By WESLIE STRATTON
Moapa Valley Progress
As part of the Moapa Valley Performing Arts Council season 2014-2015, the Zephyr Singers, Orchestra and Recorder Consort dazzled their audience on March 21 at the Old Logandale School. Locals of all ages gathered to enjoy the display of local musical talent at 7 p.m.
“It’s all local talent,” MVPAC board member Becky Bishop said of the performing group. “We have an abundance of local talent. It’s wonderful that they can get together to perform for us.”
The Zephyr groups perform twice a year, at Christmas and around spring time, providing free uplifting entertainment for local community members.
“We always come to these wonderful concerts,” Wyoming snowbird Stella Stutz said at the concert. “They’re always satisfying. We’ve never been disappointed.”
Satisfying was a perfect description for the performers who dazzled the audience in matching attire that literally sparkled in the overhead lights.
Director Gaye Nelson welcomed all who gathered to enjoy the concert.
“I hope you enjoy the music as much as we have enjoyed getting it together and practicing,” she said.
She explained that each section of the concert held special meaning: from the celebration of spring and the Easter season to familiar folk-like tunes with a modern twist.
The group opened with the Zephyr Singers performing “All Things Bright and Beautiful” featuring Brent Pettit on the harp. The number set the tone for the evening that Stutz accurately described as “sacred”.
Other numbers included “God So Loved the World” (a touching a capella rendition) and “This Is the Christ”, “Amazing Grace“, “Down to the Water to Pray“ and more.
The concert also highlighted the impressive orchestra with a violin solo by local music teacher Walter White performing Violin Concerto in A minor by Antonio Vivaldi. The orchestra also performed the Capriol Suite by Peter Warlock
The Zephyr Consort performed a Renaissance era delight, the Suite in F Major by CF Witt.
