October 14, 2009

Concert Choir to present free performance

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Concert Choir presents a free performance on Oct. 20 at the recently constructed The View First Baptist Church.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. The View is at 1201 S. Giant City Road near Carbondale.

Choir Director Susan Davenport explained that the program includes “the pairing of single sacred texts, set to music by different composers.” For example, the choir presents the text for the Ave Maria in two forms, one with music composed by Johann Haydn in 1784 and one composed by Arvo Pärt in 1990. Other texts in this dual presentation include the Pater Noster, or Lord’s Prayer, Absalom, Fili Mi, which tells of King David’s lament upon hearing of the death of his son, and Laudate Dominum in Sanctis Ejus, an expression of praise from the Psalter.

Musicians from the School of Music, including the chamber music ensemble and others, join the choir to present this multi-perspective presentation of sacred music.

The SIUC Concert Choir completed a cultural and performance tour of China earlier this year. Other recent appearances include performances at state and national conventions and a student ensemble debut at New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall.