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Viva concerts have earned a reputation for offering audiences something special—both the thrill of hearing a major classical work with full orchestra as well as a spicy, delectable taste of world music.
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Stunning performance yesterday. There were some moments where the music transcended metered time in the Haydn Mass. It was like floating on a bed of music. I felt it profoundly during the trumpet call in triplets with orchestra in tutti. That was a rare moment. Maybe it was just my state of mind, but I doubt it. If I may relate, I snow skied once in my life and it was during the 2002 Olympics. I took a lesson one morning and in 30 minutes time my instructor said I was ready for the blue diamond runs. She took me up to this backwoods area that was cordoned off, opened the rope and had me ski down into this valley of pure white powder snow. I floated all the way down. I just stood upon those skies without trying to do anything, just enjoying the moment. That happened yesterday. Magical.
Dean Boysen,
Trumpet for April 2007 concert.
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Maestra!
"Viva la Musica is the consummate choral ensemble of the San Francisco Bay Area; Shulamit Hoffmann consistently achieves transcendent musical heights. An ecstatic musical experience for audience and performer, alike!"
Stephen Ruppenthal
Contemporary Music Advisor & Co-Principal Trumpet
Redwood Symphony |
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Hi Shulamit,
I was thinking about the Viva concerts on April 29 and 30. I'm writing to you because I wonder whether the singers realize just how good they are. When I play in an orchestra that accompanies a choir, it makes a real difference to me when the choir is as outstanding as Viva.
I'm sure the singers noticed the very positive audience response. I hope that when you get the chance you could also let them know that the orchestra musicians had a great time accompanying this fine choir.
Regards,
Doug Perry
Concertmaster for our April and December 2006 concert.
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I've known Viva for more than two years. This group is something special, and here's why.
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Shulamit Hoffman is highly organized, chooses songs that make her concerts a joy to attend, and is the model of a wonderful conductor. |
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Her support staff has equally high standards, and achieves marvelous results. Every detail is attended to with thoroughness and professionalism, whether it be the concert (printed) programs or the rehearsal snacks. |
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Respect, caring, and dedication are hallmarks of the types of communication that occur between singers, staff, and support staff. |
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The singers are warm and supportive. |
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Their concerts are terrific and greatly appreciated by record numbers of audience members.
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Many of the negatives sometimes associated with singers/choral groups are simply not there. In Viva la Musica! you won't find "attitude," ego, or entitlement. What you will find is kindness, responsibility, and dedication. This is a group that treats people as well as they treat the music.
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Tom Carter, author of the book “Choral Charisma” |
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“Viva performances exceed all expectations of choral music—they are creative, professional, stimulating and magical—and an absolute treat. We enjoy them personally and we are very proud to introduce friends of the University to this outstanding group.”
President and Mrs. John Oblak
Notre Dame de Namur University |
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