Recently a Caps fan sent an email to the head of the Alexandria Singers concerning their rendition of O Canada. Here was their response which Bill Colosimo said I could publish on my blog.
Thank you for taking the time to (apparently) look us up on the web to get an email contact address to voice your concerns over the performance of "O, Canada" by the Alexandria Singers before the Washington Capitals game on March 1. As I am the Music Director of the Singers, I am writing to express my regret that you found our performance of the Canadian Anthem to be unsatisfactory. First, let me assure you that the arrangement of "O Canada" to which you refer, sung in four parts by a mixed chorus (SATB), has been crafted in very standard choral fashion, with careful attention to respectful treatment of the piece’s beautiful melody and stirring lyric. It is paced appropriately (as a stentorian, respectful anthem, hardly out of character with the standard solo/melody of the performance), and is VERY much in line with many other choral and band/orchestra arrangements of the piece…many as performed by some of Canada’s own fine musical organizations. Second, let me assure you that I, personally, and the Singers by-and-large, intend our performance of ANY nation’s "treasured music" to be respectfully and beautifully performed, with a clearly defined (and listenable) attention to the cherished melody; hardly "cute," or "creative," as you suggest. I shudder at ANY country’s anthem being mauled by today’s "stars" at sporting events, as I’m sure you do. This arrangement was chosen expressly with that in mind, I assure you. Third, as you are correct in recalling that this is the second consecutive year we’ve been privileged to sing O Canada and The Star Spangled Banner at a Caps game, I am gratified that we have received VERY positive feedback, both directly following the performance from those who have been attentive to our singing, and following our performance from those in attendance (including the staff of the Capitals) whose musical acumen we respect. Ironically, the bulk of the comments, highlighting the beauty of the arrangement and the care we give to not "butcher" the song(s), seem to directly contradict your opinion of both the arrangement and our performance. We are pleased, too, to serve the Washington Capitals organization and their fans, and are appreciative of their support in asking us to join them again. The anthems, by the way, are not "assigned" randomly; our organization, known for its fine performance reputation throughout the Washington area for over 30 years, still had to submit an audition recording some time ago to garner a spot to perform. Finally, I while I regret your assertion that we "show disrespect our neighbor" with our rendition (and while I obviously, but respectfully disagree!), I assure you that we intended to convey NOTHING but respect for both our Canadian friends and others in attendance. As an experienced director, clinician and advocate of vocal music nationwide–especially among youth, in whom I seek to instill a respect for music and the cultures represented–I am particularly sensitive to this issue, working hard to fulfill a mission of broadening appreciation for the vocal performing arts…which (and here’s where I heartily agree with you!) is stifled by other "artists" who seek to (truly) "butcher" anthems and other beautiful music with their "stylings." Although you may be a "solo voice" in your upset over our performance, please accept my apology for what you obviously considered an unpleasant musical experience. As you do not remark about our performance of the Star Spangled Banner (arranged and performed VERY similarly, I would add), I hope that, at least, you found some solace in that rendition. We were (and are) very proud of what we brought to the Verizon Center Saturday night…a tasteful, high-quality treatment of two "beautiful" (again, a point of agreement) songs. Oh, by the way…the Alexandria Singers, a 501.c.3 non-profit educational and charitable music organization (unlike many "artists" whose "butchering" of anthems garners them countless thousands of dollars!), PAID for our tickets (and sold an additional 50-60 seats, under the Caps’ generous "Pucks for Bucks" campaign) to raise money for our use throughout the year in bringing choral music to our Community. So, in addition to serving the Caps organization and its fans, our effort is philanthropic and educational as well. As a gesture of goodwill, it would be my pleasure to invite you and a guest to be MY guest at our next major performance of much-loved American Pops Music at Bishop Ireton High School’s Whaley Auditorium on June 21 or 22, "Singers Go To Summer Camp!" I would hope this might soften the blow, a bit, of our performance which, apparently, struck a sour chord with you. You can contact me at the email/phone below anytime and I’ll gladly set complimentary tickets aside at Will Call. Respectfully, Bill Colosimo–Music Director, The Alexandria Singers
