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'American Folk' theme of DePauw choral concert Sunday
A joint concert by the DePauw University Choir and DePauw Chamber Singers, titled "American Folk," will be presented Sunday, March 15 at DPU's Green Center.
The program, which begins at 3 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium, draws on a rich variety of a cappella music from the Americas, including Negro Spirituals, Russian-Jewish melodies from Tin Pan Alley, Afro-Latin dance beats, Appalachian mountain tunes, songs from the Atlantic Sea Shanty tradition, shape note hymns, Shaker melodies and Latin motets.
"I wanted to create a program that incorporated pieces by composer Roberto Sierra, whom we had the unique opportunity to coach with during his recent 'Music of the 21st Century' residency," Kristina Boerger, director of DePauw University Choirs, said. "I was also looking for an occasion to represent some of the extraordinarily beautiful music that we'd worked on with Joseph Horowitz during the Dvorak Festival
this fall."
Sunday's concert, which features a number of pieces performed by small ensembles, chosen from within the larger choirs, created another opportunity.
In order to prepare such a varied program within the available rehearsal time, the choirs adopted a new rehearsal style -- breaking down the two larger groups into smaller sections, which were, in turn, almost entirely student led.
"Preparing these songs in sectionals has been quite productive," first-year voice major and University Chorus member Christina Goetz said. "We have been working together really well, and I think this will make for a great finished product.
"I am always amazed by the musicianship of my peers. It inspires me to work harder," Goetz continued. "It's rewarding to make music as a team."
"I hope audience members will be impressed with the beauty and intricacy of our students' execution, surprised by the different kinds of styles they find attractive to hear, impressed by the cultural histories carried in choral repertoires, and curious to learn and hear more, always more," Boerger added.
General admission to DePauw choir concerts is $3. Tickets for seniors, children and students are free.
For ticket information and purchases, visit www.depauw.edu/music/tickets or the Green Center box office, which is open Monday through Friday 12-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Sunday 12-8 p.m.