The Wild Things concert was a benefit for the Lincoln County Animal Shelter in Edgecomb. All of the musicians and narrators donated their time in rehearsals and performance to bless the animals at the shelter and all those in the wild – many fighting for survival. The Second Congressional Church offered its sanctuary for this tribute to all creatures great and small.
Peter Ashe and Sean Fleming, who were the masterminds of the concert, gathered professional musicians and a narrator to answer their call of the wild. Peter on the organ and Sean on the conch and tuba heralded the beginning of the concert.
“Jabberwocky,” by Mark Twain, set to music by Sam Pottle, featuring the St. Cecilia Choir, under the direction of Linda Blanchard, and conducted by Sean Fleming, brought the audience to their feet in a standing ovation.
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the teeth that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun the frumious Bandersnatch.”
These difficult lyrics set to music were flawlessly and courageously performed by the St. Cecelia Chamber Choir.
Fleming played many wind instruments, plus the piano, that resonated with both the untamed hearts of beasts, as well as a harmonious, idyllic setting, found where wild things still roam free of human violation in nature’s sacred space. The latter was truly expressed in the “Horn Trio” by Brahms, with Kitty Breskin on French horn, Fleming on piano, and Carol Preston on violin.
The outstanding Candelia Flute Quartet took Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee” to brilliant and whimsical buzzings in an arrangement for four flutes by Trudy Kane.
Later, Nan White on solo flute performed “Dance de la Chevre” by Arthur Hongger. Nan’s flute soared to the heights of the mountain peaks and this reviewer fell in love with the goat and the flute in this dazzling solo.
Fleming and Ashe, in a duet on the piano in the finale of Saint-Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals” had such a good time at the carnival that the audience joined in the fun by clapping and laughing.
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” received a three-minute standing ovation, following a rollicking performance by the St. Cecelia Chamber Choir and soloists: Linda Blanchard, conductor; Sean Fleming, accompanist; David Myers, tenor; Nina Tilander, soprano descant; Chuck McGregor, bass; Quinn Gormley, percussion; and Sean Fleming, saxophone.
Myers and Tilander, the two soloist superstars in their afternoon with the choir, took the audience into the African jungle, to a place of fear and peace. The lion slept, but only after a glut of ruckus.
“Peter and the Wolf” by Sergei Prokofiev closed the afternoon’s “wild rumpus.” Narrator John Adams’ exceptional dramatic voice called up various instruments to portray individual animals and human characters. The audience became surrounded by sounds of the jungle.
The gifted conductor, Linda Blanchard, led her spirited musicians on a romp, answering the call of the narrator.
On behalf of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, “All Four Feet” gives bravos and bravas to these selfless, professional, and incredible musicians and their narrator. Special thanks to Peter Ashe and Sean Fleming for the tireless effort to bring “Wild Things” to the stage.
This review could never express in words the extraordinary gift of hope the concert offered, not only for animals, but for humans as well.
The Lincoln County Animal Shelter, with thankful paws held out, received the generous offerings from the audience. These gifts will go a long way in sponsoring cages, helping with vet bills, and replenishing the pet food bank at the shelter.
However, this gift of music transcends material concerns. On a Sunday afternoon in late November, it can be said that the concert sounded a breathtaking note of hope. It was like the sound of light at the end of a foreboding tunnel.
“It was the best concert I’ve ever attended,” someone was heard announcing for all to hear, as they left the church following this wild and significant event.
