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The Arts

Concert Chorale Performs Friday, Dec. 11

By December 2, 2009November 16th, 2018No Comments

Eclectic selections link continents, centuries and cultures

The Kirkwood Community College Concert Chorale will present their fall vocal program Friday, Dec. 11 in Ballantyne Auditorium. The chorale is directed by Kirkwood Vocal Music Director Ray Salucka.

The chorale’s nearly 40 voices will combine in “A Ceremony of Carols” collection of traditional and contemporary works the reflect Christmas, festivals and community celebrations. Selections will include compositions from the European Renaissance period, reflecting sacred works of Spain, England and Wales. More contemporary works include modern interpretations of Latin carols and a modern Norwegian composer, Trond Kverno. Another trio of works reflect African traditions using vocal arrangements from Nigeria, Benin and Kenya.

The centerpiece of the program is Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. In the early 1950s Britten selected texts of English carols and poems, many dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The collection of carols blends medieval English and Latin using close harmony and minimal instrumental accompaniment. Salucka says the work creates an impressive range of color and texture for the listener.

“Benjamin Britten composed this work while on a voyage from the U.S. to Britain. He conceived the work as a ceremony, using a variety of harmony and arrangement techniques. The instrumental accompaniment is by Jan Cuffel, a well-known local musician who will add much to the evening. We think the program will set a thoughtful as well as festive mood to everyone’s December,” Salucka said.

Tickets to the Dec. 11 Concert Chorale program are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and students with current ID. Kirkwood students, faculty and staff are admitted free of charge. Tickets are available from Kirkwood Student Life in Iowa Hall, (319) 398-5578.