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Vocal festival celebrates 70th anniversaryMarch 3, 2008 KALAMAZOO--The 70th annual Southwestern Michigan Vocal Festival will bring 1,300 talented singers from more than 30 high schools to Western Michigan University for a daylong celebration that will culminate in a free, public performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in Miller Auditorium. Guest conductor Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe, professor and program director of choral studies at the University of Miami (Fla.), will lead the evening's program, which includes five selections by the 1,300-member Festival Chorus and three by the 50-member Honors Choir. A guest performance will feature WMU's University Chorale under the direction of Dr. James K. Bass. The large Festival Chorus will perform Paul Basler's "Gloria," Morten Lauridsen's "Sure On This Shining Night," Jack Halloran's "Witness," Daniel Hall's "A Dream of a Blessed Spirit," and Jeffrey Ames' "Rejoice." The auditioned Honors Choir will perform Franz Schubert's "Tantum Ergo," Rene Clausen's "O My Luve's Like a Red, Red Rose," and David Dickau's "Piping Down the Valleys Wild." The Southwestern Michigan Vocal Festival is one of the largest, oldest and most successful high school choral events in the United States. Since its inception in 1935, it has been providing high school students with an experience in mass singing of quality repertoire under the direction of inspiring conductors. For more information, visit www.wmich.edu/music/festivals/swmvf, or contact Carl Doubleday, WMU School of Music, at carl.doubleday@wmich.edu or (269) 387-4681. Participating high schools and choral directors Albion, Tony Shapow Media contact: Kevin West, (269) 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu WMU News |
