In Concert

I have the joy and privilege of singing with the Colorado Chorale, although I’m missing out on singing this weekend’s concert with the Littleton Symphony Orchestra.  The program includes one of my favorite pieces for choir and orchestra – Poulenc’s Gloria. The piece weaves together the many voices of the chorus and orchestra into a rich tapestry of rhythms, melodies, and harmony.

And that reminds me of the brain. The brain works a lot like a chorus and orchestra, as diverse neural systems work together to create complex and meaningful behavior.

From a singer’s point of view, the Poulenc Gloria counts as both highly complex and deeply meaningful. Interestingly, brain activity underlying the vocal experience includes brainstem areas that regulate functions essential to life, such as breathing, the heart, and digestion. These same areas of the brainstem also contribute to what neuroscientist Antonio Damasio refers to as primordial feelings — our most basic feelings of existence and the condition of our well-being.

As a singer, that makes sense – since singing seems necessary to life itself. The glory of the human voice raised in chorus, though, means as much to the listener as to the performer. Although I won’t be singing this concert, I’m looking forward to experiencing it from the audience. If you would like to join me click here for ticket information.