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Warm Up to the Wesleyan Singers
College’s premier performance troupe embarks on annual winter tour
By Staff | January 10, 2012
It may be the coldest part of the year, but the Wesleyan Singers are warmed up and ready to bring a joyful noise to venues around Virginia as part of their annual tour, Jan.10-22, 2012. The troupe performs a varied program that includes madrigals, motets, masses, and modern works for a small ensemble, as well as hymns, spirituals, jazz, and lighter pieces. The concerts are free and open to the public.
This year’s repertory includes the choruses from Handel’s Chandos Anthem No. 4; Fauré’s beautiful mass for women’s voices; a Gloria and Agnus Dei by the group’s pianist, George Stone; several hymn settings and spirituals (“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need,” “Children of the Heavenly Father,” “ How Can I Keep From Singing,” “Walk in the Kingdom,” “If I Have My Ticket,” “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burnin’,” and “Go Down Moses”). A Gershwin medley and several pieces for solo flute and piano round out the program.
“In a typical concert you're as likely to find an excerpt from a Renaissance mass as you are a familiar Gershwin tune,” notes Dr. David Clayton, conductor. “Such varied programming ensures something familiar for each member of the audience, while often introducing new works that are destined to become choral classics."
Working in such diverse styles provides these talented singers with musical experiences of great breadth, exemplifying the liberal arts tradition. This diversity has led to performances at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, as well as a choreographed show at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The Wesleyan Singers often appear in area churches and schools or as a special feature for meetings, banquets, and other gatherings. Previous tours have taken them throughout the eastern United States, including appearances from Maine to Key West.
“We were blown away by the sound from such a small group,” remarked one audience member following a tour stop in Danville, Virginia. “The singers truly did a fabulous job, and I was impressed that such a small number could do what they did. They gave me goose bumps!”
2012 Tour Schedule
Tues., Jan. 10: Centenary Methodist, Portsmouth, 7 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 11: Fort Hill Methodist Church, 10 Oakridge Blvd. Lynchburg, 7 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 12: E. C. Glass High School, 2111 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg, 11 a.m.
Thurs., Jan. 12: Brookville High School, 100 Laxton Rd. Lynchburg, 1 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 12: Aldersgate Methodist, 1500 E. Rio Road, Charlottesville, 7 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 13: Epiphany Lutheran Church, 13495 Keytone Rd. Dale City, 7:30 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 15: Aldersgate Methodist, Chesapeake, 4 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 20: Kempsville HS, Virginia Beach, 9 a.m.
Sun., Jan. 22: Beulah Methodist, Richmond, 4 p.m.
For more information contact 757.455.2101 or concerts@vwu.edu.