“Maybe we could have a mixtape concert, and we’ll let the audience choose the songs!” Dr. John K. Russell, Music Director, San Diego Master Chorale.
Imagine an evening of songs curated by an audience, and you’ve just imagined an evening with the San Diego Master Chorale’s “Mixtape: The Ultimate Playlist” concert on Saturday, May 31, at 4:00 p.m. in the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Tickets may be purchased at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=248190.
Since 1961, the Chorale has entertained thousands of listeners with live shows, often featuring collaborations with esteemed partners such as the San Diego Symphony and Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra. And, for those not inclined to leave the comfort of home, they can listen on the local NPR station, KPBS. For the Chorale’s first Coronado concert in 29 years (yes, 29 years!), Dr. Russell has taken the bold step of allowing the audience to choose the songs from a list of 300 titles, plus the option of write-ins. After weeks of enthusiastic voting and some spirited write-ins, the end result is a lively list of everyone’s favorites, including old-timey and contemporary hits from around the world, with a little bit of everything thrown in the middle. “It’s like a smorgasbord concert. You’ll hear a little of everything,” says Rob Taylor of Coronado, who serves as a Board Director and also sings bass for the Master Chorale. “Remember, these are the top vote-getters of what people want to hear. We said, ‘Vote for what you want to hear.’ Audiences don’t get this [type of performance] all the time.” Spanning six genres of music, including classical, pop, and Broadway, some of the winning selections include artists such as the Beatles, Billy Joel, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, and even a traditional sea shanty. (Hint: it involves a drunken sailor).
Of course, not every song could be chosen: only the top three in each category. However, to cater to the audience’s wishes, two more ranking sections were added. First, the Lucky Losers include the top three songs that were write-ins. Second, the Encore Battle will be determined at the concert itself. Each audience member is allowed one vote from the top two strongest contenders that came in fourth place. Paper ballots will be handed out at the concert. And, anyone feeling quite passionately about a song can vote multiple times for the fee of $1.00 per vote. You can spend as many dollars as you like. How’s that for a fundraiser? The winning song will be kept a secret until the finale, after which the encore will be played. That means everyone—the audience and the Chorale alike—won’t know the outcome until the end.
As one of San Diego’s premier chorales for the past 65 years, the group is composed of both professional and highly trained amateurs, which, according to Rob, offers a higher level of performance than a typical church choir, though he and other members also sing with choirs. No doubt, the first-rate performance standards are enhanced by the Chorale members’ close relationships with one another, too. “There is a family culture,” as Rob explains it. Of course, the Master Chorale’s music director also plays a significant role in the group’s stellar quality of performance. In addition to conducting, Dr. Russell is also an educator and a tenor, known for his “heart-melting legato.” A former conductor for the LaGuardia School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, as well as New York City’s National Chorale, he’s also served as a clinician for the New York Philharmonic’s Education Department and Conducting Faculty at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. And, from his novel idea of the Mixtape, it’s safe to conclude that he’s also a brilliant creative force. To accommodate more concertgoers, a second concert has been added for the following day, Sunday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas. Naturally, though, we’d prefer to welcome the Master Chorale here on Coronado after their 29-year absence. So, get ready for a memorable night of musical delight as the San Diego Master Chorale unveils its highly anticipated Mixtape concert, crafted entirely by YOU.
Act now while tickets are still available and bring the whole family. The Coronado Performing Arts Center is located at 650 D Ave, Coronado.
VOL. 115, NO. 22 – May 28, 2025