Some Enchanted Evening: A Centennial Celebration with The Dessoff Choirs

Written By Daniel

Last Friday evening at Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn marked my return to Roulette Intermedium to photograph another musical review with The Dessoff Choirs. The Dessoff Choirs were kicking off their centennial year, and they did so with an exclusive focus on the timeless works of Rodgers & Hammerstein.

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a cream-colored blouse and pants, stands center stage with an extended arm, singing passionately. Surrounding her, several actors dressed in white attire are attentively watching her performance.

As a photographer, it’s always intriguing to capture live performances, particularly when the performers and the program are this compelling. Malcolm J. Merriweather’s opening of "Some Enchanted Evening" immediately set the tone for the evening—a blend of grace and power that I aimed to encapsulate in each frame.

On a stage with a dark background, a man in a cream-colored traditional outfit sings with intensity, his hands expressively open in front of him. Various performers in similar off-white attire stand around him, attentively watching.

Then there were moments that caught everyone off guard—in a good way, of course. For instance, Kimberley Cohan and Scott Scholes' rendition of "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?" had an extra layer of authenticity. Knowing they’re a couple in real life added a dash of enchantment to my shots.

A woman with long curly hair wearing a white blouse and blue skirt laughs while looking at a man standing next to her. The man, wearing a white shirt and blue tie, smiles back at her. They hold hands, standing against a dark background.

Steven Ryan (center in the image below), the accompanist since 1997 for The Dessoff Choirs, offered another level of artistry to the event. You could tell by the smile on his face just how thrilled he was to be a part of the night.

Joyful actors in white linking arms on stage with green hills backdrop.

This event differed in that it primarily featured solos and duets from the Dessoff Chamber Choir rather than the full ensemble. This format required a different photographic approach—more close-ups, focused angles, and an emphasis on individual expressions.

All in all, it was a night that demanded keen attention to detail, both from the performers and from me. A fantastic start for The Dessoff Choirs' centennial year, and a rich experience to capture through my lens.

Actors in white taking a bow on stage with mountain backdrop.
Daniel
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