Choral Artists of Carmel will present their winter concert, entitled "Metamorphosis of Swans," on Sunday, January 25, from 3:00–4:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Monterey.

The concert will feature the world premiere of the opera "Metamorphosis of Swans," composed by choir member Heather Green. Ms. Green is a Wagnerian soprano and composer residing in Berlin, Germany. The premiere of her opera will include arias, as well as choral pieces sung by the Choral Artists of Carmel. The music and lyrics are based upon Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale, "The Wild Swans," a classic story of perseverance and the transformative power of love.

The opera premiere will highlight a number of exceptional performers. Soprano Jody Lee from the Monterey Peninsula and soprano Emily Schuck from San Francisco will be the soloists for the aria, “What is Left?” In addition, Ms. Lee will premiere the duet, “Call,” with Ms. Green. Also featured will be the poem Wings, written by conductor Robin McKee Williams and set by Ms. Green for SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass) voices and oboe. Peter Lemberg will be the oboe soloist.

The Choral Artists of Carmel will also perform the West Coast premiere of Ola Gjeilo’s "The Road," accompanied by David Dally’s Monterey Strings and harpist Pamela Scholz. "The Great Flowing River" and "Calling From Afar," both by James Eakin, and "They Will Rise" by British composer Jonathan Dove will also be performed by the choir.

Zoom interviews with composers James Eakin, Jonathan Dove, and Heather Green are available at www.youtube.com/@choralartistsofcarmel and www.choralartistsofcarmel.org.

Robin McKee Williams continues to support newly composed choral works and showcase the talents of the Choral Artists of Carmel, which includes well-established professional singers from San Francisco, San Diego, New York, and Germany. The concert, Metamorphosis of Swans, will present a rich experience of choral, orchestral, and solo music to inspire the Monterey Peninsula.

There is a suggested donation of $30. Tickets will be available at the door.
For more information, call 831-809-9112 or email choralartistsofcarmel@gmail.com.

Available for interviews:
Robin McKee Williams, 831-809-9112, raluscombe@aol.com

Wings

Long abandoned in a valley not known by my heart
Invisible tears did not fall or find sunlight.
An ever reaching light, sight spilling vision for all,
I did not see.
I did not hear.

The breaking of my heart has given me wings.
Even when the shine of day surrounded me
And a long frozen winter remained too long,
I came to know this was and is my gift of a lifetime.
This is my new beginning.

My heart is lifted to a love higher than sound can hold.
My moment has fallen into the palm of love’s hope to feel unreachable dreams.

I give thanks for the moments when sadness has given fully to my heart
And love remains to guide my steps ever forward.

Robin McKee Williams