Madrigal Singers and MRT Vocalize in Spring Concert

The HSU Madrigal Singers perform madrigals and folk songs from several cultures and eras in their spring concert with Mad River Transit, on Sunday May 4 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Both ensembles are directed by HSU professor Harley Muilenburg.

Students Jaclyn Catino and Katherine Kinley sing an a cappella duet, “Beatus Vir” by Renaissance composer, Orlande de Lassus. One of the most famous European composers of the 16th century, Lassus excelled in the Flemish-French polyphonic style.

Kenna Oliphant, Jacqueline Hernandez, Erin Donaldson, and Tiffany Guenter will sing a quartet with text by Shakespeare and music from the time of Queen Elizabeth I.

The ensemble of singers will perform works by composers ranging from English Renaissance era Thomas Morley to 19th century American Randall Thompson, and 20th century Anglo-Welsh Peter Warlock.

Then the Mad River Transit singers take over, performing in a variety of jazz, blues and popular styles. Vocalists are accompanied by Darius Brotman on piano, Robert Amirkhan on bass and Mike Munroe on drums.

Jessica Malone, Berol Steinberg, Kyle Blase and Claire Bent join Brotman and Amirkhan on “Blues for Jezebel” by Spokane Jazz Orchestra conductor Dan Keberle.

Melissa Modifer sings “Moon and Sand,” a 1950 ballad by versatile American composer Alex Wilder, whose work was recorded by artists as various as Billie Holiday, Keith Jarrett, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Dorsey, Mabel Mercer, Tony Bennett and the New York Woodwind Quintet. This song was first recorded by the Mitch Miller Orchestra and Chorus, with Alan Dale.

Other solo performers are Rosalie Venza (“Home” by Kerry Marsch), and Joshua Boronkay (“You’re My Thrill” by classic pop composer Sidney Clare with Jay Gorney.)

Among other selections are “Words” by contemporary Swedish composer and singer Anders Edenroth, “Full Moon” by contemporary American composer, arranger and singer Sharon Broadley; “Boblicity” by jazz legend Miles Davis, and “Cookin’ at the Continental,” arranged by Marc Mazur.

Tickets for the combined Madrigal Singers and MRT concert are $7 general, $3 students and seniors, from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. HSU students free with ID. Produced by HSU Department of Music, Harley Muilenburg directing.