SFA Madrigals to present concert

Members of the SFA Madrigal Singers perform a selection from the group's wide-ranging repertoire. The ensemble will present its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, in Cole Concert Hall.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The SFA Madrigal Singers, a select 16-voice ensemble, will present its annual fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, in Cole Concert Hall, on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

The group is well known throughout East Texas, particularly for its many performances during the Christmas season, explained Dr. Tim King, SFA director of choral activities and of the ensemble. "But it is the singers' wide-ranging concert repertoire, consisting of works from all musical periods, that exhibits the group's extensive talent, precision and artistry."

For the Nov. 9 concert, the ensemble will present Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere," a setting of Psalm 51 written for one of the Tenebre services during Holy Week at the Sistine Chapel sometime before 1638. For many years, regulations prohibited the piece from being performed anywhere outside the Sistine Chapel, and even its transcription was forbidden.

Also included on the program is "Les Chansons des Roses," American contemporary composer Morten Lauridsen's setting of five love poems by German poet Rainer Maria Rilke.

A highlight of the concert, according to King, will be the individual madrigals sung by soloists in the group.

The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Cole Concert Hall is located in the Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Dr.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.