Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches finished their 46th Season with a Songbook:
The Chorus sang memorable melodies from America's Songbook on May 18, to the delight of the audience at Royal Poinciana Chapel. Soloists, accompanists and an amazing Jazz Saxiphonist had the audience tapping their feet and clapping loudly. At a special reception afterwards, VIPs and chorus members paid tribute to Ken Taylor, departing Artistic Director, and welcomed Bryan A. Ijames , as our new Director. See stories below.
After 15 years as Artistic Director, Ken Taylor lays down his baton.
Farewell to Ken Taylor
Respected Masterworks Director bows out to focus on new and exciting opportunities
Ken's visionary leadership transformed this well-known Chorus with dynamic programming that included everything from Holiday favorites like Handel's Messiah, to classic choral masterpieces by Brahms, Handel, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Beyond the classics, he introduced playful concerts celebrating songs from Disney, Broadway, patriotic anthems, international folk songs and even TV favorites.
Ken often mixed into the chorus several of his music students from Dreyfoos School of the Arts, giving them a first-hand look at an experienced body of choral masters, as well as bringing their youthful exuberance to the group.
Rehearsals were always memorable as Ken brought new technical depths to timeless favorites, enhancing and challenging the chorus's experiences, often delivered with a dose of humor. We thank Ken Taylor for the tremendous contribution he has made to our Chorus and wish him well in his new endeavors.
Masterworks Chorus is delighted to introduce our new Aristic Director
Please welcome Bryan Anthony Ijames, D.M.A.
Bryan comes with an extensive music and choral resume and is currently Assistant Professor of Music Education & Associate Director of Choral Activities at Bower School of Music - Florida Gulf Coast University. We look forward to our 47th season with such an accomplished leader at the helm. Stay tuned for a look at our planned performances as we lift the curtain on our next season.
An American Songbook Review
On March 18, audience members enjoyed favorites chosen for their enduring and entertaining value. Songs included Moon River, Over the Rainbow and Summertime, to name a few. The chorus sang 16 songs, accompanied by Arnfield Cudal on piano.
Solo performances and accompanists included several well-known musicians and singers:
Opening our program was Kay Purin singing Summertime by George Gershwin. Kay
sang the starring role in Menopause in West Palm Beach as well as singing in the Palm
Beach Opera Chorus under Maestro Guadagno.
Mickey Smith, Jr., GRAMMY Music Educator Reward Recipient, played jazz saxophone, accompanied by Darren Matias, on the tunes of I Will Always Love You by
Dolly Parton, and What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele. Another GRAMMY Nominee, Janis McDavid, was featured singing
Fever by Eddie Coolie and Otis Blackwell, and It Don’t Mean a Thing by Ella Fitzgerald,
accompanied by Darren Matias. A new young talent well-known to Rosemary Square audiences, Annie Matot, sang All the Things You Are by Jerome Kern, and Cheek to Cheek by Irving Berlin
accompanied by Alex Theodore.
This concert marked the final performance for our Musical Conductor, Ken Taylor. For fifteen years, the Chorus has sung under his baton and we will miss him greatly.
Community Outreach
As our commitment to the community, we'll continue to offer outreach projects like Hallelujah 2X, Brahms Sing-along and Make Music Day. Look for even greater collaboration with other area choruses and musicians. Based on the success of this year's Make Music Day (40 performers at multiple venues across the County), June 21, 2025 will be our next Make Music Day with an even bigger set of entertaining events.