The Galesburg Community Chorus (GCC) will present "Make We Joy," featuring Haydn's Mass in Time of War at their annual Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. The Carl Sandburg College Children's Choir will participate in the concert as well and a variety of seasonal selections will be presented just in time for the holiday season. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for Senior citizens and are available at the door.
"Make We Joy," will feature Haydn's Mass in Time of War and a variety of seasonal selections. The first of the six late Hadyn Masses, Missa in Tempore Belli or Mass in Time of War, was composed in 1796 as Austria was mobilizing for war in the face of invasion by Napoleon’s armies. "The Mass in Time of War is a great and powerful setting with vividly captured moods ranging from light and playful, to glorious and bright, to sorrowful and deeply beautiful," Musical Director Tim Pahel said.
The second half of the concert features a diverse selection of seasonal music as the Carl Sandburg College Children's Choir under the direction of Jessica Stiller, will join the GCC for a performance of Philip Ledger's joyous setting of the "Sussex Carol," for choir and organ. "Edwin Fissinger's 'Make We Joy' for choir and hand bells, tambourine, and drum feels like a Christmas processional, with hints of the Middle East evoked by lush, exotic harmonies," Pahel said.
Soloists Sarah Moran, (soprano) Elizabeth Anderson, (mezzo-soprano), Lynn Maxfield (tenor) and Gregory Lewis (baritone) will be featured in the concert. Moran's repertoire covers the range from oratorio with performances spanning across the United States. Anderson has sung throughout the State of Illinois in a variety of Operas and musical roles. Maxfield is a lecturer in music at Knox College where he teaches private voice lessons, voice class and directs the men's choral ensemble. Lewis is a professional singer who has performed on stages throughout the country.
The GCC is under the direction of Tim Pahel, the Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Monmouth College, where he directs the Chorale and Concert Choir, teaches applied voice, conducting, diction, and choral methods. Previously he taught and was the Music Coordinator at Carl Sandburg College. He has directed the GCC since 2001.
Students may attend the concert free thanks to sponsorship by Wells Fargo. The concert is sponsored by Blick Art Materials and is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Art Council.
The Galesburg Community Chorus is celebrating their 65th year of presenting great choral music to Galesburg and west-central Illinois. The mission of the chorus is to "share the gift of great choral music, inspire new generations with the love of singing, and broaden our reach to all people." To find out more about the concert or to participate in the chorus contact business manager Jimmy Stewart at 309-343-8143.
(Galesburg Community Chorus) |
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