The University of Mount Union Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Grant W. Cook III, will perform on Sunday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Historic St. Mary’s Church, 119 South Prince Street.
The performance, entitled “Why We Sing…,” is free and open to the public and includes works by Peter Anglea, Richard Burchard, Jacob Narverud, Daniel Elder, and Dwight Bigler, among others.
The University of Mount Union Concert Choir is among the oldest collegiate choirs in the United States, tracing its roots to 1896. The distinguished legacy of the choral program at Mount Union is one that is deeply rooted in the very history of the institution, encompassing the contributions of several distinguished American conductors, including Robert Fountain (1942-1946), who went on to lead renowned choral programs at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and The University of Wisconsin, and Bruce Browne (1972-1976), emeritus professor of choral studies and voice at Portland State University and conductor laureate of the Portland Symphonic Choir.
Under the direction of Cecil “Pop” Stewart (1946-1972) the Concert Choir gained international acclaim. In 1966, the beloved Stewart led the Choir on an around-the–world- tour. Dubbed “Peace Through Understanding,” the 48- day tour visited Alaska, Japan, Southeast Asia, Near East, Greece, Italy, England and France. Professor Stewart was known for his exacting standard, inspired leadership and, above all, unwavering devotion to Mount Union.
Open to all students on campus, the Concert Choir comprises musicians from a wide variety of academic disciplines and thus truly represents the University’s strong liberal arts foundation. Serving as an ambassador of the University, the Concert Choir performs annually throughout the continental United States and undertakes an international tour every four years. The Concert Choir is dedicated to the rehearsal and performance of the highest quality choral literature from the Renaissance through the 21st century, including spirituals, gospel music, folk songs and music celebrating a global perspective.
Recent performances include an invited appearance at the 2018 Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference in Columbus; Joseph Haydn’s Mass in B-flat, the so-called Theresienmesse; Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”); and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, op. 125 and “Choral Fantasy” in C minor, op. 180 with the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of Maestro Gerhardt Zimmermann.
Included as a member of the Concert Choir is Lancaster native Maddy Wolfe, daughter of Darin and Janice Wolfe. Maddy is a 2016 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School where she was heavily involved in the Fine and Performing Arts Department including the Fall plays, Spring Musicals, Concert Choir and Guitar Ensemble. She is currently a sophomore at Mount Union majoring in Early Childhood Education.
For details about the concert at Historic St. Mary’s Church, please contact Darin and Janice Wolfe at 717.293.7868 or [email protected].