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As people poured into All Saints Church the ticket taker appeared a bit wide eyed as she realized the church was going to be filled to capacity. The event was "Cantemus! Master Works for the Female Voice," a concert by the Finger Lakes Women's Chorale last Sunday (11/20) to benefit the All Saints music program. The group performed five pieces ranging from the sixteenth through the twentieth centuries. Starting a few minutes late as chairs were added in the side aisles, the concert began with "Virgines prudentes" (O, Ye Wise Maidens) with part of the chorus on stage with the other on the rear balcony, covering the sanctuary with sound from both directions.
 Doreen Kelly Alsen directs the Finger lakes Women's Chorale
This was followed with Poulenc's "Ave Verum Corpus" and Verdi's "Laudi alla vergine Maria. All three were sung by the Women's Chorale without accompaniment, the hauntingly beautiful voices echoing in the church, which provided a satisfying background for the music.The last two pieces on the program were accompanied by The Finger Lakes Strings and Linda Gorman on keyboard. This created a rich blend that enriched the chorus without overwhelming it. Vivaldi's "Beatus" Vir featured several soloists, including Lansing singers. Soloists included Betsy Loring Neilsen, Nancy Ahlers, Jeannie Barnaba, Carol Lawrence, Kathryn Russell, Nancy Furguson, Diane Withiam, Janet Morgan and Mary Mulvanerton. Galuppi's "Dixit Dominus" topped off the program. This is a three-movement piece from the eighteenth century that sets Psalm 110 to music of the period. It had a beautiful duet sung by Laurie Gillespie and Mary Mulvanerton, and the strings and keyboard gave it depth and drama.
The reception was also well attended
The concert was directed by Doreen Kelly Alsen, who humorously interviewed herself toward the end of the program as she introduced the encore, "How Can I Keep From Singing." It was followed by a reception in the Parish Center next door. The Finger Lakes Women's Chorale began almost 25 years ago as the Whiton Chorale. It is affiliated with the Community School of Music and Art (CSMA). Ms. Alson is also the music director at All Saints. The proceeds of the concert are earmarked for a new acoustic piano for the worship space there. The concert was recorded and a CD will be offered for sale once it is produced. It lasted just under an hour, and was well received with a standing ovation by the packed audience. ----
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