Lee University Chorale
Lee University School of Music will host the spring concert of the Lee University Chorale on Monday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Pangle Hall. Dr. William R. Green, dean of the School of Music, will conduct this 26-voice select ensemble in a program including the music of Josef Rheinberger, J.S. Bach, and dynamic American composers John Wykoff, René Clausen and Eric Whitacre.
“The program will begin with a selection of sacred pieces that encourage us to reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice as we begin Holy Week in preparation for Easter Sunday,” said Dr. Green.
The centerpiece of this portion of the program will be the setting of the “Stabat Mater” by Romantic composer Josef Rheinberger. The text of the “Stabat Mater” dates from the 13th century. It describes the suffering of Mary, mother of Jesus, as her son is crucified. According to Green, Rheinberger’s setting is tender and does not draw attention to itself but rather to the remarkable reflective text, producing an almost timeless sacred style. The Rheinberger will be followed by one of J.S. Bach’s six great motets “Lobet den Herrn,” a setting of the two verses in Psalm 117.
The second portion of the program will feature selections from living American composers beginning with three recently composed Appalachian folk songs by Lee University music professor, John Wykoff. These will be followed by three selections for choir and piano from Eric Whitacre’s “The City and the Sea,” a setting of poems by E. E. Cummings. The concert will conclude with sacred selections as former members of the Lee University Chorale are invited to join for René Clausen’s “Prayer.”
Review for Lee University's Chorale:
Today, over a decade after its inception, Chorale has solidified itself as an elite ensemble of highly motivated vocalists. Chorale is known for the breadth of its repertoire, which ranges from sacred classical works and spirituals to vibrant cultural pieces. They have been featured in performances at Carnegie Hall and have traveled across Europe performing at the Vatican, St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Recently the Chorale was privileged to sing as a part of the Vienna Advent Sing, an Austrian festival that included performances in cathedrals and concert halls in Salzburg, Melk, and Vienna.
The concert is open to the public and free of charge. For information about the event, contact the School of Music at 614-8240.