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A List
11/7/05
UNIVERSITY CHORUS PERFORMING ON CAMPUS & IN OGDENSBURG
CANTON - The University Chorus fall concert, "America Sings Praises: Hymns, Shape-Note,
Spirituals," will be performed on campus at St. Lawrence University on Saturday, November
12, at 8 p.m. in Gunnison Memorial Chapel, and on Sunday, November 13, at 2 p.m. in
St. Mary's Cathedral in Ogdensburg. Both concerts are open to the public, free of
charge.
The performances feature songs of worship from some of the many Christian traditions
in America - songs sung in church, at meetings and in homes for individual and
collective inspiration. The concerts include well-known hymns, mostly sung a cappella
in their original four-part harmony. Although composed for congregational singing,
many of the hymns are minor masterpieces of the choral art. Included are "All Creatures
of our God and King," "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," "Nearer, My God, to Thee,"
"All Through the Night" and "For All the Saints."
Also included are two distinctly American sacred music traditions:
- Sacred harp or shape-note, so called because of the notation using different note
shapes to indicate pitch. Having its origins in the Singing Schools of 18th-century
New England, this tradition is alive and well today. The music and the singing style
is rugged and energetic.
- African American spirituals, both in original form and in arrangements by
William Dawson. A music of hope grown out of despair, noble in expression and deeply
felt, spirituals transcend the boundaries of race and culture and speak to every human
heart.
The program is rounded out by arrangements of such well-known songs as "Simple Gifts"
and "At the River," both by Aaron Copland, and "How Can I Keep from Singing?".
The University Chorus, Canton's community chorus, is sponsored by the St. Lawrence
University music department. Membership in the chorus is drawn from the local
community as well as faculty, staff and students of St. Lawrence; new members
are always welcome. The University Chorus is directed by Barry Torres; Barbara
Phillips-Farley is accompanist.
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The Music Department at St. Lawrence
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