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The Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin performed choral music by composers and arrangers with Kenosha/Racine connections in Locally Grown on Friday, May 16, 2014 in the new Frances Bedford Concert Hall at the University of Wisconsin Parkside “Rita.” This was the premiere performance of several works. Four of the composers were present, and three of them participated in the performance. The featured composers were Gregory Berg, Patricia Black, Eric Carlson, Mac Huff, Antonio Rodrigues-Pavao, Gerhard Schroth and Elizabeth Schroth Sellers (father and daughter), and Karel Suchy.
Composer and structural engineer Karel Suchy composed two new works for this event: “American Oratorio” and “Bedford Sonus I.” In “Bedford Sonus I,” the acoustic and architectural features of the hall are integrated as part of the instrumentation, and are used in selection and placement of the instruments and performers. Research for this work included study of the room’s design including its acoustical properties, and discussions with the designers and with University staff. Inspiration was also drawn from “The Ten Books on Architecture” by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio (c. 80-70 BC - c. 15 BC).Patricia Black’s compositions reflect her connection to sacred music. She accompanied her works, which received their premiere at this concert.
Antonio Rodrigues-Pavao’s works “sam was a man” and “Epitaph” derived lyrics from the poetry of e.e. cummings and Mary Elizabeth Frye. Gregory Berg’s touching "Short Requiem" was originally commissioned by Waterford High School choral director Derek Machan in memory of three colleagues: retired English teacher Terry Lawler, as well as German teacher Dave and choir director Kristen Novaez. Eric Carlson, who accompanied his work, composed “One Life Can Make a Difference” in honor of his daughter’s graduation.
The Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin is in its 27th season under the direction of James Schatzman. Over 65 singers comprise this auditioned volunteer community chorus, whose repertoire has included a wide variety of works. The organization provides exposure to and performance of diverse styles of choral music to benefit the singer and the community. (www.choralartsonline.org)
This season was supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.