The Lawrence University choirs will be performing their first concert of the year Saturday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel. The concert, titled “Dusk to Dawn,” will feature Lawrence’s Viking Chorale, Cantala, and Concert Choir.The choirs will be performing works by Whitacre, Schumann, Vecchi, Nelhbel, Haydn, Grainger, Ticheli, Griffin, Somers, Snyder, Pieslak, Sasso, and Panula.
Director of Choral Studies Richard Bjella, who was given Lawrence’s Award for Excellence in Teaching last year at Commencement, directs the Viking Chorale and Concert Choir.
Bjella has been directing at Lawrence since 1984. His never-ending enthusiasm promises a great performance from both of these ensembles.
The Cantala conductor is Associate Director of Choral Studies Phillip Swan, who has recently been appointed musical director for Lawrence musicals.
The repertoire ranges in period from the Renaissance to contemporary, so it is sure satisfy anyone’s musical taste.
A freshman member of The Viking Chorale said of one of the group’s songs, “We sing it like we are slightly intoxicated.” Another of the Chorale’s songs will use crystal glasses as accompanying instruments.