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The Pilgrim Festival Chorus will present a single work in its spring concert, Johannes Brahms’ “Ein Deutsches Requiem” (“A German Requiem”). It’s an ambitious choice, selected because of directors’ confidence that the maturing chorus is up to the challenge.
“Our current ensemble is PFC’s strongest group of singers to date,” said artistic co-director Elizabeth Chapman Reilly. “The singers are really enjoying learning this marvelous and challenging work.”
The chorus’s spring concert will take place May 4-5 at St. Bonaventure Parish church, 803 State Road.
The Brahms Requiem, frequently described as “operatic,” may have been written in memory of the composer’s mother, who died a year before Brahms began work on it. Music scholars also point to the loss of the composer’s friend and mentor, Robert Schuman, whose mental illness and early death was a serious blow to the younger composer. Brahms did not indicate who his requiem was written for. In any event, critics agree the greatness of the work goes beyond the circumstances of its creation.
Reilly, who shares direction of the chorus with William B. Richter, described the Requiem as “one of the greatest works of the classical choral repertoire” and said it continues to resonate with listeners everywhere 150 years after its composition.
“Its seven movements suggest a journey that explores the nature of life, death, sorrow, hope, and comfort, in essence, the universal human condition,” Reilly said. “From the deepest sense of loss and the understanding that life is short, the music brings us to a realization that a time will come when death is no more, and ultimately brings us to a place of comfort and peace.”
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus’s performance will feature two guest soloists, David Tyler and Allyson Lynch, and be accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra.
Tyler, a baritone, teaches voice and sings in Plymouth. After earning bachelor’s degree in voice performance at McGill University, in Montreal, and a master of music in vocal pedagogy from the New England Conservatory, he served as the bass section leader at The Church of the Pilgrimage. He has also performed widely in Greater Boston, singing “God Bless America” at Fenway Park and performing in Saint-Saëns’ “Christmas Oratorio” at Jordan Hall.
Lynch, a soprano, sings and teaches on the South Shore. After earning a master of music degree from the University of Louisville, she performed as an apprentice artist with the Kentucky opera, taking roles such as the Countess in Mozart’s famous opera “Le Nozze di Figaro,” and Micaëla in Bizet’s “Carmen.”
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus has been performing classical choral music concerts since 1999. It features of 90 singers from 20 South Shore communities. In addition to the spring concert, the chorus presents a winter concert in December and a summer concert series featuring Broadway and Americana music.
The spring concert will take place on Saturday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, May 5, at 4 p.m. Tickets for “Ein Deutsches Requiem” are $25 for adults, $20 for senior citizens, and $15 for students over 14. Members of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Card to Culture program and children 14 and younger are admitted free. Tickets are available here. They will also be available from chorus members and at the door.
Things to do this week and beyond
Monday, April 22
As you likely know by now, the Mayflower II, Plimoth Patuxet Museums’ historic reproduction of the ship that carried the Pilgrims to the shores of Patuxet in 1620, has returned to her berth at State Pier is open for public visits. The ship spent the winter months in Mystic, Conn., for routine maintenance and painting.
Mirabeau Inn & Spa in the Pinehills hosts “a harmonious fusion of environmental mindfulness, meditation, and yoga,” from 11 to 11:50 a.m. The session includes a meditative walk through the Pine Hills, combined with breathwork, mindfulness exercises, and yoga stretching along the way. It’s free. Sign up by calling 877-MIRBEAU or email reservations@mirbeau.com.
The Manomet branch library presents a story time for parents, caregivers, and children up to age 6, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. It’s an opportunity to enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities together. It also reinforces important early literacy skills to help children get ready to read. No registration required.
The Noteworthy Nonfiction Book Club will be reading “The Library Book”by Susan Orlean for its April meeting, from 6 to 7 p.m. Copies of the book are available to check out at the Plymouth library circulation desk. Contact Kris Boyles at 508-830-4250 ext. 201, for more information.
Tuesday, April 23
Mirbeau Inn & Spa in the Pinehills hosts author Hank Phillippi Ryan to mark the release of her newest book, “One Wrong Word.” Doors open for cocktails, light bites, and refreshments at 5:30 p.m. Phillippi Ryan will speak at 6 p.m., followed by book signings and photo ops. Tickets are $45, or $65 with a book included. They are available here.
The Chess Club meets at the Plymouth library in the Nook Road study room areas from 6 to 8 p.m. All levels of players are invited. Chess sets are provided, but players are welcome to bring their own.
Plymouth G Pub, 101 Carver Road, offers “Craft Creations & Cider” in the taproom from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.
The Plymouth library’s British Mystery Book Club meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The club will discuss “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” a classic of the genre, by Arthur Conan Doyle. Register here.
Wednesday, April 24
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon’s Tidmarsh Sanctuary, 60 Beaver Dam Road, take place at from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration, view the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species, and learn what is in store for the future. This free guided walk is led by Mass Audubon staff and geared toward adults.
The America’s Hometown Laureate organization is hosting an evening of music and spoken word at the Mayflower Society House, 4 Winslow St., from 5 to 7 p.m. Spoken word participants are invited to sign up for a limited number of performance slots. A brass quintet will perform Baroque music selections in the house’s new solarium. Participants are asked to arrive between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m. Fifteen five-minute performance slots are available to reserve by emailing hometownlaureates@gmail.com.
The Plymouth library hosts a virtual author’s talk with Xochitl Gonzalez about her newest novel, “Anita de Monte Laughs Last.” The talk takes place from 8 to 9 p.m. More information can be found here.
Gary Mullen and the Works will perform “One Night of Queen” at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., at 8 p.m. Tickets to the tribute concert are available here.
Thursday, April 25
Plymouth library’s Preschool Storytime, from 11 to 11:30 a.m., gives parents, caregivers, and children ages 3 to 5 the opportunity to enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities together. No registration necessary.
The League of Women Voters of the Plymouth Area hosts a Candidates Forum to showcase candidates for the annual town election, at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall at Town Hall. Two candidates vying for a seat on the planning board will discuss their candidacies. The event will be broadcast live on the town’s cable TV station and also rebroadcast periodically until election day. A second forum, on April 30, will be held for school committee candidates.
Plymouth G Pub, 101 Carver Road, presents an all-new stand-up comedy show in its Speakeasy Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Life and Lyrics concert program with Cara Brindisi presents its first concert and “pilot episode” at The Spire, 25 1/2 Court St., at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Friday, April 26
The Community Garden at the Davis-Douglas Farm in Plymouth provides an opportunity for community members to grow foods and flowers of their own and meet fellow gardeners in the area. Gardeners are preparing for another season from 2 to 3:30 p.m., prepping the barrels and beds for planting in May. New gardeners may add their names to the waitlist through this application.
After a sold out show last year, New England folksinger and songwriter Cheryl Wheeler returns to The Spire for a performance with Kenny White, from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $38.50 and are available here.
Saturday, April 27
Plymouth library hosts a board game meetup from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is intended for all ages and skill levels. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow gamers, make new friends, and indulge in some friendly face-to-face competition. You can bring your own games or borrow one from the library’s game library. No registration is required.
The spa at the John Carver Inn, 25 Summer St., is hosting a Scout and Cellar clean-crafted wine and coffee tasting from 4 to 6 p.m. You don’t need to be a guest at the inn to participate. The spa is on the second floor. The event free.
A Band of Brothers, an Allman Brothers tribute band, performs at The Spire at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28.80 and $32. They’re available here.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra collaborates with Broadway vocalists to pay tribute to The Queens of Rock & Soul: Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. The orchestra and singers will perform classics such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Proud Mary,” “Simply the Best,” “Natural Woman,” “River Deep Mountain High,” “Chain of Fools,” and more. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St. Tickets range from $30 to $100. They can be purchased online at plymouthphil.org or by calling 508-746-8008.
Sunday, April 28
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra’s tribute, The Queens of Rock & Soul: Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin, gets an encore performance at 3 p.m. See Saturday’s listing for more details.
Monday, April 29
Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, hosts psychic medium Patty Griffin, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets for dinner and the show are $45 to $65. They’re available here.
With an ear for the political music of an election year, the All Worn Out Jug Band will be performing songs of politics and protest from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Plymouth library’s Fehlow meeting room. The band will cover songs from artists such as The Weavers, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Woody Guthrie, and more contemporary artists.
Tuesday, April 30
Mirbeau Inn & Spa, 35 Landmark Drive, offers an opportunity to receive an express facial or back facial. Sip prosecco while learning from an expert esthetician, from 4 to 6 p.m. The cost is $50. An appointments is required. Call 877-MIRBEAU.
The Changing Tides: Teen Sustainability Club for young persons ages 12 to 18 interested in sustainability, the natural world, and climate change meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Plymouth library’s craft room. No registration is required. For more information email Ms. Natalie at nbennington@plymouth.ocln.org
The League of Women Voters holds its second candidates forum for three open seats on the school committee at the School administration building on Lincoln Street, at 7 p.m. Free childcare care will be provided by the YMCA across the street at the Nathaniel Morton School. Childcare reservations may be requested by calling 781-956-2059.
Wednesday, May 1
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon’s Tidmarsh Sanctuary, 60 Beaver Dam Road, take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration, view the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species, and learn what is in store for the future. This free guided walk is led by Mass Audubon staff and geared toward adults.
Sunrise Senior Living, 97 Warren Avenue, offers educational support groups to provide an opportunity for caregivers to share their experiences in a confidential environment and receive information and guidance from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required. Call 774-552-6080.
Plymouth library hosts a virtual author’s talk by Douglas Brunt about his bestselling non-fiction work “The Mysterious Case of Rudolph Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I.” The book reveals the hidden history of one of the world’s greatest inventors and tells the story of his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I. The talk takes place between 3 and 4 p.m. For more information, go here.
Thursday, May 2
Plymouth library hosts preschool story time at 11 a.m. The half-hour story program gives parents, caregivers, and children ages 3-5 the opportunity to enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities together.
The Eastern Bank Lobby Jazz Series at the Spire Center presents the Mike Casano Quartet from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Casano is a drummer, producer, writer, educator, and DJ. The quartet includes a saxophone, a keyboard, and a bass player. Tickets are $15 and are available here.
Friday, May 3
Friday’s Live Music on Shirley Square is back, kicking off with Just Two Guys performing by the front steps at 4 North St. between 4 and 6 p.m.
The Spooner House Museum, 27 North St., has partnered with “spiritual organizations” to offer tarot card readings on select Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the preservation of the historic house.
On the First Friday of the months May through October, rain or shine, artists, galleries, shops and showrooms of the Plymouth Bay Cultural District will open their doors to the public for an evening of art, culture and inspiration from 5 to 8 p.m. See a walking map for participating sites here.
Saturday, May 4
Plimoth General Store, 44 Main St., offers “Indulge,” described as a luxury shopping event, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. General admission is $30 and can be paid for here.
Historian Walter Powell leads a Burial Hill history tour on the theme of “From These Honored Dead: Civil War Plymouth,” from 1 to 2 p.m. The Plymouth Antiquarian Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum sponsor the free public tour series, taking place on the first Saturday of each month. Meet at Burial Hill Cemetery. No registration required. For more information
visit www.pilgrimhall.org or www.plymouthantiquarian.org.
A nature walk to kick off the Plymouth Town Forest StoryWalk will start at Plymouth Community Intermediate School, 117 Long Pond Road, at 10 a.m.
As reported above, the Pilgrim Festival Chorus performs Brahms’ “A German Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Parish, 803 State Road. Tickets are available here and at the door.
Sunday, May 5
Longhouse Ax Throwing, 46 Main St., hosts a fundraiser from 12 to 4 p.m.to find homes for dogs in need of one, while children enjoy video games on site. Local beer and cider are available as participants test their skills.
The Sunday Funday Residency at The Spire continues with South Shore roots rock band The Shady Roosters, from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5.
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus performs Brahms’ “A German Requiem” at 4 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Parish. Tickets are available here and at the door.
Stress expert, humorist, and author Loretta LaRoche presents “Life Is Short – Wear Your Party Pants” at Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., at 4 p.m. Tickets are $40 and are available here.
Hometown Heroes leads a “Walk Through Time for Charity,” a 90-minute tour of downtown Plymouth, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A minimum donation of $15 is required. Call 508-517-8355 for details and reservations.