University Choirs to perform concert Nov. 6 at Bicknell Center in Pittsburg

The Pittsburg State University Music Department will present the fall concert of the University Choirs at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 1711 S. Homer.

The concert will feature performances by the university's choral ensembles under the direction of Professor Susan Marchant, showcasing a diverse program that spans centuries of choral literature.

The University Choir will perform "Ýour Voices Tune" from Handel's Cecilian Ode Alexander's Feast, the Kyrie from Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle, Craig Carnahan's "Dancing on the Edges of Time," and David Von Kampen's arrangement of Henry Mancini's "Moon River." 

The men of the ensemble will present Mark Templeton's setting of the beloved Koren folksong "Arirang."  Under the direction of graduate conductor Matthew Thompson the University Choir women will sing the Op. 12 "Ave Maria" of Johannes Brahms.

The Chorale will offer settings of the communion text "Ave Verum Corpus" by Renaissance masters William Byrd and Orlando di Lasso, along with several works by composers of our time: Thomas LaVoy's "The Dream I Knew" and Paul Basler's "Alleluia." Sara Quartel's "Garden of Dreams" will feature the Chorale women, while the Chorale men will perform Schubert's setting of "Der Gondelfahrer."

Joining the choir will be pianist Jung Hee Lee and, in the Basler work, percussionists Brett Backerman and Josh Hobson, with Professor Marie Smith on horn.

"The program offers something for every listener, from Renaissance masterworks to contemporary choral compositions," Marchant said. "We're excited to begin another season of making music and sharing the talents of our student singers with the community."

The concert is open to the public. For more information, contact the Pittsburg State University Music Department at 620-235-4466.