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Press Release - November 2011
Greater New
Bedford
Choral Society
Winter Concert: January 7, 2012
Choral Society Presents Two World Premieres at Winter Concert
The Greater New Bedford Choral Society presents
world premieres of “Lines from Ulysses” and “The Rubaiyat,” two new compositions
by Gerald P. Dyck, at its Winter Concert on Saturday., January 7, 2012 at 3:15
PM at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford. The
concert features Antonin Dvorak’s "Te Deum,” as its principal offering, along
with “Rhythmic Spirituals” of William Grant Still, and several seasonal pieces,
led by director Gerald P. Dyck and accompanist Christopher Ricci,
Dvorak’s “Te Deum” is a grand work for chorus,
soloists, wind ensemble, percussion and organ. In 1892, while he was living in
New York City, Dvorak composed and dedicated “Te Deum” to the 400th
Anniversary of Columbus’ first arrival in America. He based the work on the
medieval church hymn “Te Deum Laudamus” written by Saint Ambrose in the 4th
century. The soprano and baritone solos are performed by guest singers Elizabeth
Grace and Gabriel Alfieri. Guest instrumentalists are Phyllis Aronson, Delight
Immonen, Robbie LePage, Susan Wood and Jamie Eckert.
“Lines from Ulysses” is a dramatic monologue set
for baritone solo and piano. “The Rubaiyat” is based on the poetry of the 11th
century Persian poet, Omar Khayyam, whose masterwork was translated by Edward
Fitzgerald. Composer Dyck has chosen thirteen of his favorite quatrains to
create a choral song cycle which makes a delightful trip around the circle of
keys. The “Rhythmic Spirituals” are fine samples of the ingenuity of William
Grant Still, often referred to as "the Dean" of African-American composers.
The concert’s snow date is Sat., Jan. 14 at 3:15
pm. Tickets are $15 (12 and under: $5) and are available at the door or from
any chorus member. Additional information is available by calling 508-644-2419.
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