The program will consist of works by Heinrich Schütz, Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert, Samuel Forcucci, Jacinto Guerrero, and Francisco Barbieri.
The program will begin with two selections by the baroque composer Heinrich Schütz: "The Annunciation" and "Psalm 100." The former, chosen in observance of the season of Advent, features soloists Marion Giambattista, singing the role of Mary, and Dominick Fantacone as the angel Gabriel. The accompaniment will be provided by local violinists Colin Heasley, Michelle Stevens, and Jeremiah Hopkins, and violist Emmanuel Sikora. Cellist James Weiss and harpsichordist Alan Giambattista, the Choral Union’s pianist, will play the continuo for this selection. Following this work, the charming "Psalm 100" will feature the full chorus, answered in each measure by an echo quartet, sung by Ashley Marshall, Jessica Moss, William Sieling, and Emmanuel Sikora.
Two works by the Viennese Romantic composer Franz Schubert will follow. His dramatic and darkly-colored "An die Sonne" (To the Sun) will be followed by his shorter and much less serious "Der Tanz" (The Dance). Both selections will be sung in their original German, but the second work will include a translation by the conductor as the "reprise."
The lyrical song "A Thought Like Music," originally written by Brahms as a solo "lied" (art song) will be sung by the full chorus. This work will be followed by the dynamic "Alleluia," by Cortland resident, former mayor, and long-time Professor of Music, Sam Forcucci. This powerful piece will be sung as Forcucci directed, without accompaniment.
The concert will conclude with two works chosen from the rich but less familiar repertoire from the Spanish Zarzuela: "Pan y Toros" (Bread and Bulls) by Barbieri, and "Los Gavilanes" (The Sparrowhawks [or Vultures]) by Guerrero. The choral portions of these two selections have been extensively amplified by the conductor during his sabbatical leave from the University during the spring, 2007 semester. This performance constitutes the premiere of both of these works in their present form. Gina Sikora will sing the soprano solo in the second work.
For further information about this event, contact Wilson at 753-4615.