confidence. Fall will usher in both a new concert season and a new era for The Ariose Singers.

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