When concert halls are closed, where do musicians go? On line. Fort Myers composer Jason Bahr has pulled together a full choir and orchestra … virtually.
Local and far-flung musicians alike have joined together via technology to create a premiere performance of a work for full choir and orchestra. Fort Myers composer Jason Bahr has collected recordings from more than 50 individual musicians and singers and stitched them into a fully orchestrated piece.
Bahr chose Psalm 150 to set to music, he says, for its jubilant, uplifting spirit.
"It’s a piece where we can look to our future, not our present circumstance. Just praising and singing about joy – I think it’s something that’s needed now," he said.
The work, along with an accompanying video, is a fundraiser for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Bahr says while it’s been rewarding to connect with his fellow musicians in this way, he misses playing side by side with them in front of an audience.
"I would trade all this in a minute for a benefit concert that’s live," said Bahr.
The work will premiere Monday, June 1, at 7 PM on Facebook Live and YouTube and be available here after the 1st as well.
