Millersville's Choral Ensembles to Perform 'World Songs' Concert

Millersville University's choral ensembles will present "World Songs: A Choral Odyssey" on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in Biemesderfer Concert Hall at the Winter Center. This globetrotting musical trek traverses the earth to bring the audience a colorful presentation of quality choral literature. Sung in original languages, works include internationally renowned composers spanning the history of choral music, from the 14th century to the present. The Winter Center is located at 60 W. Cottage Avenue, Millersville.

Over 150 singers from four choral ensembles will take the stage. Participating ensembles include University Choir, University Chorale, and Cantilena Women's Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell, and the Marauder Men's Glee Club, conducted by Dr. Allen "Kit" Howell. The choirs collaborate to form a Choral Union that opens the concert with exciting African songs with percussion and concludes with a dramatic setting of the spiritual, "Follow the Drinking Gourd," by Gwyneth Walker.

According to Gemmell, "the students have really enjoyed preparing the music for this concert - it's so varied in style, timbre and expression - there's never a dull moment in rehearsal or performance!" While some of the repertoire will be familiar to the audience, such as Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Bogoroditse Devo" from his "All Night Vigil," Pablo Casal's popular "Nigra Sum," or Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Sweet Day," most of the music is rarely heard in this country. Special highlights include "Four Estonian Lullabies" by Veljo Tormis, "Anoj Pusej Dunojelio" by Lithuanian composer Vaclovas Augustinas, "Son de La Loma" arranged by Cuban composer Miguel Matamoros, and "Minoi, Minoi," a Samoan folk fong. Selections from India, Venezuela, France, Scotland, and Israel complete this international choral extravaganza.

Olivia Ober, a voice performance major at Millersville University and a member of both University Choir and Chorale, comments, "I just love the music for this concert. Singing songs from other countries really transports us to those places, and sharing such passionate music with the audience will be a lot of fun for us." Gemmell agrees and concludes, "With such an emphasis on world music during the concert, the Choral Union will sing our National Anthem at end to convey that we've arrived home safely from our worldly travels. Those attending the concert should be prepared to experience something totally different... and be ready to add their singing voices to the finale!"

Tickets are $10 for general admission, and can be purchased online by visiting ArtsMU.com or by calling 717-871-7600. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Ticket Office located in the Student Memorial Center on Millersville's campus, or at the Ware Center, located at 42 N. Prince Street, in Lancaster. Doors open one hour before each concert for ticket sales, subject to availability. MU Student & Visiting Student (any age, any level) tickets are free with a valid ID at a ticket office location or at the door.

The Millersville University Visual and Performing Arts Season is made possible by support from Season Platinum Partner Rogers & Associates and Gold Season Sponsors Aussie and the Fox and Hagelgans & Veronis, and Silver Season Sponsors Clipper Magazine, The Hotel Lancaster, 12:34 MicroTechnologies, and Weber Advertising. First Friday Music Stage is sponsored by Fine Living Lancaster. This season's Luminary Donors include Ann Barshinger, John & Susan Garofola, Mary Burton & Laurent Horne, Linda Holman Marcks, William McIlwaine, Peggy Neff, Mary Kearns & John Walker, and Paul & Judy Ware.

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