For the first time in 29 years, the San Diego Master Chorale returns to Coronado this Saturday, May 31, to perform its concert titled ‘Mixtape: The Ultimate Playlist’ at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, starting at 4 pm.
Tickets for this unique vocal music event are available for purchase through their official site.
Music Director Dr. John K. Russell and his son inspired the concept of this concert after discovering an old cassette tape in their garage.
When prompted by his son about the purpose of the tape, Russell explained its function in the era before digital music when mixtapes were fashioned as personalized playlists.
This nostalgic conversation sparked the idea for the concert, leading Russell to declare, “We can’t wait to share this ultimate playlist, picked by you and sung by us!”
In a creative outreach, fans and past audience members were invited to participate in the selection process by choosing their favorite songs from a list of 300 titles spanning six different musical genres.
Additionally, a ‘Lucky Losers’ category was introduced for write-in votes, allowing participants to have a greater say in the final playlist, which was met with an enthusiastic response.
While the complete playlist remains a closely guarded secret, some song choices have been leaked, generating excitement among attendees.
Among these titles are classics such as “Yesterday” by the Beatles, the stirring “Shenandoah,” and Billy Joel’s heartfelt “And So It Goes,” alongside carefully curated selections from Mozart’s Requiem.
Whispers of a sea shanty featuring a drunken sailor have also made their way into the rumor mill, but details remain unconfirmed.
However, the element of surprise does not end there. An additional twist has been introduced to the concert format where an Encore Battle song will be determined by audience votes during the performance.
Paper ballots will be distributed as audience members enter the theater, allowing them to vote for their favorite song from the top two contenders that place fourth in the initial vote.
Fans can express their passion by submitting multiple votes for a $1 fee, contributing to a fundraiser for the Chorale, and further heightening the excitement surrounding the encore selection.
The winning encore track will be kept under wraps until the concert’s finale, ensuring that both the audience and the Chorale are in suspense until the end.
The San Diego Master Chorale includes a diverse ensemble of 130 vocalists, comprising both professional and talented amateur singers.
The group has a rich history in the region, frequently collaborating with esteemed organizations such as the San Diego Symphony and Mainly Mozart Festival.
Their performances are also broadcasted on San Diego’s NPR station, KPBS.
The mission of the San Diego Master Chorale is to connect people through the joy of live choral music and enrich lives by showcasing the unity found in shared musical experiences.
Rob Taylor, a bass singer and Board member of the Chorale, highlights the camaraderie among the members, stating that they are a “talented and tight-knit” group that fosters close friendships.
Reflecting on his decision to join the ensemble, Rob shared how he wanted to challenge himself and expand his musical horizons beyond his previous church choir experiences.
He described singing with the Chorale as a transformative experience, remarking that it was a resolution that changed his life upon returning to Coronado.
For those unable to attend the performance in Coronado, the Master Chorale will host an additional concert the following day on Sunday, June 1, at 4 pm at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas.
The Coronado concert will take place at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, located at 650 D Ave.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary musical experience where cherished favorites will come to life through the dynamic performances of the San Diego Master Chorale.
Mark your calendars for a concert like no other—see you there!
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