University Chorus
The University Chorus performs traditional concert choir literature, a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment. Singers come from every College on campus and new members are accepted every quarter. This auditioned, 65 voice group typically does one major on-campus program each term, with occasional service and off-campus concerts. Repertoire for the fall term will include a mixture of octavo works and sprituals, along with Ottorino Repighi's Laud to the Nativity.
Click here to listen to audio recordings of the group.
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Audition information:
Chorus auditions consist of vocalizing, pitch matching and easy sight reading. Non-readers with good pitch retention can often get into the group. A prepared piece of music is not needed for the audition. Interested singers should come to the first rehearsal, sit in, and sign up for an audition time at the end of the rehearsal.
The Chorus rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30-7:00 in the Main Auditorium (32nd and Chestnut). The first fall quarter rehearsal will be Tuesday, September 2.
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Dresses (and tuxedos):
Beginning in fall, 2010, women will need to purchase a dress specifically for performing with the University Chorus. You should order your dress at least six weeks before the performance (you will not be allowed onstage with us if you don't have a dress)--here is the link:
"Marsha"
Men: if you don't have a tuxedo, the company the dress links to sells decent, inexpensive tuxedos, including complete tuxedo packages.
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Spring 2012 Program Notes:
Repertoire:
- Vaughan Williams - Toward the Unknown Region
- Foote - The Wreck of the Hesperus
- Bruckner - Virga Jesse
- "Agnus Dei” from Machaut - Messe de Nostre Dame
- di Lasso - Omnes de Saba Venient
- Schütz - Psalm 150
Composers:
- Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
- Arthur Foote (1853-1937)
- Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)
- Gillaume de Machaut (c. 1300-1377)
- Orlando di Lasso (1532-1594)
- Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672)
Compositions:
Click here to view an archive of the University Chorus program notes.
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Spring 2012 MIDI and Music Files:
MIDI:
Machaut: "Agnus Dei" from Messe de Nostre Dame
Music Links
Go to NAXOS site through this Drexel library link and type the title of the piece you want to listen to in its search engine; for the Schütz piece, type "Psalms of David" and "Schutz" to get a recording that includes it.
The one piece that has never been commercially recorded is "The Wreck of the Hesperus." This is a recording of our Chorus doing it around 10 years ago (it's not perfect, but all the notes are there).
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2011-12 Section Leaders: