Event
Bernstein and Friends
The Wisconsin Chamber Choir will present a concert entitled "Bernstein and Friends" featuring Leonard Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms", on Sunday, June 3 at 3:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, in downtown Madison. Also on the program is the world premiere of "The God of Glory" by Virginia composer Judith Shatin, along with works by composers whom Bernstein championed as a conductor, including music of Copland, Beethoven, Schumann, and Ives.
Bernstein composed "Chichester Psalms" in 1965 while on sabbatical from his conducting post with the New York Philharmonic. Working on commission from Chichester Cathedral in England, Bernstein used the original Hebrew texts of six different psalms, and the resulting music has a distinctly popular flair that recalls the style of West Side Story. The WCC's performance will feature boy soprano Nathaniel Johnson, harpist Karen Atz, organist Theodore Reinke, and percussionist Tobie Wilkinson.
Other Bernstein works on the program include selections from the musical theatre work "Mass", and a rarely heard early work, "Hashkiveinu", a setting of a prayer from the Jewish Sabbath evening service.
In the spirit of Bernstein's own advocacy on behalf of younger composers, the WCC is proud to present the world premiere of "The God of Glory" by Judith Shatin, Professor of Composition at the University of Virginia and Director of the Virginia Center for Computer Music. Having made her own translation of Psalm 29, Shatin explains that her music "was inspired by the strength of the poetry, and seeks to sonically amplify its images."
Rounding out the program are works by composers closely associated with Bernstein's career. His lifelong friend Aaron Copland is represented by selections from Copland's "Old American Songs" in choral arrangements both old and new. Romantic choral works by Beethoven and Schumann pay tribute to Bernstein's passionate interpretations of these composers' music. Finally, a group of light-hearted early works by Charles Ives highlight Bernstein's affinity for one of America's most original composers.
Tickets are available in advance for $14 through Brown Paper Tickets or via www.wisconsinchamberchoir.org, or at the door for $16. Student tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.
Founded in 1999, the Madison-based Wisconsin Chamber Choir has established a reputation for excellence in the performance of Bach oratorios, a cappella masterworks from various centuries, and world premieres. Dr. Robert Gehrenbeck is the Wisconsin Chamber Choir's Artistic Director.
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LocationFirst United Methodist Church (View)
203 Wisconsin Ave
Madison, WI 53703
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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