Dec. 2, 2015 — The Allegheny Choirs, under the direction of James D. Niblock, will perform a free concert at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 in Shafer Auditorium at Allegheny College. The Allegheny College Chorus, Chamber Choir, Women’s Ensemble, Men’s Ensemble and Choir will each perform several short works, and the groups will collaborate to close the performance as a massed choir of 140 voices.
With each choir contributing an eclectic assortment of classical works and seasonal selections, listeners can enjoy choral sounds in seven languages spanning five centuries of choral tradition. Highlights will include a number of holiday favorites such as the Ukrainian Carol of the Bells, Gloucestershire Wassail and the traditional carol for the presentation of a Boar’s Head at holiday feasts.
Lesser-known works of the season draw attention to music as a cultural meeting place. Written by Jean de Brebeuf, the stirring Huron Carol was a gift from the Jesuit priest to the Wendat people with whom Brebeuf lived near the settlement of Quebec. In a similar vein, Gaspar Fernandes transcribed a Guinean Christmas song performed by African converts in the European colonies of central America and Mexico.
Other featured works will include Hugo Wolf’s setting of the dramatic story of the fire-rider — a mythical figure who rode atop his horse into innumerable fires to squelch the flames. C.V. Standford’s setting of The Blue Bird is also a staple of the repertoire and will be performed by the Chamber Choir. Though less well-known, Schubert’s setting of La Pastorella is a notable addition to the program and a charming example of the composer’s writing in choral songs.
Collaborating with the choirs are pianists Kevin Dill, music director at First Presbyterian Church, and Allegheny Professor Emeritus of Music Ward Jamison. In addition to dazzling piano accompaniments, the audience can expect to hear percussion, handbells and an array of student soloists augmenting the work of the ensembles.
Admission is free and open to the public. Audience members are encouraged to use the balcony as well as the main floor of the auditorium.