Pacific Encore and Upper School Chorus Partner in Perfect Harmony

It’s not everyday that high school students have an opportunity to sing with an international opera company and be part of a televised HBO special. But that’s just what Ranney Upper School students had a chance to do on Saturday, February 22 as the acclaimed Pacific Opera Performances returned for an “Encore” performance to not only partner with members of its Upper School Chorus but also help celebrate Ranney’s 50th Anniversary.

Pacific Encore Performances is a unique musical repertory company whose performances have taken the group throughout the United States and abroad, giving members the opportunity to perform before both national and international audiences and to build their professional careers. The Ranney School concert is one of many educational outreach programs produced by the company each year.

Panther Hall was filled with appreciative family and friends who listened in rapture as Pacific Encore once again brought their operatic artistry to Panther Hall’s Roberts Stage. Throughout the program, Barry Henry, founder of Pacific Encore, seamlessly introduced each musical selection as pianist Michael Fennely beautifully accompanied each set on Ranney’s Yamaha Grand Concert Piano.

The special evening, which will be a part of a series Pacific Encore is collaborating on with HBO, took theatergoers on a musical journey of classical selections from Carmen and Puccini to contemporary favorites from Porgy and Bess, Les Miserables and Carousel.

The Upper School Chorus demonstrated their musical talents throughout the evening as female chorus members captivated audience goers with their moving interpretation of “Sous le dome epais” from the opera Lakme, and continued to shine with Morricone’s “Nella Fantasia,” which was conducted by Tess Nielsen, Ranney Performing Arts Chair, and accompanied by Ranney’s Chamber Ensemble.

The entire Upper School Chorus joined with Pacific Encore in perfect harmony in several show-stopping performances that included “It Ain’t Necessarily So” from Porgy and Bess,” “Do You Hear the People Sing” from Les Miserables to Sprunger’s “I Hear Music in Me.” The company also paid tribute to Headmaster Dr. Lawrence Sykoff and his wife, Joyce, in a special rendition of John Denver’s "Annie’s Song", which was performed at their wedding.

To a standing ovation, The Upper School Chorus joined with Pacific Encore in the program’s finale - a poignant tribute of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” that was dedicated to all American servicemen and women who are committed to keeping America free.

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.