The University Choir performs an eclectic range of music from around the world. Directed by Liska Jetchick, the choir consists of students and alumni from all six faculties. This Spring term they will perform Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, composed in 1965.
The Chichester Psalms is comprised of three movements, and the libretto is entirely in Hebrew. Each movement is based on the text of a complete Psalm, paired with an excerpt of another Psalm. The official Leonard Bernstein website describes the work:
Chichester Psalms juxtaposes vocal part writing most commonly associated with Church music (including homophony and imitation), with the Judaic liturgical tradition. Bernstein specifically called for the text to be sung in Hebrew (there is not even an English translation in the score), using the melodic and rhythmic contours of the Hebrew language to dictate mood and melodic character. By combining the Hebrew with Christian choral tradition, Bernstein was implicitly issuing a plea for peace in Israel during a turbulent time in the young country’s history.
Other works in this concert will include pieces by Morton Lauridsen, Frank Ticheli, Dan Forrest and Leonard Cohen. The ticket price is $5 for students and $10 for all others. Tickets available at the door or from the choristers. Masks encouraged but not required.
St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church is easily accessible via the ION. See GRT link.