The Union College Chorale will perform “A Celebration of Walt Whitman Sunday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. in Memorial Chapel. Included on the program will be two works based on the poetry of the great 19th century American poet.
First on the bill is “Dona nobis pacem” by the British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams featuring soprano Deborah Rocco and baritone Kenneth Carnes. A multi-movement piece, it weaves Whitman's poetry together with texts from the Old Testament and the Latin Ordinary of the Mass. The second piece, “The Song of Democracy,” by the American composer Howard Hanson was written in the 1950’s and captures the American spirit of exuberant hopefulness and optimism.
Both works will be accompanied by Professor of Engineering Palma Catravas and conducted by Victor Klimash, the Music Department’s director of performance.
The Chorale is open by audition to all faculty, staff and students at Union as well as to members of the local community. Rehearsals are at Emerson Auditorium in the Taylor Music Center Monday evenings, 7-9 p.m. Contact Klimash at vklimash@aol.com for more information.