Pioneer Valley Cappela, "Love is Here to Stay"

Pioneer Valley Cappella, led by music director Geoffrey Hudson, performs “Love Is Here to Stay” a blend of both rare and well known musical gems.

The central work on the program is Emanuel Astorga’s “Stabat mater”, premiered in 1713. The music is lyrical and moving in the bel canto tradition. Astorga’s forgotten gem is paired with “Muusika”, a short work by the contemporary Estonian composer Pärt Uusberg. The harmonies are radiant and beguiling.

The concert concludes with three beloved songs by George and Ira Gershwin, in new choral arrangements by Hudson. “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and “They All Laughed” were introduced in the 1937 film Shall We Dance. “Love Is Here to Stay” is believed to be the last song George Gershwin composed before his death. His brother, Ira, wrote the lyrics after the composer’s death.

PVC chamber chorus is joined by instrumentalists Sarah Briggs, Charlotte Malin Collins, Colleen Jennings, and Karl Knapp.