Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Chamber Singers at Stephen F Austin State University will present “The Tapestry of Sound” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.
The diverse program will feature a wide range of music, from J.S. Bach to Cyndi Lauper, spanning more than 375 years, according to Dr. Michael Murphy, director of choral activities for the SFA School of Music and director of the choir.
“The rich threads of different music – classical, folk, popular and religious – create a rich tapestry of sounds presented by the 24-voice SFA Chamber Singers,” Murphy said.
Formerly the Madrigal Singers, the Chamber Singers will be accompanied by Davidson Reyes of San Pedro de Marcorís, Dominican Republic, piano, with Jacob Rivas of The Colony assisting as graduate conductor.
Among the program selections is Bach’s double choir “Komm, Jesu, Komm,” believed to have been composed before 1732 for a funeral.
“The most personal of all of Bach’s motets, this masterpiece opens with alternating pleas that give way to statements of assurance and dance rhythms,” Murphy said.
Just last year, American composer Dan Forrest set Daniel Landinsky’s Hafiz-inspired poetry “The Sun Never Say” to a new composition that was recorded this year by the popular British vocal ensemble Voces8.
“Forrest’s lush setting matches the poetry about the beauty of unconditional love,” Murphy said.
The Chamber Singers will also perform Cyndi Lauper’s 1986 “True Colors,” which spent two weeks in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. “True Colors” has recently become popular again through several choral arrangements.
Concert tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.