Northwestern Singers take a step back in time for upcoming winter show
Published 2:20 pm Sunday, February 21, 2016
Allan Wichmann sings a solo during a medley Monday night, part of the Northwestern Singers rehearsal at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Northwestern Singers’ new show will bring the return of old favorites from past shows as well as some contemporary songs.
The show is themed “Back to the Future,” and will feature the opening number “The Power of Love,” the song from the movie. A few of their notable and memorable songs will include “I Got You Babe,” by Sonny and Cher; a medley of Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway songs, and “Lean On Me,” by Bill Withers.
“We started talking about it. Maybe it would be fun to resurrect some things from the past,” Northwestern Singers member Alice Holst said. “It led everyone to start talking about, ‘Back to the Future.’ It’s a show of all past favorites.”
The Northwestern Singers rehearse for their upcoming winter show Monday night at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Holst said two songs from the “The Lion King” will have a throwback feel to them, as there will be about 10 to 15 children and grandchildren of the Northwestern Singers joining them for “The Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata” as they did 15 years ago.
Other favorites include a Rodgers and Hammerstein medley of Broadway songs, “Lean On Me” and a “Jersey Boys” medley, which Holst said will have a lot of choreography.
They will also honor former director, the late Les Mahla with two songs, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “In This Very Room.” Those two songs were often favorite closing songs at Lenten and Good Friday services, Holst said.
While the Northwestern Singers are going back in time, they’re also going ahead to the future with new songs such as “I Lived,” by OneRepublic, “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons and “Red” by Taylor Swift.
“We’re excited for it,” Holst said. “There’s all different levels here. Some are good at choreography, some at singing. It all comes together and everyone really enjoys it a lot.”
The show is directed by Nikky Tolde and the singers will be accompanied by a 10-piece live band of local musicians.
Nikky Tolde directs Monday night’s rehearsal of the Northwestern Singers at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Northwestern Singers have been entertaining Austin for about 63 years. They were founded in 1953 as a men’s chorus and women joined later in the 1960s and 1970s.
Holst said there are about 40 members in the group, ranging in age from 20s to 70s, all with different backgrounds but with one goal: To sing and perform.
They also host a benefit concert for Austin youth music programs which includes performances by local school choirs, and to date they have given $48,000 to youth music programs, and they sponsor a scholarship for a Riverland Community College student.
The Northwestern Singers will host a pair of shows at the Paramount Theatre at 7 p.m. Saturday night and again at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. For more information call 507-434-0934.
