The Lexington Historical Society's Colonial Singers
Diane Taraz
The Colonial
Singers are 15 people who love history and music in equal measure. Formed
in January 2010, the group presents the music that people enjoyed in the
American Colonies during the late 1700s, particularly the songs created to
promote either rebellion or loyalty to Britain. They explore music from both
sides, with two Redcoats among their ranks, as well as songs enjoyed by both
the upper classes and more common folk.
Dressed in period attire, the group ranges through the wide variety of music of the day, including brisk marches, rowdy drinking songs, solemn hymns, tender love songs, fife-and-drum tunes, and the “catches” or rounds that were a popular entertainment in centuries past. During concerts, the group’s director, Diane Taraz, explains the background of each song – who created it and why, where it was sung, and the events or people it addresses.
The Colonial Singers perform at various events sponsored by the Lexington Historical Society, including Singing Soirees, evening entertainments that explore various themes and include refreshments and the opportunity to mingle and converse with the singers. Venues include Buckman Tavern, where lively drinking songs and rebellious ditties may be featured, the Hancock-Clarke House, where refined melodies and a hymn or two honor the home of a clergyman, and the Munroe Tavern, where the group presents songs celebrating the British point of view.
Among the dozen singers are members of the Lexington Historical Society who lead tours in the historic houses, re-enactors who march about the countryside firing their muskets, and history buffs who love to sing, some of them retired. About half living in Lexington, and the rest hail from surrounding towns.
The Colonial Singers are available to visit schools and to perform at celebrations and events throughout the Boston area. For information about hiring the group, please contact the Lexington Historical Society office.
Diane Taraz, an accomplished singer and guitarist, researches and arranges the group’s songs. She performs solo and with many groups. She writes songs, and presents programs exploring historic music, including Songs of the Revolution and A Silver Dagger – Exploring Women’s History Through Folk Songs. For more information about her, visit her website at www.dianetaraz.com.
Diane Taraz, Director
Dressed in period attire, the group ranges through the wide variety of music of the day, including brisk marches, rowdy drinking songs, solemn hymns, tender love songs, fife-and-drum tunes, and the “catches” or rounds that were a popular entertainment in centuries past. During concerts, the group’s director, Diane Taraz, explains the background of each song – who created it and why, where it was sung, and the events or people it addresses.
The Colonial Singers perform at various events sponsored by the Lexington Historical Society, including Singing Soirees, evening entertainments that explore various themes and include refreshments and the opportunity to mingle and converse with the singers. Venues include Buckman Tavern, where lively drinking songs and rebellious ditties may be featured, the Hancock-Clarke House, where refined melodies and a hymn or two honor the home of a clergyman, and the Munroe Tavern, where the group presents songs celebrating the British point of view.
Among the dozen singers are members of the Lexington Historical Society who lead tours in the historic houses, re-enactors who march about the countryside firing their muskets, and history buffs who love to sing, some of them retired. About half living in Lexington, and the rest hail from surrounding towns.
The Colonial Singers are available to visit schools and to perform at celebrations and events throughout the Boston area. For information about hiring the group, please contact the Lexington Historical Society office.
Diane Taraz, an accomplished singer and guitarist, researches and arranges the group’s songs. She performs solo and with many groups. She writes songs, and presents programs exploring historic music, including Songs of the Revolution and A Silver Dagger – Exploring Women’s History Through Folk Songs. For more information about her, visit her website at www.dianetaraz.com.
Diane Taraz, Director
Patriots Day- Candlelit Concert
Sunday April 14, 2013
8:00pm
The Lexington Depot Building
13 Depot Square
($5 tickets can be purchased at the door)
