Westminster Kantorei, conducted by Andrew Megill, will present Song of Songs, a program of works based on the biblical Song of Solomon Saturday, February 4 at 8:00 p.m. in Miller Chapel on the campus of the Princeton Theological Seminary, in Princeton.

Song of Songs is a fascinating trip through time, as the ensemble presents works spanning centuries and continents, united by the Song of Solomon text, and representing the unique perspective that each composer brings to the poetry.  The program begins with works by Palestrina and Victoria, as well as several early solo works of Monteverdi and Grandi, accompanied by Daniel Swenberg, theorbo. 

The ensemble will also present the Cantique des Cantiques of Daniel-Lesur, a contemporary of Messiaen and Jolivet, who, with them, founded the group of composers known as La Jeune France, which was dedicated to re-invigorating French music with passion and mysticism and romanticism.  For 12-part choir, this work is highly colorful, and the harmonic language a perfect match for the sensuality of the texts.  The program will also include the premier performance of Arise, My Love, an interpretation of the evening’s text commissioned by the ensemble from one of its members, composer Blake Henson.

Specializing in vocal music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, Westminster Kantorei is a chamber choir composed of 16 students from Westminster Choir College of Rider University.  In addition to this performance, its 2005-2006 season includes concerts in Princeton and New York.

Andrew Megill is recognized as one of the leading choral conductors of his generation, known for his passionate artistry and unusually wide-ranging repertoire, extending from early music to newly-composed works.   Dr. Megill currently holds four significant positions.  Since 1989, he has served as artistic director of Fuma Sacra, recognized as one of America's leading professional ensembles specializing in Renaissance and Baroque vocal music.  He is also music director of the Masterwork Chorus, one of metropolitan New York’s finest volunteer choirs, and, for the past 11 years, he has served as chorus master for the operas of the Spoleto Festival USA.  He is also associate professor at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, where he conducts the Westminster Kantorei.  

Andrew Megill has prepared choruses for many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, including the American Composers’ Orchestra, American Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Dresden Philharmonic, National Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, New York Philharmonic and the Mark Morris Dance Company, for conductors including Pierre Boulez, Charles Dutoit, Neemi Järvi, and Zdenek Macal.

Miller Chapel is located on Mercer Street in Princeton, N. J.  Admission to the performance will be at the door, with a suggested donation of $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.  For information, contact Westminster’s box office at 609-921-2663.  For updates, visit Westminster’s Web site at www.rider.edu/arts.