February 4, 2024
- University Singers Send-Off Concert for their performance at the Midwestern ADCA (American Choral Directors Association) Conference in Omaha, NE (Feb. 7-10)
- Time: 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
- Location: COFAC Recital Hall
- Description: This performance is free and open for general seating.
Western Illinois University Singers, under the direction of Dr. Brian J. Winnie, Director of Choral Activities, have been invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Midwestern Region Conference in Omaha, Nebraska February 7-10, 2024. The Midwestern conference is one of six, biennial region conferences in the US and comprises ten states. The University Singers was one of fifteen choirs invited to perform at the conference and one of three SATB University ensembles selected from all ten states. They were also the only choir selected from the state of Illinois. This is a very prestigious honor for any choral ensemble, and we are thrilled the students have the opportunity to participate in such a high-level event and represent Illinois.
Each conference includes invited choirs from the elementary through professional levels who have completed a blind-audition process. Choirs submit three recordings (one from each of the previous three years) along with an ensemble philosophy statement and proposed concert program to be adjudicated by a panel of judges throughout the region.
University singers will be presenting a program titled, “The Oceans Between Us." This is a story of love and loss and the journey toward healing inspired by “Love: Then and Still,” a text that speaks to tremendous loss. Through that loss, however, love endures and memories live on. Our program begins with Trilo featuring a trio of singers calling to their loved ones and is followed by Turtle Dove, a response of long-lasting love. The journey continues with The Prow representing the beauty of life at sea and being one with nature. Love: Then and Still is a moment of reflection on the loss suffered while separated by the sea, and Dawn and Dusk represents the tumult of stormy seas that one cannot escape. This is both physical and metaphoric with added choralography depicting the impending struggle. We end with Sweet Rivers, a representation of release from the pains of life and love everlasting as we journey onward together.
This program celebrates diverse composers and vocal colors. You will hear belting, classical voice qualities, and other various vocal soundscapes throughout the program.
- Related Web Site: WIU CHOIRS
- Contact Information:
Joanie Herbert
Phone: 309-298-1843
Email: JE-Herbert@wiu.edu - Source: School of Music
