Summary of Dissertation Recitals: Three Choral Programs

Abstract

These three dissertation recitals were presented in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Doctor of Musical Arts (Music: Conducting) at the University of Michigan. They consist of choral music from a broad variety of countries, styles, genres, and time periods ranging from the early 18th century through 2017. Additionally, these choral recitals represent my work with various ensembles of wide-ranging abilities: a 30-voice university treble chorus comprised of non-majors and music majors, a 30-voice university mixed chorus of music majors; a 32-voice chorus of university students and community members. The first recital, featuring Marianna Martines’s Dixit Dominus, Mozart’s Ave verum corpus, Eva Jessye’s arrangements of Move! Let Me Shine! and Who is That Yonder?, and R. Nathaniel Dett’s The Chariot Jubilee, was presented on March 24, 2024, at Pease Auditorium on Eastern Michigan University’s campus by an ad hoc chorus of university students and community members. They were supported by a 17-member orchestra and six soloists: Maitri White (soprano), McKenna Jones (mezzo-soprano), Dr. Matthew Cook (tenor), Dr. Bryan Ijames (tenor), and Andrew Smith (bass-baritone). The second recital, “On Children” was presented on February 4th, 2024, at the Eastern Michigan University Honors College by the EMU Voices and an ad-hoc orchestra. The works presented included portions of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Ysaye Barnwell’s On Children, and Sarah Quartel’s Snow Angel. They were supported by a string quintet, organ, piano, and various soloists: Dr. Bethany Worrell (soprano), Alexa Lokensgard (mezzo-soprano), Lauren McKague (cello). The third recital, “Of Youth and Rest” is a compilation of choral works from four different performances by the University of Michigan Orpheus Singers. The compilation consists of the following performances: John Corigliano’s Fern Hill on October 19, 2023, at Stamps Auditorium; Stravinsky’s Mass (Sanctus and Agnus Dei) on November 21, 2021 at Stamps Auditorium; J.S. Bach’s Christ lag in Todes Banden, BWV 4 (selected movements) on February 17, 2022 at Stamps Auditorium; and Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem (Offertoire and Sanctus) at Hill Auditorium on February 14, 2023.