Written by Samantha Bufmack
The collectivistic and masterful sounds of the annual combined concert will captivate and inspire anyone who attends! This concert features all four Colorado State University Choirs and the University Symphony Orchestra, totaling nearly two hundred and fifty talented students, conducted by Maestro Wes Kenney.
The first part of the concert, performed by the University Symphony Orchestra, features Carl Nielsen’s Flute Concerto, which the Danish composer wrote for Holger Gilbert-Jespersen of the Copenhagen Wind Quintet in 1926. The early 20th century piece, in two movements, is dramatic and mysterious, yet gentle and humorous, and is said to be a musical depiction of the original soloist. The audience is certain to enjoy the performance of guest soloist, Colorado State University faculty Dr. Michelle Stanley, flute.
The second part of the concert showcases the talent of the CSU Choirs – Chamber Choir, directed by James Kim; Concert Choir, directed by Ryan Olsen; University Chorus, directed by Stuart Dameron; and Men’s Chorus, directed by Ryan Olsen – as they capture the audience through the story telling of the Alexander Nevsky Cantata by Sergei Prokofiev. This seven-movement work on a grand scale for choirs, mezzo-soprano soloist, and orchestra is based on the film score Prokofiev wrote for the 1938 Russian film of the same name by Sergei Eisenstein.
"It is a beautiful masterwork filled with plenty of drama and Soviet patriotism about the story of prince Alexander of Novgorod and his defeat of the invading Swedish and German armies in 1240 AD," explained Dameron.
At this upcoming concert, set for April 28 and 29, audience members can expect a telling of history and the inspirational place it has on modern day performances. With the unique sounds of the orchestra and choirs, it will be a night that every attendee will remember.
Ticket Information
Continuing this spring, tickets are *no charge for CSU students, $1 for youth (under 18), and $12 for the public. Tickets are available at the University Center for the Arts (UCA) ticket office in the UCA lobby Monday through Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.