In preparation for their upcoming tour, the UW-Whitewater Department of Music is delighted to present the Chamber Singers & Vocal Jazz Ensemble concert on Sunday, March 10 at 7:30 pm in the Light Recital Hall. This musical celebration will feature newly composed works from Whitewater composers, Christian Ellenwood
The concert begins with the Chamber Singers presenting two world premiere performances by Whitewater composers, Christian Ellenwood and Adam Taylor. In honor of UW-Whitewater’s sesquicentennial, UW-W Music Professor Christian Ellenwood has composed A Torch Blown Along the Wind for the Chamber Singers. The six-minute a cappella work features arching melodies, energetic rhythms, and stirring harmonic shifts. In the words of the composer, “The piece looks toward the future with hope, celebrating human growth.” For the lyrics of his piece Dr. Ellenwood used a poem called To the Others by Irish-American poet Lola Ridge, first published just over one hundred years ago in 1918.
The second premiere is In Flanders Fields, by UW-Whitewater music major Adam Taylor, a setting of the famous World War I poem by John McCrae. Taylor matches McCrae’s haunting imagery with music that is alternately forceful, delicate, and eerie, creating an extremely moving rendition of this powerful poem.
Additionally, on the program for the evening are selections representing Wisconsin’s rich ethnic diversity, with music by African-American composers Ysaÿe Barnwell and David Baker along with Native American Suite by Wisconsin resident and longtime friend of the Chamber Singers, Brent Michael Davids, an enrolled citizen of the Mohican Nation and one of the foremost Native American composers writing classical music today.
The Vocal Jazz Ensemble conducted by Sharri VanAlstine will be presenting three pieces during the concert on March 10. This select group of auditioned 18 singers represent numerous majors on campus. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble sings music from jazz to contemporary pop genres. Unique to this ensemble, the members spend a fair amount of time working on developing improvisational skills commonly used in jazz music. They enjoy performing at various concerts and events in the region, including local schools, vocal jazz festivals, and a variety of community events.
The songs the Ensemble will be performing include: Fugue in C Minor from The Well-Tempered Clavier, by J. S. Bach, arranged by Ward Swingle; Smile by Charlie Chaplin, arranged by Ben Bram; Orange Colored Sky by M. Delugg & W. Stein, arranged by Darmon Meader.
As part of the Chamber Singers’ fundraising efforts in preparation for their upcoming International Choir Tour in May, the concert on March 10 will feature a silent auction, including stunning art works created by choir members, donations from local businesses, and delicious, home-made baked goods.
For more information on the tour go to the International Choir Tour website: https://www.uww.edu/cac/music/international-choir-tour; and to donate online: http://www.uww.edu/foundation/choir-tour
Tickets for this event can be purchased by calling 262-472-2222, going online to tickets.uww.edu, by visiting the Greenhill Center of the Arts Box Office, or the Information Services Desk in the University Center.
