Three Vocal Ensembles Featured in Spring Choral Collage Concert, April 30

The Ashland University Choir, Chamber Singers, and the Women's Chorus present a spring choral concert program of an eclectic mix from American compositions to spirituals and a cappella pieces. The "Choral Collage Concert" will be held on Sunday, April 30 at 4 p.m. in the Jack and Deb Miller Chapel and is free and open to the public.

Dr. Rowland Blackley, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, will conduct the University Choir and Chamber Singers. After their spring tour in Germany and a concert with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, the University Choir has prepared three great works by American composers for their final concert of the year. The selections include  Randall Thompson's The Last Words of David (text from Biblical book of II Samuel), Z. Randall Stroope's Amor de mi Alma   (text by 16th century poet Garcilaso de la Vega) and Eric Whitacre's With a Lily in Your Hand (text by 20th century poet Garcia Lorca).

The Chamber Singers will sing Six Chansons written by twentieth century German-turned-American composer Paul Hindemith. Based on the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, the texts deal with natural or pastoral topics. The select-ensemble will also perform three foundational spirituals including Rockin' Jerusalem by André Thomas, Lily of the Valley by Wendell Whalum and Ain'-a That Good News by William L. Dawson.   

Directed by Kimberly Wolbert, the Women's chorus will also perform a spiritual as they sing Mark Hayes' arrangement of Go Down Moses. Other selections include Six Chansons, A Natural Woman by Deke Sharon and Anne Raugh, and Omnia Sol (Let Your Heart Be Staid) by Z. Randall Stroope as a senior tribute for the graduating members.