Darlene Koldenhoven

DARLENE KOLDENHOVEN

The McPherson Opera House,  McPherson, KS

© Lydia Lowe  12/11/2011

Darlene Koldenhoven

DARLENE KOLDENHOVEN . . . Little did I know that when we embarked upon an interview with Darlene on Saturday afternoon, that by show time, we would be filming her concert for her website.  We began as interviewers and fans, and became part of the show.  

Darlene is warm and welcoming.  She answered all of our questions.  Even after the interview was over, she answered many more questions that I had regarding some of the things that she had said during the interview.  I nearly didn't ask a couple of them because I thought she might think they were dumb.  But if she did, she didn't show it.  She gave me in depth answers to my questions about what goes on behind the scenes at the various musical shows she has performed at and insights into various performers, ( Streisand was a topic of conversation). 

Darlene's concert started out with background instrumentals and she provided the voice to the music.  It was quirky and different.  I had never been to a show like this and the first song she sang was a little disconcerting but after that, I can't imagine listening to her any other way.  She played the piano and did some improvisational singing with sounds.  Very jazz based.  I love jazz, so this was part of the program was a favorite.

One of my favorite songs of the evening was a song that Darlene wrote and sang, entitled: "Infinite Voice".  She has a CD with the same name.  If you get a chance to hear this song, or better yet, buy the CD, do it.  This is a CD that you will treasure forever, based on just this song.  It should be required listening.  Simply beautiful.

Other songs that really stood out for me: a trilogy of Christmas songs that she sang near the beginning of her show ("Gabriel to Mary, Weeping", "Joseph's Question", and "The Star to the Stable"), and near the end of the show: "Gabriel's Oboe" and Darlene's encore number: "Sous le dome epais".  Truly, though, I enjoyed everything that she sang.

Grammy winner, singer, songwriter, author, and voice coach . . . Darlene Koldenhoven is one busy lady.  Check out her website and go to her show, when she's in your area.  You won't regret it.  There truly is nothing like hearing her live.  Her voice will resonate with you long after the concert is over.