Southeastern Chorale debuts centennial work at concert
Press Release Date: 05-08-2009
DURANT, Okla. – The Southeastern Oklahoma State University Chorale presented a world premiere concert April 28 in Montgomery Auditorium.
The Southeastern Chorale commissioned a work from internationally acclaimed choral director David Childs to mark SE's centennial celebration.
Childs directed the piece, "Of Fire and the Rose."
Dr. Stacy Weger, Associate Professor in the Fine Arts Department, and Director of the Chorale, said, "I was very pleased with the Centennial Concert presentation. The students sang a wide variety of music well, and I must say it was good to sense a connection with the incredible tradition of musical excellence that is so much a part of Southeastern's history."
"Of course, having a composer of David Child's stature here, conducting a work written specifically for the Southeastern Chorale, was amazing. The students once again have been afforded an opportunity usually reserved for much larger schools."
"I am proud of all that we are able to accomplish. I trust that we will represent Southeastern well when we perform at Carnegie Hall in June. We appreciate the support of the University and the community in our undertakings."
The Centennial Concert featured representative choral pieces from each decade of Southeastern's existence, covering everything from a cappella standards to spirituals to the avant garde.
SE Professor of Music Dr. Robert McFadden served as accompanist for the concert. The event also showcased student conductors Sara Hudson and Weslee Vance.
The Southeastern Chorale will join Vanderbilt University and Wichita State University to perform another Childs' composition, "Requiem," in concert at Carnegie Hall on June 2. This will also be a world premiere.
Childs is a New Zealand native and has a B.A. in composition and musicology from Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand; a Master of Music degree in conducting from Florida State University; and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from Louisiana State University.
Childs serves as Associate Professor of Choral Studies at the Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University. He has more than 50 choral works in print and his compositions are performed nationally and internationally.