The choir performs a (nearly) all-American programme to reveal the extraordinary breadth of vocal music written by the biggest state-side names from the 20th and our own century. Included in the programme are Leonard Bernstein (in his 100th anniversary year), Elliot Carter, Charles Ives, John Cage and Samuel Barber. The concert will also feature ‘In the Beginning’ by Aaron Copland, ‘Sleep’ by Eric Whitacre, and music by contemporary composer Michael Gilbertson.
Herbert Howells, the sole non-American, sneaks into the programme because his poignant anthem ‘Take him earth for Cherishing’ was written to commemorate the death of President John F Kennedy. Adding sheer joy to the evening will be two of Moses Hogan’s exuberant and jazzy arrangements of spirituals, ‘Elijah Rock’ and ‘My Soul’s been Anchored’.
