Summary of Dissertation Recitals: Three Programs of Choral Music

Abstract

Three dissertation recitals were presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts (Music: Conducting) at the University of Michigan. These recitals consist of repertoire spanning from the Baroque to the twenty-first century. Various ensembles of wide-ranging abilities were presented, including university-level ensembles of music majors and a professional choir of twenty-six voices.

The first recital, “A Celestial Venture into the Ether,” consisted of three performances at the University of Michigan. The first performance was sung by the University Choir on November 10, 2021, at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The works included God is Gone Up by Gerald Finzi, Alleluia by Jake Runestad, Requiem by Herbert Howells (Salvator mundi and Requiem aeternam II), Stars by Ēriks Ešenvalds, Every Night (When the Sun Goes Down) by Gwyneth Walker, and Soon Ah Will Be Done/I Wanna Die Easy by Craig Hella Johnson. The second performance by Orpheus Singers included student instrumentalists and was performed on November 21, 2021, at Stamps Auditorium in Walgreen Drama Center, consisting of Mary’s Verses by Trevor Weston and featured Julia Bezems (soprano), Allison Gaines (soprano), and Aliyah Quill (soprano) as soloists. The final performance in this recital included two works sung by the Chamber Choir on February 17, 2022, at Stamps Auditorium in Walgreen Drama Center. These works included Valiant-for-truth by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Tuttarana by Reena Esmail.

The second recital, “Expressions of National Identity,” was performed by an ad hoc choir of twenty-six voices, supported by a string quartet and a keyboardist. This recital was performed on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The program included The Star-Spangled Banner by Kile Smith, The National Anthems by David Lang, and Lift every voice and sing arranged by Roland Carter.

The third recital is a video compilation of concerts with University of Michigan ensembles and a performance by the Chancel Choir at Bethlehem United Church of Christ accompanied by a professional orchestra. On Sunday April 25, 2021, the University of Michigan Chamber Choir and student instrumentalists performed Aus der Tiefen rufe ich, Herr, zu dir, BWV 131 by Johann Sebastian Bach, movements three and four at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. On February 17, 2022, the Orpheus Singers and student instrumentalists performed Christ lag in Todesbanden, BWV 4 by Johann Sebastian Bach, movements one through four at Stamps Auditorium of Walgreen Drama Center, and on October 14, 2021, Orpheus Singers performed Vier Quartette, op. 92 by Johannes Brahms, movements one and three. The final performance by the Chancel Choir and ad hoc professional orchestra at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, Ann Arbor, Michigan performed Magnificat RV 610 by Antonio Vivaldi on December 12, 2021.