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From Darkness to Light
As we emerge from the depths of winter, join City Voices for a transcendent musical experience exploring the twin poles of the human experience. Drawing on both sacred and secular texts, classic works and pop music, the choir will present a layered, nuanced look at darkness and light in all their myriad shades.
The concert will be bookended by works by Ola Gjeilo: “Dark Night of the Soul” and “Luminous Night of the Soul.” Set to the words of St. John of the Cross, the works blend choral voices and stringed instruments, set against the composer’s virtuosic piano score. Other pieces on the program upend traditional meanings of darkness and light. “The New Moon,” by Ēriks Ešenvalds, portrays Day as jarring, while Night invites reflection and peace.
The program puts a special focus on American artists, who span genres: from acclaimed choral composer Edwin Fissinger to country music legend Dolly Parton. Two pieces also feature the work of celebrated poet Sara Teasdale. And Shawn Kirschner’s setting of “Bright Morning Stars” builds on the American folksong with a new verse – the anthem ends on a declaration of hope in generations to come. The group will sing both a cappella and accompanied by string instruments, piano, and an ensemble of “singing glasses.”
“As a choir, we want to have different things to sink our teeth into,” says director William Chin. “That helps us grow in different ways as musicians – and as thinking and feeling people.”
ABOUT CITY VOICES
City Voices is one of the most versatile chamber choruses in the Chicago area. Founded in 2009 in Oak Park, it has built a strong reputation as a welcoming group of experienced nonprofessional singers committed to high-quality performances. City Voices explores challenging, eclectic, and inspiring music from the vast global span of choral repertoire. The ensemble prepares a carefully curated repertoire each season and shares the beauty of that music in a series of public performances.
ABOUT WILLIAM CHIN
Director William Chin is a leading figure in the Chicago choral scene. He is founder and artistic director of The Oriana Singers, an international-prize-winning vocal ensemble, and is active as a conductor in the Chicago area. Mr. Chin’s past positions have included Assistant Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Artistic Director of Chicago Children’s Choir, and Artistic Director of Pro Musica Youth Chorus.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2235045-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2235045-2
