The Cathedral Choir

              Figure

The Cathedral Choir
REDPATH



There is no class of music more beautiful, more helpful, more inspiring, more uplifting, and contributed to more bountifully by the world's greatest music masters, than that which is composed to be sung during services of divine worship.  Considering that the opportunity to hear these wonderful compositions rendered by a body of trained singers is far too rare in most communities, The Cathredral Choir is presented, not only as a company of artists to entertain but as a suggestion of a choir ideal; such an organization as might appropriately adorn any sacred portal.  In presenting these artists it is hoped that wherever they appear they may inspire a desire for more beautiful music in the worship of God.

—Redpath Bureau





Figure

THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR
The part that music has filled in divine worship is second to nothing else.  It is then that the human soul within the sacred precincts of the church or city cathedral comes with exalted feeling nearest the footstool of the Creator.  The finest of the songs of David have been the inspiration for the supremest works of the great composers.

Music has always the power to sway the human emotions.  At no time is it more potent than when serving as the expression for the unspoken thoughts and prayers of the human heart.

No musical program is complete without a group of such songs or compositions.

To give an opportunity, particularly, to express this type of music, the Redpath Bureau has revived the Cathedral Choir.

The Redpath Cathedral Choir of former days was one of the most successful concert attractions of its time.  The new company falls heir to all of the experiences gained by the old one, and includes a personnel of artists of even greater rank.

The Cathedral Choir is staged and directed in a manner even more beautiful and brilliant than before.  Unusual lighting, draperies, and other scenic effects are used, and the whole production is beautiful and artistic as befits a company of this rank.  No expense has been spared in organizing and staging the Cathedral Choir.  These lighting and stage effects enhance materially the vocal climaxes, because the appeal of fine settings and lighting bestows the added charm of a visual memory to be combined with the finest vocal harmony.


Figure


The Cathedral Choir is under the personal direction of Mr. Ellsworth Gilbert, a master in concert direction.  His ingenuity and versatility, demonstrated in a hundred successful organizations, will have free reign in the Cathedral Choir.  Not only will Mr. Gilbert produce the company, but he will direct and sing in it as well.

Mr. Gilbert has associated with himself eight other artists of first rank.  There is not sufficient space to tell all of the qualifications of these artists, but included in the Choir are singers who will be remembered for many a day.

Elizabeth Gray, Soprano: For three years Miss Gray was soloist in one of the largest churches in Chicago.  She headed her own company in a concert tour through Canada, and has an extraordinary high lyric voice of much warmth and beautiful quality.

Ruth Walker Raleigh, Soprano: Mrs. Raleigh is new to the professional concert platform, but for years she has been refusing offers from many managers who had the good fortune to hear her.  She has a soprano voice of great dramatic and emotional ability.


Figure


Josephine Jirak, Contralto: Miss Jirak is one of the more prominent young contraltos that have been attracting the favorable attention of musical critics.  She possesses a full rich voice of unusual quality, and presents a most charming personality.  She has had an extensive engagement with one of Redpath's finest organizations.

Bess J. Barclay, Contralto: Miss Barclay has made a most enviable reputation as a concert singer and critics have been superlative in their praises of her mellow, resonant voice, true interpretative and genial personality.  Miss Barclay just lately appeared in recital with Herbert Witherspoon in New York City.

Eugene Christy, Tenor: Mr. Christy has had great success in numerous productions, including choirs, oratorios, light operas, and grand operas.

Lloyd Campbell, Tenor: Mr. Campbell is a young man with broad experience in concert and oratorio.  His voice is a fine lyric of exceptional quality in both the middle and higher register.

Chester Bree, Baritone: Mr. Bree has the reputation of being one of the finest baritones in Kansas City.  He has been associated with some of the best musical organizations in the west as soloist, and has been featured on Redpath Chautauquas.

Thelma Marty Gilbert, Pianist and Organist: Mrs. Gilbert has an enviable record as pianist and accompanist with many of Redpath's finest organizations.




The repertoire of The Cathedral Choir includes a number of the short modern oratorios by such composers as Buck, Stainer and Schnecker, one of which is rendered at each performance, this being the first company in the history of the lyceum to offer such works in their entirety. The programs also include a number of old hymns, the interpretation of which is a special feature. As a fitting contrast to the sacred music and by way of furnishing a striking climax and finish, the company is heard in a number of secular solos, deuts, quartets, and choruses of a very high order, finally closing with a grand finale of an operatic nature. —Redpath Bureau


Figure




Figure




Figure


Ellsworth Gilbert