Artistic Director and Conductor
Master Chorale of South Florida
By John Hayden
If a song cracks the top forty, it could have a brief pop culture moment. Big hits may stay at the top of the charts for weeks or maybe even months. But a selection that remains recognizable and relevant for centuries? That is a true masterwork.
Celebrating these compositions is the work of Master Chorale of South Florida and its artistic director, Brett Karlin. “Master Chorale is the only symphony-chorus in town that can perform these pieces of music that have been popular for centuries,” he told OutClique in an exclusive interview.
The organization is preparing for its final two shows of the season and they are not letting up on challenging material. “The first is an enormous classical masterwork, a monolith of western classical music. This is Mozart’s Great Mass in C-Minor.”
Classical music lovers and casual fans are likely more familiar with another of Amadeus’ great pieces, Mozart’s Requiem. Both have something in common and Karlin believes this is a perfect choice. “Mozart’s Requiem was left unfinished. His Mass in C-Minor was also unfinished but it’s an extraordinary piece of music. It’s like Mozart’s Requiem on a grander scale. Mozart’s Requiem on steroids.”
Master Chorale will perform the piece at Coral Ridge Presbyterian on Friday, April 5, 2024, and at St. Joan of Arc in Boca Raton on Sunday, April 7.
Karlin and company will finish their season with their Concert For A Cause, Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson. The work includes Shepard’s own words, interviews with his parents, media reports of his murder, and poems. Those shows come at the start of Pride month, Friday May 31 and Saturday June 1, 2024, at Sunshine Cathedral.
Master Chorale, Master Class
While parts of classical works are recognizable to many, few have heard the entire masterwork or understand how and why it was written. Karlin’s mission is to help people understand and, therefore, appreciate the music.
“I strive to program and introduce music to help people be active listeners. When we at Master Chorale perform, I’m giving a guided tour of the music to the audience in real time before we play it.”
Before presenting the entire piece, Karlin talks to the crowd and has the musicians play excerpts. “It allows the listener to be educated and active in their listening experience. They know what to listen for, they have the cultural and political context surrounding the initial composition. I believe that leads to a more rewarding experience.”
In the end, it’s an experience that’s extremely valuable and not easily replicated. “Having the opportunity to witness a band of humans join together and literally create harmony with each other is an awesome, extraordinary experience. Witnessing music happen, on stage, live is irreplaceable.”
