The Malvern Men’s Chorus and the Notre Dame Women’s Chorale perform a spring concert each year. This year’s concert, to be held on Friday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m., will feature a twist: the group’s performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria, will be accompanied by a Baroque chamber orchestra! The orchestra is comprised of a group of professional musicians, including three parents of Men’s Chorus members: Emanuel Del Pizzo P’11, Malvern music faculty, on trumpet; Maryanne Smart, P’12, on double bass; and Larry Miller P’14, on cello. Both Mrs. Smart and Mr. Miller are members of the Immaculata University Symphony Orchestra.

“This is unique to this year’s concert,” said Ed Liga, Malvern’s Chorus Director. “We typically do not use an orchestra for our choral concerts.” The choral groups will only have one rehearsal with the orchestra, two days before the concert. The musicians will come in knowing their parts. The Malvern and Notre Dame groups have been rehearsing the choral parts separately since January, and will have a total of six combined rehearsals before the concert.

It is believed that Vivaldi composed Gloria in 1715. The piece is in 12 movements and will feature four female soloists from Notre Dame. Mr. Liga is excited about the inclusion of the parent musicians and the challenge of conducting the entire group.