Voice and Orchestra Joined by the Humboldt Symphony and University Singers

“The cross-fertilization of instrument and voice has given the world some of its most memorable music,” commented Kenneth Ayoob, HSU Professor of Music and Conductor of the Humboldt Symphony. This evocative combination will be exemplified on Friday, December 8 and again on Sunday, December 10, when the Humboldt Symphony joins forces with the Humboldt University Singers and Humboldt Chorale to perform a 20th century Gloria for the sacred season.

On its own before that, the Symphony will perform Samuel Barber’s landmark work, Knoxville: Summer of 1915, featuring Elisabeth Harrington as soprano soloist. The text comes from a short story by American writer James Agee, concerning his own childhood in rural Tennessee.

The concert begins with Fanfare from La Peri by Paul Dukas, and Dance Rhythms by American composer Wallingford Riegger, known for his work with dance choreographers such as Martha Graham.

Then the University Singers and Humboldt Chorale join the Symphony for Gloria by Francis Poulenc, a 20th century French composer influenced by Igor Stravinsky and Eric Satie, but who developed his own warmer, more passionate style.

“All of the music in this concert comes from the 20th Century,” Dr. Ayoob notes, “but it is all in an accessible style.”

Concerts on Friday and Sunday begin at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $6 general, $2 students and seniors, free to HSU students with ID, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. For more information, call 826-3531.

Media

Northern Lights: Eureka Times-Standard