 Audiences enjoyed an eclectic group of outstanding performers during the memorable seventh season of Music by the Lake. Continuing the tradition of spectacular evenings on the shores of Geneva Lake, the performances were held in the Allyn Pavilion for the Performing Arts at the George Williams College of Aurora University campus.
Five By Design joined with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) in presenting an All-American Celebration on opening night. The season also included the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama, the spectacular melodies of Romberg’s “The New Moon” in a Music by the Lake production, and a sold-out final performance by The 5th Dimension.
“Each year brings new friends, volunteers, and concert-goers to the George Williams College campus,” said Christine Flasch, Executive Director of Music by the Lake. “Our lovely setting is perfect for a summer festival.”
The season opened Saturday, July 7 with an All-American Celebration featuring Five By Design with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO). Heralded by “The Washington Post” in their Kennedy Center debut as “one of the best pops programs of the season,” Five By Design embraces American popular song with a vocal style that captivates. The Minnesota-based quintet joined the WCO in a “blue ribbon,” all-American presentation of some of our nation’s most stirring Independence Day favorites. In residence at Madison’s Overture Center, the nationally recognized WCO led by Andrew Sewell teamed up with Five By Design in a musical journey to the early days of television from their program, “Stay Tuned.” The program was crowned by a fireworks display over Williams Bay as the strains of the “1812 Overture” closed the evening.
The Blind Boys of Alabama took the stage on Saturday, July 14 in the second performance of the season. The Blind Boys have spread the spirit of pure soul gospel music for more than 60 years since the group first formed in 1939. After toiling 40 years on the gospel circuit, the group eventually earned two Grammy Awards for their innovative recordings. In 2002, they were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame with a Dove Award for “Higher Ground,” the Best Traditional Gospel Album of the year. With the sound of soul gospel still at its core, The Blind Boys have recently forayed into pop music by featuring loops, raps and roaring blues riffs in their inimitable style, winning new fans throughout the world.
“The New Moon,” an operetta by Sigmund Romberg, was performed on Saturday, July 21, and Sunday, July 22. Containing five hit tunes including “Lover, Come Back To Me” and “Stout Hearted Men,” “The New Moon” opened on Broadway in 1928 and ran for 519 performances. Set in New Orleans in 1728, “The New Moon” brings together a dashing, French aristocrat-in-disguise with the high-minded daughter of a New Orleans ship builder in an emotionally charged story of love and honor. Spectacular choral singing, lush orchestrations, and an amusing plot provided an unforgettable evening of some of Sigmund Romberg’s most “singable” music performed by talented young performers from across the country. A special dinner preceded the performances with savory New Orleans cuisine served to more than 100 audience members.
Music by the Lake welcomed The 5th Dimension for the grand finale of the 2007 season on Saturday, August 4. Bursting onto Billboard’s Top 20 list in 1967 with “Go Where You Wanna Go,” the group followed it with a string of hits including “Up, Up and Away” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” With guest appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Tonight Show,” and the television specials of Frank Sinatra, Woody Allen and Burt Bacharach, the group was the toast of Los Angeles for more than two decades and provided a wonderful closing performance for the enthusiastic crowd.
This season’s success continued the momentum of the previous seasons with more than 7,000 people in attendance. Audience members, once again, enjoyed a summer to remember on the shores of Geneva Lake as they enjoyed exceptional music in the picturesque lakeside setting.
Back |
