Defiance College announces musical premiere and Carnegie Hall
January 31, 2017
DEFIANCE, Ohio - The Defiance College Chamber Singers and Choral Union are pleased to present an Ohio premiere of Dan Forrest’s “Jubilate Deo” at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 17 at the St. John United Church of Christ on the Defiance College campus.
This brand new work brings the global aspect of the Psalm 100 text to life. Forrest arranges seven different languages, drawing from a wide spectrum of musical influences. Each movement features a different national musical style. In a single work, the audience will experience music from countries including Africa, Israel, and Spain. This is an Ohio premiere, and only the sixth time this work has ever been heard.
At the performance, the DC Chamber Singers will announce an exciting invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The Chamber Singers, along with select members of the Choral Union, will travel to New York in June 2018 for a brief choir tour and a special performance at the world-famous Carnegie Hall.
Admission to “Jubilate Deo” is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken at the conclusion of the concert. All funds will go to offset student costs of the Carnegie Hall trip.
The Chamber Singers are an auditioned mixed choral ensemble, open to all students at Defiance College. This choir performs choral masterworks and premieres works by current composers. They sing music representing many styles, from various historical eras. The Chamber Singers perform throughout Northwest Ohio and tour within the States.
The Choral Union is a large choral ensemble open to students, college personnel, and community members, including music educators and music students. The choir performs varied works, involving a fall concert, Handel’s “Messiah,” and a large work each spring.
The combined choirs are under the direction of Dr. Jim Watson, Director of Music Programs, with piano accompaniment by Hannah Watson. In addition, the choirs are accompanied by a chamber ensemble: Christa Perry, flute; Lydia Dempsey, oboe; Frank D'Ambrosio, clarinet; Carmen Martin, violin; and Mark Cook, percussion.
Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.
