University Chorus and Chamber Singers Sing Buxtehude and Carols for Christmas at UC Davis
The UC Davis Department of Music presents an evening of holiday entertainment with the University Chorus and Chamber Singers, organist David Deffner, vocalists Ian Howell and Robert Stafford, and members of the American Bach Soloists performing the music of Dietrich Buxtehude along with Carols for Christmas, including works by Bob Chilcott, John Rutter, Eric Whitacre, and Ralph Vaughan Williams. The concert takes place Sunday, Dec. 2, at 8 pm in Jackson Hall of Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.
Tickets are $16/13/10 for adults and $8/6.50/5 for students and children. Purchase tickets online at MondaviArts.org, through the Mondavi Center ticket office at 530-754-ARTS (2787) or 866-754-ARTS (toll-free), or at the door. Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request.
Organist and composer Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707) was one of the most important composers of organ music before J.S. Bach. Buxtehude also left impressive repertories of sacred vocal and instrumental ensemble music. As a harmonist, his compositions rival the rich, chromatic intensity of those by his English contemporary, Henry Purcell. The Chamber Singers will present four works by Buxtehude, including a piece featuring guest artist Ian Howell, countertenor.
The full University Chorus, accompanied by David Deffner, organist, will sing contemporary works by American composer Eric Whitacre and British composer Bob Chilcott. An accomplished conductor and lecturer, Whitacre—still in his early 30s—has become one of the most popular and performed composers of his generation. The Los Angeles Times has praised his compositions as “works of unearthly beauty and imagination, [with] electric, chilling harmonies.” Chilcott is one of the most active composers and choral conductors in Britain today. Organists’ Review has noted that his music “possesses the winning combination of melodic beauty, harmonic attractiveness, imaginative textures, and thematic development, which together form an immediately appealing style reaching across the age barrier in any choir.” The Chorus will also perform two hauntingly beautiful settings of traditional carols by John Rutter and Ralph Vaughan Williams, featuring guest artist Robert Stafford, bass-baritone.
For complete event information, to receive a 2007–08 season brochure, or to join the Department of Music mailing list, call 530-752-0948 or visit music.ucdavis.edu/events.