ISSUED: 10 April 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University’s Masterworks Chorale presents a concert featuring Igor Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms,” Vincent Persichetti’s “Celebrations” for wind ensemble and choir, and Aaron Copland’s “The Promise of Living” from the opera “The Tender Land” on Saturday, April 25, at 8 p.m. in the Frank Center Theater.
“Symphony of Psalms” is a three-movement choral symphony composed in 1930 and commissioned by Serge Koussevitzky to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
American composer Vincent Persichetti was known for integrating various new ideas in musical composition into his own work and into his teaching, and for training many noted composers at the Juilliard School. His “Celebrations” for choir and wind ensemble premiered in 1966. Dr. Scott Hippensteel, assistant professor of music and director of bands, will conduct “Celebrations.”
Aaron Copland’s folk opera “The Tender Land” tells a story of the American heartland. “The Promise of Living” is a melody that unites hobos and family at the end of the first act in celebration of the harvest and its traditions.
The Masterworks Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Erik Reid Jones, associate professor of music and director of choral activities, is a vocal ensemble with more than 130 singers from Shepherd and the community. The group presents two full-length productions every year and makes appearances at Shepherd University’s annual Holiday Gala and Family Concert.
General admission for the concert is $20; $18 for faculty, staff, and seniors; and $10 for those age 18 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 304-876-5765 or visit www.sufom.org.
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