Vallejo Choral Society Artistic Director Derek Tam will be conducting this weekend’s performances of “Any ‘Early’ Christmas.” The program features works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Tam has been with VCS for a year now and is focused on preserving music history while building a diverse community.
Galen Kusic, Editor
The Vallejo Choral Society (VCS) is now in its 102nd season, and continues to unite a diverse group of performers working toward a common goal of entertaining and keeping the arts alive. VCS is the oldest community choir in the state.
Artistic Director Derek Tam is finishing his first full year with VCS, as he and the group prepare for this weekend’s upcoming performance, titled “An ‘Early’ Christmas” featuring music of the late Renaissance and Baroque periods with a specialized chamber orchestra of early music players.
“I wanted to give the audience a real taste of the time period,” said Tam, who as artistic director puts together the program for each performance.
Featuring music from the 16th to mid 18th century with well-known composers like Handel and Bach, Tam notes that some lesser-known music will also be performed. While composers like Sweelinck, Porpora, Praetorious and Buxtehude are not as well known, they were quite famous in their day.
“This music comes from all different countries, including Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands and England,” said Tam. “These lesser known works are just as exciting.”
Tam explains that many excellent pieces of this period did not gain as much popularity due to a lack of recording tools and ways to preserve the music. Much of the music from the time was forgotten about, similar to music in current times.
“Anything 10-15 years old was considered ‘old hat’,” said Tam. “It was a lot like pop is now.”
The orchestra will be playing with the same techniques of the time, specializing in instruments like the recorder and harpsichord. Tam will be conducting in front of the singers and orchestra. Tam is also a renowned pianist and harpsichordist, regularly performing throughout the Bay Area.
VCS perform three programs a year, and this is the final performance of 2019. While the music for this performance will be classical, Tam explains that he will be focusing on something “closer to the heart of Vallejo” in future programs. It’s what drew Tam to VCS in the first place – shaping the program while continuing to build the already tight-knit community.
“It’s a really enthusiastic ensemble. I’m excited to come on board and work with a group that is very supportive,” said Tam. “We have people from all walks of life, young and old. Some members have been with VCS for over four decades.”
This group ranges from the youngest member at 17 to the eldest at 96. Tam made it clear that anyone is free to join VCS, regardless of skill set or experience. He only asks of the members to show a willingness to learn while striving to get better.
“An ‘Early’ Christmas” will feature two shows, on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at Community Congregational at 1305 West 2nd St. in Benicia and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian at 1350 Amador St. in Vallejo. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $20 for seniors. For students, the price drops to $15.
Vallejo Choral Society is a non-profit performing arts organization whose mission is to foster a vibrant, diverse, and interactive choral community, educating their singers and audiences while extending its reach to youth. VCS largely depends on generous donors to keep the arts alive and people learning about music from all different backgrounds. To join the next session, rehearsals are every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Springbrook Masonic Temple at 101 Temple Way in Vallejo.
To get tickets, become a member or learn more, visit www.vallejochoral.org or call (707) 653-6827.
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