The Vocal Art Ensemble presents "PLAY!"

This June, team up with The Vocal Art Ensemble as they toy around with voice, instruments, and visual expression for a parade of song.

"Play!" Just what does that word mean when it comes to music?

Certainly play can refer to playing an instrument. Or it could refer to composers, who play around with musical and vocal lines in inventive ways. There may even be playfulness by the performers themselves when they play with the music. Plus, of course, there is a “play,” that involves costumes, a stage, and props...

On June 2, 3, and 4, the Vocal Art Ensemble a capella chorus will present three concerts entitled “Play: the clever, the creative, the ingenious”. The object of this program? To toy around with the numerous interpretations of play in music. Drawing on ten centuries of musical ingenuity, VAE will showcase composers' love of creating lively choral games, amusing vocal imitation, and competitive vocal sparring.

“And you can wager that we'll throw in a wild card or two to increase the fun…” adds VAE director Tracia Barbieri.

“We are presenting high-quality historic musical pieces, but combining them with fun visual elements that will appeal to people’s imagination,” explains VAE alto Isabelle Henry, who sings both alto and soprano and plays the recorder in the instrumental interludes in the concerts.

“I am hoping to see many families in the audience,” continues Henry. “It is a unique opportunity to expose school-age children to the wide variety of sounds a choir can produce...and to witness exactly how much fun we have singing together."

The concept of families having fun together is manifested in these concerts – literally. All four Barbieris are involved: wife Tracia directs and sings alto, husband Doug sings bass, daughter Ashlyn sings soprano, and son Kian sings tenor and plays a mean jazz trumpet.

“Although the songs are sophisticated, we have added elements that will hopefully transport audience members back to their childhood,” adds Jeanine McElwain, VAE alto.

“We have it all,” announces Doug Barbieri. “Ingenious vocal lines, childlike visual expression, playful instrumentals, and even a bit of role playing to portray the drama inherent in the music.

“One simple word carries so much meaning!” Barbieri concludes.

Join VAE in celebrating the pageantry of art, jest, and creativity!

FRI JUNE 2 - 7:30 pm, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (2620 Capitol Ave, Sacramento)

SAT JUNE 3 – 7:30pm, Unitarian Universalist Church (27078 Patwin Rd, Davis)

SUN JUNE 4 – 4:00pm, United Methodist Church (1620 Anderson Road, Davis)

Suggested Donation: $10-25

For more information, please visit www.vae.trug.com or call (530) 757-2396.