Key Chorale

Key Chorale

Artistry Without Boundaries

Online Choral Rehearsals, Episode 4, Volume 2

WHO WE ARE

Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, led by Maestro Joseph Caulkins, produces one-of-a-kind programming, collaborations that inspire, and musical artistry that stirs the soul. In addition to the 120-member chorale, the Key Chorale Chamber Singers selected from the full chorale, perform unique, often genre-bending performances.


Key Chorale was winner of the 2020 Chorus America “Award for Education and Community Engagement” given in recognition of their extensive education programs, reaching more than 400 students each year, and its commitment to community outreach. The Off-Key Chorale, for those living with Parkinson’s started in 2012, and the new Where Are My Keys? Chorale, for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, celebrates the joy and therapeutic aspects of singing.


Through dynamic collaborations with organizations like Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Sarasota Ballet, The Sarasota Orchestra, The Venice Symphony, and The Circus Arts Conservatory, Key Chorale is able to create unforgettable programs that continue to push the boundaries of choral music.

On-Demand Performances

The U.S. Premiere of "The Legend of Bijan and Manijeh"


U.S. Premiere - The Legend of Bijan and Manijeh Farhad Poupel, composer Key Chorale and Orchestra, Joseph Caulkins conductor Jeffrey Biegel, piano & Melinda Balla, vocal soloist. Recorded live on February 10, 2024 in Sarasota, FL USA, Key Chorale presents the U.S. Premiere of The Legend of Bijan and Manijeh by Persian composer Farhad Poupel, for piano, choir, and orchestra, with concert pianist Jeffrey Biegel. This evocative work is based on an ancient Persian love story taken from the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), an epic poem by Persian poet Ferdowsi written between 977 and 1010 CE.

Key Chorale Chamber Singers perform Sure On This Shining Night

Sure On This Shining Night - Morten Lauridsen performed on January 22, 2023. Experience these choral miniature masterpieces – all 8 minutes or less. As Maestro Caulkins leads an interactive exploration of these pintsize pieces that pack a punch. Chamber Singers perform works by Verdi, Mozart, Vaughan Williams, Hogan, Whitacre and more.

Key Chorale & The Lubben Brothers performing

Seven Bridges Road.

Seven Bridges Road from American Roots:

CSN Crosby Stills & Nash concert April 22, 2023.





My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord –Arr. Moses Hogan

From Key Chorale's Miniature Masterpieces, January 22, 2023.

Experience these choral miniature masterpieces – all 8 minutes or less as Maestro Caulkins leads an interactive exploration of these pintsize pieces that pack a punch. Chamber Singers perform works by Verdi, Mozart, Vaughan Williams, Hogan, Whitacre and more.

A Sea Symphony

This masterwork by Vaughan Williams Concert Promo Chorus, orchestra and soloists sing of ships and their captains, wind and waves, the voyage of every human soul, and music so vivid you can almost taste the sea spray in the air.

Equinox: A Celtic Celebration Promo

Tenor Brad Diamond joins Foley’s All-Star Irish Band and Key Chorale performing jigs, reels, folk songs, and choral music inspired by the Emerald Isle.


 A.D. 387 Virtual Concert


According to ancient legend, in A.D. 387 the Te Deum was spontaneously composed and sung alternately by St. Ambrose and St. Augustine on the night St. Ambrose baptized St. Augustine in Milan. Experience this ancient text from its origins of Gregorian chant, to trumpets and timpani of the Baroque, to the soaring melodies and rich harmony of the Romanic period. Anton Bruckner called his Te Deum, “the pride of his life.” After conducting this monumental composition, Gustav Mahler crossed out the words “for choir, soloists and orchestra” and inscribed the page “for the tongues of angels, heaven-blest, chastened hearts, and souls purified in the fire!"


Shout Glory! A Gospel Revival

Key Chorale is back to celebrate togetherness through the powerful legacy of African American spirituals and Gospel music in a feel-good concert experience sure to set your toes tapping, your hands clapping, and your spirit soaring. Joined by the energetic pulse of The Stephen Lynerd Group and the soulful sounds of the Hammond B-3 organ, this opening concert is full of upbeat, joyful music sure to raise the roof.

Coronation: Mozart & Haydn

Two timeless masterpieces by Classical music’s original trailblazers who changed the course of music. Mozart’s Coronation Mass gained its nickname when it was conducted by Antonio Salieri for the coronation of Leopold II as King of Bohemia. Haydn wrote his Lord Nelson Mass, originally titled a Mass in Troubled Times, as Napoleon’s army marched toward Vienna. Soprano Suzanne Karpov will make her Key Chorale debut along with soloists Jamal Sarikoki, Matt Morgan and Amy Connours. Clip - Haydn - Mass in Troubled Times, Kyrieragraph

“Bach” Together Again!

Key Chorale Chamber Singers, orchestra and soloists come together virtually “Bach” Together Again! Trumpet, timpani and jubilant choral writing are ever present in Bach’s Magnificat, his first large-scale work composed for the churches in Leipzig. Vivaldi’s spiritual magnificence and Italian mastery make his Gloria his greatest choral masterpiece. Soloists include: tenor Matt Morgan, baritone Jamal Sarikoki, mezzo soprano Amy Connours, and sopranos Lorraine Murphy and Michelle Caulkins. 

Original performance date (virtual) - January 29-February 21, 2021 - Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota

Et misericordia - Bach Magnificat 

Domine Fili unigenite - Vivaldi Gloria

Omnes generationes - Bach Magnificat 

Gloria - Vivaldi Gloria

Morning Coffee & Maestros

Join Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins and Jamal Sarikoki, Associate Conductor, for in-depth conversations as they discuss important topics about music, the arts, culture and our world. Viewers will be able to ask questions in real time that will be answered throughout the live chat.

They will take on some challenging topics like race and the arts, planning and delivering a season during a pandemic, the 10 absolute must listen to major works to enjoy during self-isolation, what conductors do when they have this much time on their hands, and much more! 


Race in America, the Arts, and how we can make a difference

Joseph Caulkins and Jamal Sarikoki discuss racism in America, the arts and how we can make a difference.

Paying it Forward

Maestros Joseph and Jamal discuss the importance of Paying it Forward. We have all had important mentors in our lives who influenced us and taught us about life and music. The Maestros share stories about their mentors, how they paid it forward to them, and how we can pay it forward to the next generation of music makers.


Cinco de Mexico - Riches from South of the Border

Maestros Joseph and Jamal are joined by special guest Fernando Traba, Principal Bassoon of the Sarasota Orchestra. They discussed five of the most significant Mexican Composers and their music. Fernando grew up in Mexico, is a phenomenal musician, and has an incredible personal story to share in this episode.


Come Together Choir

Key Chorale launched their Come Together Choir Online Choral Rehearsals in March 2020. Since then more than 600 singers from all over the country have registered and participated. The first two volumes have had more than 6,000 views to date. Key Chorale launched their 3rd installment of Come Together Choir – Online Choral Rehearsals in spring 2021. This outreach isn’t just for local singers, but can be experienced by anyone, anywhere in the country via Key Chorale’s YouTube channel.

These episodes are shot from the perspective of the choir, focused on Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins as he guides 10 singers and YOU through each fun rehearsal. Every episode builds on the previous one, giving you a sense of accomplishment and of being right there. Although this is not an interactive experience, the project is conceived to give the feel of being right there as a singer in the choir. So turn up the volume and sing your heart out with the Come Together Choir!

VOLUME 1: “SIDE BY SIDE” includes a wide range of music from Americana, to the Broadway stage, to gospel and even the Beatles. You’ll learn well-known songs like This Land is Your Land, Friendship, When I’m Sixty-Four, This Little Light of Mine, and more. Volume 1 premiered in the spring of 2020. All 6 recorded episodes are available to view NOW on Key Chorale’s YouTube channel – CLICK HERE 

VOLUME 2 – “THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN'” celebrates music from the folk era of the 50s and 60s. You’ll learn 11 great songs including If I Had a Hammer, Blowin’ in the Wind, Down by the Riverside, We Shall Overcome, California Dreamin’ and more. Volume 2 premiered in the fall of 2020. All 8 recorded episodes are available to view NOW on Key Chorale’s YouTube channel – CLICK HERE

VOLUME 3 – “TOO DARN HOT! The Music of Cole Porter” includes music from the Great American Songbook. Participants will learn well-known songs like Anything Goes, Night and Day, Another Op-‘nin’, Another Show, You’re the Top, and more. Volume 3 premiered in the spring of 2021. All 8 recorded episodes are available to view NOW on Key Chorale’s YouTube channel – CLICK HERE 
What to do to get started?

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and fill out the short form. We will email you copies of either the lyrics or music. Print your copies, or view them from another device, and get ready to sing your hearts out while practicing social distancing from the convenience of your own phone, tablet or computer.

The Come Together Choir is a partnership with Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, JFCS of the Suncoast, and Key Chorale. All episodes are available on Key Chorale’s YouTube Channel. This outreach allows participants to experience the therapeutic benefits of singing – all from the safety of their own home.


Volume 1

“SIDE BY SIDE”
Volume 2
“THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN"

Volume 3

“TOO DARN HOT! The Music of Cole Porter”

A Come Together Holiday Concert

A Come Together Holiday is a one-hour celebration of music for the holidays. Features soloists Jamal Sarikoki, Amy Connours, Lorraine Murphy, Michelle Caulkins and Mark Wagstrom. Includes performances from the Chamber Singers and The Section Leaders Ensemble as well as eight singalongs. 

Highlights from the Off-Key Chorale and Where Are My Keys?

Chorale Community Outreach Programs

Mozart Meets Radiohead

Classical WSMR's Bethany Cagle is joined by members of the ensemble Sybarite5 as they prepare for their first ever collaboration with Sarasota’s Key Chorale. They perform together on a concert featuring the divine “Solemn Vespers” along with newly commissioned arrangements inspired by the popular band Radiohead. Learn more about that concert, and hear Sybarite5 play live.


Original Air Date: Sunday, April 22, 2012 - Unitarian Universalist Church

Mendelssohn’s Elijah

Premiered in 1846, “Elijah” is based on the first and second book of Kings in the Old Testament, in which the prophet Elijah deals with drought, vengeance and idolatry before ascending to heaven on a chariot of flames. If it sounds like the makings of an opera, you’re right, but church prohibitions on performances of opera during the season of Lent turned Mendelssohn toward the oratorical form.


Original Performance: Sunday, March 10 & Monday, March 11, 2019 - First United Methodist Church, Sarasota, Florida

Part One : 1 of 3

Part One : 2 of 3

Part One : 3 of 3

Part Two : 1 of 3

Part Two : 2 of 3

Part Two : 3 of 3

Podcast

In the fourth installment of the ARTS AXIS FLORIDA Podcast, we spoke with Joseph Caulkins, the Artistic Director of the Key Chorale. The chorale is committed to transforming lives by offering an array of educational opportunities to the community. The Key Chorale has also created innovative programs to better serve individuals suffering from Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease.

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