A 2017 study performed by the Greater Good Science Center at University of California in Berkeley found there are at least 27 distinct categories of emotion. As they are all intimately connected with each other, the range of emotions is much more vast and in-depth than the six basic emotions older psychological theories reported.
Members of the Jefferson City Cantorum had no problem tapping into this spectrum of sentiments and will deliver that "Oh! What A Feeling!" ambiance at its upcoming spring concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at Miller Performing Arts Center, 501 Madison St.
"In one way, all the music is about emotion. We deliberately selected these songs to highlight different emotions, making sure they were not duplicated a lot," said Suzanne Barnes Kitchen, conductor and director of the Jefferson City Cantorum.
Kitchen said the Cantorum music selection committee nominated the "emotions" theme, and considered many different suggestions of emotions and songs to match in comprising the 15-song setlist for the spring concert.
"Excitement and anticipation, determination and grit, somber and respectful, lots of different things," she said. "There is mention of love more than once, also serenity, longing, euphoria. We have something for everyone."
All the songs are significant and have special meaning to the overall concert. For example, "All That They Had They Gave" was written as a tribune to those that died during World War I, and also is near and dear to the heart of several veterans who are a part of the 60-member choir.
"'I Carry Your Heart With Me' follows the poem from E.E. Cummings. There is also musical theater, gospel, blues tunes," Kitchen said.
A lot of soloists will be featured on select songs including Patricia Tavenner during "Don' Rain on My Parade," Aaron Holsapple for "That Lonesome Road," Samantha Crabill during "Oh Happy Day" and Bill Lehman during "Man of La Mancha."
"Bill will also join our accompanist Jan Houser on piano during 'The Rhythm of Life.' Several are singing parts for 'Always Look on the Bright Side,' which is a lot of fun. They really let their personalities just shine," said Kitchen, noting those soloists are Ken Satterfield, Myra Rosskopf Wolfe, Bill Stone and Kerri Jones. Bonnie Verdot will also provide string bass and Matt Musselman, percussion, on some songs.
Kitchen is excited to deliver a realm of music, with a few encores prepared, case that span different eras and different emotions. Serving as musical director since 2015, Kitchen worked with longtime Cantorum singers and seen newcomers doing the all volunteer group every semester. Yet, no matter their length with the Jefferson City Cantorum, she is proud of talent, hard work and concert delivery they provide each time they perform in the community.
"This is a great group of people. They represent the musical gamut some have not one iota of training to those highly experience in vocal performance. But they are very versatile in what they can do," Kitchen said. "I have been very pleased to unify our sound and continue to provide a breath of literature for them to sing. They are able to conquer anything we put in front of them."
In addition to an evening of emotional music, the Cantorum will award its J. Patrick Healey Scholarship at the concert. The scholarship fun was established in 2005 in honor of Healey's contribution to the Jefferson City community through his 38 years as director of the Jefferson City Cantorum, said Nancy Waggoner, executive director of the Cantorum Board. The scholarship is awarded to a senior student who has shown as exceptional interest in choral music by actively participating in choral music and who plans to attend college in the fall, regardless of his/her intended major, she added.
Prior to the concert, students of Jan House Piano Studio will play in the atrium beginning at 6 p.m., when doors open.
Tickets are available at Samuel's Tuxedos and Gifts, Central Bank West, Hawthorn Bank East, Capital Music, from Cantorum members or at the door the evening of the concert. Prices are $10 for adults, $5 for youth (18 and younger), and $8 for seniors (65 and older). A group ticket for a family of three to five is $25. Tickets purchased the evening of the performance are $2 more. For more information, visit www.jeffersoncitycantorum.com or on Facebook, @JeffersonCityCantorum.