A Season Snapshot

By Todd Camp

Rehearsals are already underway and the 2014-2015 season for Turtle Creek Chorale promises to be a memorable, as well as transitional, one for the group as they search for a new artistic director. Associate Conductor Sean Baugh will take the reins in the meantime, so we decided to twist his arm and see if we could wring out a few more details about what to expect beyond the traditional season announcement.

Turtle Creek Chorale returns Oct. 17–18 with Brave, a powerful collaboration between the Chorale and local community artists. “Joining us will be local actress and singer Patty Breckenridge along with Chris Chism, contemporary music leader for the Cathedral of Hope,” says Sean. “The music will be very inspirational; about overcoming obstacles, being brave, facing challenges, finding hope. Expect all kinds of music, from pop to gospel.” Shows take place at the Latino Cultural Center (LCC).

One show not mentioned in the season announcement will be How Firm a Foundation, an evening of hymns performed as a collaboration between the Chorale’s Chamber Chorus and Camerata along with the Cathedral of Hope Choir and the Royal Lane Baptist Church Choir. The show takes place Nov. 8 at Cathedral of Hope and Nov. 9 at Royal Lane Baptist Church.

With the arrival of the holiday season, TCC unwraps its most popular — with audiences and Turtles alike — present of the season, the annual holiday concert. Jangled is scheduled for Dec. 13 at the McKinney Performing Arts Center and Dec. 18–21 at DCPH and features a selection of traditional (and not so traditional) holiday standards. Asking Sean what would be special about the show sparks an explosion of enthusiasm. “There is sooooo much special about that show! It’s everything you love about a Turtle Creek Chorale holiday show,” he says excitedly. “Tears, laughter, and all kinds of wonderful, beautiful moments.”

The New Year brings a celebration of TCC’s 35th year, and a special 35th Anniversary Concert on Feb. 7 at DCPH that includes the return of Turtle royalty, Dr. Timothy Seelig. Conductor Emeritus Seelig led the Chorale for more than 20 years and currently serves as the artistic director and conductor of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Sean says the concert will feature many familiar TCC favorites and a staged packed with both current and past members.

April puts the “great” in Great Britain with Britten, Beatles & Bond April 23–25 at DCPH, featuring anglophile favorites from pop legends like Elton John, the Fab Five, Spice Girls, and Adele, to more traditional heavy hitters like Benjamin Britten and Ralph Vaughan Williams. “This is just going to be a lot of fun with some serious British composers, with a little Queen thrown in alongside Gilbert & Sullivan,” Sean says. “There’s seriously something for everybody in that concert.”

Details get a bit thinner at this point, suffice it to say that if the Spice Girls aren’t spicy enough for you, you might enjoy the all Latin-themed Musica de Mayo May 1–2 at the Latino Cultural Center, featuring music from Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, and Spain.

And finally, to maintain the irreverent, playful spirit of the group’s season enders, Turtle Creek Chorale closes out the season with a trip in the Wayback Machine to the decade that birthed the Turtles. Turtle-ly 80s, pulls on the parachute pants June 19–21 at DCPH. Audiences can don their snazziest retro togs and, for the first time ever, join in a full-fledged sing-along with the Chorale, complete with karaoke-style lyrics over the stage, Sean says. Expect timeless tunes from the likes of Lionel Richie, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, the Pet Shop Boys, and Pat Benatar.

Hit us with your best shot.

BRAVE

October 17–18

Latino Cultural Center

Our first concert of the season. BRAVE, will be a poignant and powerful statement of courage, faith, and perseverance you won’t forget. The concert will feature men of the Turtle Creek Chorale and community artists as they share, through music, their personal stories of bravery and hope.

“JANGLED”

December 18–21

Dallas City Performance Hall

Each holiday season we are inundated with messages, noises, pressures, and commitments that can sometimes leave us … well … “Jangled.” Join TCC for our traditional and beloved holiday concert as we rediscover the true spirit of the holidays and celebrate this truly magical season.

*Children’s matinee concert on December 20*

35th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

February 7

Dallas City Performance Hall

TCC will celebrate its 35th Anniversary with a concert joined by our alumni and Conductor Emeritus Dr. Timothy Seelig as we present the amazing music that made the TCC the most renowned male chorus in the world.

BRITTEN, BEATLES & BOND

April 23–25

Dallas City Performance Hall

TCC presents selections from our favorite friends from “across the pond” — The Beatles, Elton John, Adele, and, yes, even the Spice Girls! We won’t forget our more “serious” British composers, with works by Benjamin Britten and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

MÙSICA DE MAYO

May 1–2

Latino Cultural Center

Chamber Chorus and members of TCC present a festive concert of sizzling music celebrating the Latino culture. This concert will feature choral music from Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexican, and Spain.

TURTLE-LY 80s

June 19–21

Dallas City Performance Hall

Join us as we celebrate our founding decade of teased hair, baggy pants, and more! It’s also your chance to sing along with TCC for many of the songs. You know you’ll want to anyway.