'A Life in Song' CD Released,

Brings Chandler Concert Alive

On June 4, 2005, a Chandler Music Hall concert, called "A Life in Song" electrified a large Chandler audience and elicited enthusiastic reviews.

The concert celebrated the singing career of Randolph soprano Marjorie Drysdale, as the stage was filled with a dozen soloists, instrumental and vocal, a chorus of 25, and the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra.

"What a spectacular evening it was!" wrote Times-Argus critic Jim Lowe, who called the concert "a convergence of the Central Vermont music world."

A little late for Christmas, but in plenty of time for listening in the new year, a double CD has been issued that brings the concert back to life. Recorded live at Chandler Music Hall, the CD of "A Life in Song" captures the excitement of the evening, from the parade of fine talent to the reverberating acoustics of the hall before the live audience.

The CD jacket, designed by Julia Pattison of Tiger Bridge Studios with photography by Bob Eddy, offers a photographic record of the evening, as well. Sound engineer was Michael Billingsley of Straight Arrow Recording.

The 27 tracks, 100 minutes of music in all, run the gamut from reflective art songs to high-spirited Gilbert & Sullivan to solo arias and duets from opera. The double CD includes pieces by Randolph composers Kathy Eddy and Gwyneth Walker and concludes with full orchestra and soloists in oratorio music by Haydn and the famed love arias and duet from Puccini's opera "La Boheme."

Vermont's fine tenor, Wayne Hobbs, is heard to great effect in that opera, while Catherine Orr conducts the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra in her last official appearance with that orchestra.

Also, bass Don Wilkinson, who traveled from Boston for the concert, is heard knocking out the audience with his dramatic rendition of "Old Man River."

"A Life in Song" is available at several Randolph-area stores and at the offices of The Herald. They may be ordered via email by contacting: Editor@OurHerald.com and putting "Life in Song" in the subject line.