Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009
Westminster Kantorei will perform vocal works from Colonial Latin America on Sunday, November 22, at 3 p.m. in Bristol Chapel on the campus of Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Latin America was home to a vibrant, inventive musical culture. Jesuits brought musical traditions of Europe to the New World, where they mixed with the strong rhythms and unbridled energy of native musical traditions. The program, entitled The Cathedral of Angels, will feature European Renaissance polyphony mixed with Afro-Cuban dance rhythms, as well as villancicos, Spanish-language works drawing on the native and folk music of the New World. A highlight will be the 20th-century choral masterpiece, Ginastera's Lamentations of Jeremiah.
Founded in 2004, Westminster Kantorei is a chamber choir specializing in music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, with occasional forays into later repertoire, including new works. It is composed of students at Westminster Choir College of Rider University who are selected each year by audition. The ensemble can be heard on the recording of Jon Magnusson’s Psalm released on the Albany label, which was praised by American Record Guide for its “combination of refinement and youthful rapture.”
Andrew Megill is recognized for his wide-ranging repertoire that extends from Renaissance music to newly commissioned works. Since 1989 he has served as artistic director of Fuma Sacra, recognized as one of America’s leading ensembles specializing in Renaissance and Baroque vocal music.
Maestro Megill is particularly admired for his performances of the music of J. S. Bach. He is currently the associate conductor of the Carmel Bach Festival, and he has been the music director for Bach Festivals in Kansas City; Dublin, Ireland; and at Westminster. He is also the music director of the Masterwork Chorus, one of metropolitan New York’s finest volunteer choirs, and for the past 14 years he has served as chorus master for the Spoleto Festival USA, where his work has been praised for producing “the finest opera chorus in the world.”
Westminster Choir College is located at Hamilton Avenue and Walnut Lane in Princeton. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets call the box office at 609-921-2663 or go to www.rider.edu/arts. For updates, visit Westminster’s Web site at www.rider.edu/arts.