The love and power of music is uplifting and the Valley of The Moon Chamber Ensemble treasures this very much. That could be the reason why the group has been together for almost a decade. “There is something about the blend of human voices that is more powerful, than any instrument,” said founder and Artistic Director, Dr. Brian Sebastian.
What started off as a simple vocal group of five after gathering together at a party in the physician’s home one Christmas, blossomed into a full ensemble ranging from soprano to baritone – and from alto to bass.
The 17-member ensemble has established itself as ‘the vocal ensemble of the valley’ since its inception in 2007. And, the people of Sonoma are proud to call the group its own. Among them is Joyce Parsons; she wanted to let shoppers at Sonoma Market know that the ensemble will be performing a gala concert on Saturday, Dec. 5th at Madrone Vineyards Estate and another concert, the following day at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on Sunday Dec. 6th. “This ensemble is outstanding, said Parsons and they were founded in Sonoma, she added, and Dr. Sebastian is a local doctor, who has his practice right here in town.”
“A holiday concert in the heart of wine country at a world-class winery, what could be better,” said Sonoma resident Scott Sherman. “Their vocal arrangements are exquisite, he added. Sherman like Parsons and many others in town cherish the fact that there is so much talent and artistry of various types in the valley, that to not point it out to visitors for the holiday season would be a shame.
“This will be the second year, the concert will be preceded by a wine and appetizer reception at Madrone Vineyard Estates,” said Tracey Woodard, speaking on behalf of the winery. Sonoma Community Center and others are very pleased and honored that Madrone is hosting the gala. “Their support is very valuable and important to Valley of The Moon Chamber Ensemble,” said Liz Tracy, speaking on behalf of the community center which is facilitating the sale of the tickets through its web site.
When this reporter asked Dr. Sebastian what keeps the ensemble going? He thought for a moment and then said, “a desire to continue to get better.” And, no doubt to Sherman and Parsons, it shows. Or rather it is heard, clearly. “This is a grass-roots group that has taken their music very seriously,” Sherman said.
As Dr. Sebastian pointed out. “A cohesiveness of the group itself, (is what has kept the group in tact year after year). “We’re a bunch of nice people who love what we do,” he said.
Maintaing an internal medicine practice and serving at Sonoma Valley Hospital at various capacities from time to time, can be very demanding. Still, for Sebastian and the other members, it is that ability to come together and create something to share with the community that makes all the effort rewarding.
Even as the group has formed a bond and much of what they do as a non-profit, reaches out to help local charities, the ensemble is very disciplined. When singers are needed, the ensemble holds auditions, but auditions are few. Sebastian explained, “singers must be able to sight read music. A singer in our group must learn complex music very quickly, take good direction, be able to blend well with the ensemble, and hold pitch against tight harmonies.” “And, Sebastian said, there is something about an ensemble that transcends even the solo voice.” The group sings a cappella, mostly with some accompaniment for certain songs. “We prefer pieces from the Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, Classical and even contemporary pieces that are in that ‘classical’ in style,” he said.
While Sherman said he is not much of a fan of Renaissance music, “I appreciate the fact that Valley of The Moon Chamber Ensemble is getting that music out to the public for them to hear. It demonstrates how devoted and dedicated they are.”
“We’ll be celebrating the mystery and whimsy of the holidays, said Sebastian. “with choral music from the Renaissance to the 21st century.” For more information visit The Valley of The Moon Chamber Music web site. Or to purchase tickets go to the Sonoma Community Center web site, box office page
