The Wolf River Singers  

Mulholland moved by WRS debut
of 'If Music Be the Food of Love"

James Mulholland, one of today's most published and performed composers, was in Memphis March 21 for The Wolf River Singers' premiere performance of "If Music Be the Food of Love," which was commissioned by The Wolf River Singers.

Before the March 21 concert he had not heard the piece performed as written for an SATB chorus with piano and cello. As the song ended and he stood - both for the performance and to take his own bows - the renowned composer was visibly moved. He spent several minutes talking to the audience about community choruses and the value they add by sharing their love for music.

Mulholland's compositions have appeared as required repertoire on more than 40 states' high school choral lists. In addition, they are performed regularly by universities and choral associations throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.

(Below) The Wolf River Singers celebrated the premiere of "If Music Be the Food of Love" with composer James Mulholland (standing, behind WRS director Ben J. Legett) at a luncheon March 21 at Owen Brennan's in Memphis

Music Selections -
May 30, 2009

Director Ben Legett has selected a wide variety of music representing various musical genres, all centering around the theme “things we love.” 

The Elizabethan era is represented by an arrangement of John Dowland’s iconic madrigal, Come Again, Sweet Love, along with a lushly modern setting of Christopher Marlowe’s classic poem, Come Live With Me And Be My Love.  Sixties pop music yielded some of the most hummable music ever, and the performance will include two unforgettable standards — I Love How You Love Me, and the timeless Beatles tune And I Love Her. 

Representing  the food group are John Rutter’s Banquet Fugue, from The Reluctant Dragon, and Play With Your Food, by Paul Carey, a setting of three poems about food, from berries to mashed potatoes to peanut butter crackers. 

For the most-loved American pastime, the group pays tribute to the boys of summer with a “jazz funk” arrangement of Take Me Out To the Ballgame.