Choral Chameleon Premieres Edward Thompson's New Choral Work w Jazz Quartet: Step Into the Night

“Step Into The Night” is a new work for choir, soloists, and jazz quartet that Edward Thompson, the celebrated Minister of Music for the Unitarian Church in Westport, wrote during these recent pandemic times, in response to situations like the pandemic where an individual or society might become isolated and fearful. What makes the work distinctive is that it has elements of both the classical tradition and the jazz world. Drawing on Renaissance ideals and an inter-genre collaboration between Bachian choral textures and smoky jazz harmonies, Thompson moves boldly out of his own wheelhouse in this inspirational work - practicing what he preaches. The encompassing image of a lone saxophone player on an empty street corner in what was once a bustling city reminds us that the true source of our strength as humans comes from within and is always present for us to claim.

"It has been a thrill to hear the work come to life piece by piece,” shares Thompson. “And while I wrote it during the pandemic, it is NOT about the pandemic per se. It is about the ability to view one’s shadow as a source of inspiration. Inspired by Rumi, Tagore, Miller Williams, Paramahansa Yogananda, Charlie Parker, Wynton Marsalis, and a host of others, this 12- movement work takes us on a bit of a musical and spiritual journey. Throughout the work, the saxophone is the voice of the Spirit. The voices articulate thoughts that most of us have during the journey. Between the fifth and sixth movements there is an extended drum solo which represents the struggle or tug-of-war that each of us goes through with the shadows that dance inside. Each time we affirm Life we lighten our journey.”

On a larger level, Thompson clarifies: “This is not a classical work. It is not a jazz work. It is a fusion of the two worlds which means you will hear both counterpoint and improvisation, simplicity and virtuosity, color and richness, solos and ensembles, voices and instruments, and a host of other qualities.

“I am honored and thrilled that Choral Chameleon is performing this, along with the Brad Whitely Trio and Jeff Walton on Saxaphone. It’s going to be a very special evening.”

Choral Chameleon is a choir based in New York City, founded in 2007 as the vision or Vince Peterson. The core of Choral Chameleon is currently comprised of twelve professional singers, representing the best combination of musicianship and diversity of musical backgrounds in NYC. They are fearless pioneers in the world of new choral music, having premiered more than 180 new choral works to date, and are respected for their adventurous programming, bringing Choral Chameleon’s signature experience to audience beyond NYC. What is unique about the group is that they do not have a specialty. There is a vast difference between the worlds of sixteenth-century counterpoint, nineteenth-century chromaticism and twentieth-century jazz. They can do it all; hence the name chameleon.

Composer Edward Thompson, D.M.A., is the Minister of Music at the Unitarian Church in Westport. In this role he composes multiple choral works, and conducts six choirs, including bell, children’s, teen, adult, folk and chamber choirs. He holds a Master’s Degree from the Juilliard School and his Doctorate from the University of Hartford. Dr. Thompson is a past Dean of the Fairfield West Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and has concertized throughout the United States and Europe. In addition, he teaches privately, coaches, composes, and accompanies throughout the area. He is an active member of the Unitarian-Universalist Musician's Network.
The Unitarian Church in Westport is a thriving Unitarian Universalist congregation in Westport CT that serves all lower Fairfield County and beyond. It is an active member of the UUA. As such, it is a diverse and welcoming spiritual community, free of creed and dogma, and open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs. The congregation is active serving and supporting multiple community and social justice causes that are consistent with its 8 Principles. Sunday worship and children’s programming is at 10 AM every Sunday, in person and live-broadcast on the ZOOM platform. Complete information can be found at uuwestport.org.