Mass appeal
By Casey Gillis on Apr. 24, 2008
385-5525
The Lynchburg College Choral Union and Festival Orchestra’s spring concert offers something of a departure from what the group usually performs.
“We mainly work on classical, traditional pieces,” says conductor Jong Kim, a professor of music and director of choral activities at Lynchburg College.
For Saturday’s spring concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, they’ll perform Beethoven’s “Mass in C Major,” as well as a more current gospel piece composed by Robert Ray.
“It’s way different from what we’re used to doing,” LC senior Derrick Thompson says about Ray’s composition. Thompson has been a Choral Union member since his freshman year.
Kim chose “Gospel Mass,” which was composed in 1978, because he saw it as the exact opposite of “Mass in C Major,” which the chorus will perform in Latin.
Ray composed the piece when he was a liturgy team member of the National Office of Black Catholics, and it is his interpretation of 2,000 years of liturgical tradition within the contemporary music style of the black church.
“It’s much more contemporary, with a rhythm section, jazz piano and jazz organ,” Kim says. “It really brings a great deal of excitement.”
Before choosing it, Kim considered a few Spanish masses before settling on an English one.
“I was hoping our singers would make more connections (to the music),” Kim says.
Soloists for the concert include Thompson, tenor Matthew Vickers, soprano Nora Moore, mezzo soprano Melanie Coleman and alto Estelle Elder. Pianist Rose M. Peak, organist Tim Davis and drummer Kevin Brand will accompany.
The Choral Union and Festival Orchestra is made up of LC students, faculty and staff, as well as community members.
IF YOU’RE GOING:
WHAT: Lynchburg College Choral Union and Festival Orchestra’s spring concert
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 605 Clay St.
TICKETS: $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors 60 and older, and $3 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the LC Bookstore, Givens Books and Aylor’s Farm and Garden.
INFO: (434) 544-8344
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