February 16, 2017

Choir, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band present concert

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The SIU Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band come together to present a concert featuring a variety of music, from classic composers most know by name to new composers due to visit Southern Illinois University Carbondale in person later this year. 

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 23 in Shryock Auditorium. Tickets are $12, with students paying $6. 

The choir presents several choral classics, including “The Last Words of David,” by Randall Thompson, a Brahms selection that will be part of a broader Brahms concert later this spring, “Of Crows and Clusters” by Norman Dello Joio, “Alleluia” by Ralph Manuel and a novelty piece, “Mashed Potato/Love Poem” from “Play with Your Food” by Paul Carey. 

“The choral classics are not necessarily in the sense that they are terribly old, but that they have become part of the shared vocabulary of choral groups over the last 50 years or so,” Susan Davenport, director of choral activities and associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said. 

The Wind Ensemble will play “Smetana Fanfare” by Karel Husa, “City Trees,” by Michael Markowski and “Four Scottish Dances, Op. 59” by Malcolm Arnold and arranged by John Paynter. All are recent compositions or arrangements. 

The symphonic band will also play a selection of music, and all three ensembles join together for “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” arranged by Peter Wilhousky. 

Tickets are available from the School of Music at 618/536-8742 or at the Shryock Auditorium or McLeod Theater box offices during regular office hours.