The UNLV Choral Ensembles open their 2011-2012 concert season with "The Splendid Silent Sun" on Wednesday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Rando Recital Hall located on the northeast end of the university campus in the Lee & Thomas Beam Music Center. This performance features the University Concert Singers, Chamber Chorale, Women's Chorus, Nightingales, Varsity Men's Glee Club and the contemporary a cappella ensemble, Lamprophony.
Based upon the poetry of Walt Whitman, the Concert Singers present "Give Me the Splendid Silent Sun" by American composer Michael Hennagin. The two-movement work includes a rhythmic, declamatory speaking chorus with piano and percussion that intones the text, "Take me away from the strife, the rustle and clank" of society's troubles. This harsh entreaty leads to a harmonious and impassioned resolution in the second movement, as the chorus sings, "Give me the sunrise when I can walk alone, give me the nights perfectly silent on high plateaus."
The Concert Singers also offer Aaron Copland's rollicking square dance, "Stomp Your Foot" and Norman Dello Joio's dramatic "A Psalmist's Meditation." The Chamber Chorale presents motets of the renaissance era and continues a hallowed tradition spanning four decades as they sing the English sonnet, "Go, Lovely Rose," this time in a setting by UNLV alumnus Eric Whitacre. World-famous and hailed as one of the leading composers of his generation, Whitacre uses the poetry of Edmund Waller in this, his first published work, written 20 years ago in dedication to the Chorale and UNLV music professor David Weiller.
The Women's Chorus, celebrating 20 years since their founding, performs "Laudate Pueri" by Johann Michael Haydn and "Super Flumina Babylonis" by David Childs. The Varsity Men's Glee Club, celebrating their 25th anniversary year, sings popular tunes and musical theatre favorites, including "Yesterday" by The Beatles, "It's a Grand Night for Singing" by Rodgers and Hammerstein and "Another Hundred People" by Stephen Sondheim.
Under the musical leadership of conductors Jocelyn K. Jensen and David B. Weiller, the university choral ensembles enjoy a reputation for vibrant performances. The choirs recently were praised for a concert described as "...glorious, yet disciplined. The choruses performed with unaffected charisma." Annual tours have encompassed the southwestern United States as well as Hawaii, New York, Mexico, and Canada. Past highlights include holiday performances with the world-renowned Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and participation in a massed choir performance in New York City's Carnegie Hall.
Tickets for the October 19 concert may be purchased at the UNLV Performing Arts Center box office or by calling 895-ARTS. General admission is $10; senior citizens, military and UNLV faculty/staff tickets are $8. Students from the university and the Clark County School District may receive one free ticket by presenting valid student identification at the box office. Seating is limited and advance ticket purchase is recommended.
