by Father Frank Mann
A few months ago, prior to the start of a newly ordained’s First Mass, my soul was stirred by the wondrous music emanating from the choir loft. Many of the inspirational and moving selections were unfamiliar to me. I thought, “Where is this choir from? What is this music?”
I introduced myself to the choir director, Glenn Mohr, from whom the chorale takes its name. Before founding the group, Mohr had been music director/organist at local parishes including Our Lady of Lourdes, Queens Village, and St. Brendan’s, Midwood.
Although this was the first time I experienced the jaw-dropping talent of this chorale, I was surprised to learn that it had been performing for over 20 years in the diocese! More impressively, it had performed in Rome for Pope John Paul II, had a sold-out performance at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and participated in the canonization for St. Jeanne Jugan (foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor) in Rome. It also had released recordings and DVDs, including a Christmas album, “A Star Still Shines,” that receives national airplay every year. I was more than just a bit perplexed that I had never heard of the Glenn Mohr Chorale!
The Chorale isn’t just your usual musical group. Uniquely, the singers perform original material composed by Glenn Mohr that covers a wide range of variant styles from traditional choral and gospel to a selection of heavenly hymns and toe-tapping calypso beats. Likewise, their superbly crafted presentations aren’t just about singing. Their repertoire includes nine original productions representing the various liturgical seasons.
For example, one can find in their artistry: “Blessed Hope” (for the season of Advent); the comedy, “Christmas in Heaven” and their Passion play, “It is Finished.” “Mary Remembers” imagines St. Luke painting a portrait of our Blessed Lady. As he paints, Mary reveals the story of her life. At key moments, the chorale sings, providing a stirring counterpoint to the quiet drama of Mary’s story.
It’s not just the audience who is moved by the performance; the performers are vibrantly transported. “When the chorale sings together, it’s like the soul soaring,” says Mohr. “The experience becomes something bigger than ourselves, it connects us with each other and our audience. Of course, you have to be open and uniquely present to the experience to receive that gift.”
The chorale has a special relationship with the Little Sisters of the Poor, who asked the group to do a musical on the life of Jeanne Jugan. Mohr stated that he had no idea, when accepting this invitation, “The Hidden Heart” would debut as a sold-out performance at Lincoln Center.
The group is always seeking new, interested and talented members. If you sing, act or are interested in the technical aspects of a production, you may contact Glenn at 516-488-0600 or send him an e-mail at mail@glennmohrchorale.com Likewise, if you wish to book a show, don’t give it a second thought!
For more information about the Glenn Mohr Chorale, check out its website, www.glennmohrchorale.com.