Friends
The last of the three segments of the Heritage Chorale’s 2024 Pops program—“Come Out and Play!”—is titled “Friends.” It includes these timeless, but not equally well-known, popular songs:
You've Got a Friend - music and lyrics by Carole King
Old Friends - music and lyrics by Paul Simon,
For Good (from Wicked), music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
You Will Be Found (from Dear Evan Hansen) - music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Stand by Me - music and lyrics by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and Ben E. King
(with Lean on Me - music and lyrics by Bill Withers)
They share a common theme, the importance of friendship in all our undertakings, even when our purpose is to “Come Out and Play!” When the world appears to be such a dangerous place, it’s community that supports us. It’s friendship that reminds us of love, beauty, and of course to many of us, music!
You Will Be Found
performed by the Broadway Cast of Dear Evan Hansen
Stand by Me and Lean on Me
Stand by Me was the name of a gospel hymn written in 1905 by Charles Albert Tindley, a Philadelphia minister, who also wrote “I'll Overcome Someday,” which eventually became “We Shall Overcome.” Though recorded by a variety of gospel singers, Stand by Me in its Grammy Hall of Fame and movie version was recorded by Ben E. King in 1961.
Lean on Me is a film (1989), a song featured in the movie, and a Grammy Hall of Fame winner. The song was composed by Bill Withers in 1972.
Stand by Me sung by Ben E. King
Lean on Me sung by Bill Withers
Box Office Open
Visit the Chorale’s Online Box Office to make ticket reservations and get more information about Pops 2024.
February’s “Spreading Joy”
A wonderful example of a community of friends: a capella singers. Here’s Stand By Me by The Buzztones:
plus a seasonal treat
Ray Chen and his ensemble perform Winter III Allegro from Vivaldi's “Four Seasons:”