Rackham Choir Presents An Evening Of Choral And Organ Works By French Composers

Rackham Choir, now in its 70th year of singing for Detroit, will present "Fantaisie Française" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15, at First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak. Under the direction of Suzanne Mallare Acton, the choir will be joined by percussionist David Taylor and will feature organist Joseph Jackson.

"Rackham is so fortunate to have Joseph Jackson on our artistic staff," says Acton. "He was the inspiration for us to present these 20th-century French choral and organ gems. I invite everyone to come and experience his playing and see why the organ is called the King of Instruments."

The First Presbyterian Church's magnificent "Centennial Organ," Opus 2241 from the Reuter Organ Company, will be on full display with the majestic and moving music of French composers Louis Vierne, Francis Poulenc, Lili Boulanger, Pierre Cochereau and Jean Langlais.

Jackson says, "The French symphonic organ movement, begun in the compositions of Cesar Franck and brought to fruition in the organ symphonies of Charles-Marie Widor and Louis Vierne, is shown to be alive and well in the mid-20th-century works by Langlais and Boulanger."

Tickets for the performance are $15 in advance and $20 at the door (adult), $5 in advance and $10 at the door (youth under 18), and can be purchased in advance at rackhamchoir.org or by calling (313) 404-0222.

For more information about Rackham Choir, visit rackhamchoir.org.

With innovative repertoire, high artistic standards, enduring history, and community involvement, Rackham Choir is a vital part of Detroit's rich cultural landscape.

Under the leadership of artistic director Suzanne Mallare Acton, Rackham performs a repertoire that ranges from classics to innovative multimedia productions combining live music with film, narration, and dance, often in collaboration with other groups and guest artists.

In addition to the choir's signature work, the annual production of "Too Hot to Handel-The Jazz-Gospel Messiah" at the Detroit Opera House, Rackham presents local premieres of works, often focusing on pieces with relevant social or historical contexts, delivering messages of peace and community.

During 2019-2020, Rackham will celebrate its 70th year of continuous operation, making it one of the longest-standing performing arts organizations in Detroit.

Rackham Choir's accompanist, Joseph Jackson, plays a key role working with the students in the choir's High School Vocal Internship Program. He currently serves as organist and music associate of the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak and as accompanist for the Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Chorus. He is a Michigan Opera Theatre touring artist and accompanist for the Berkley High School Choirs. About Suzanne Mallare Acton

Rackham Choir artistic director Suzanne Mallare Acton earns respect and admiration in the concert hall and on the opera stage. In addition to her work with Rackham, she is assistant music director and chorus master of Michigan Opera Theatre and director of Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Chorus. Conducting credits include Michigan Opera Theatre, Artpark, Dayton Opera, Augusta Opera, Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, Auditorium Theatre, and Verdi Opera Theatre.

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