Thursday, May 8, 2014

Charleston Symphony Orchestra Spiritual Ensemble at 2014 Piccolo Spoleto: R. Nathaniel Dett ['Chariot Jubilee'] to Moses G. Hogan • Saturday, May 31, 2014




features a comprehensive Works List and a Bibliography by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma, www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com. Chariot Jubilee, which is on this program, is one of the composer's choral masterworks.]


David A. Richardson
Music Director

The CSO Spiritual Ensemble, a 30-member vocal group focusing on traditional African-American spirituals, joins Piccolo Spoleto on Saturday, May 31, 2014 with a performance entitled Spiritual Masterworks: From Robert Nathaniel Dett to Moses G. Hogan.

This choral performance will chronicle the musical legacies of Robert Nathaniel Dett, Hall Johnson, Jester Hairston and Moses G. Hogan, with a Charleston début performance of Dett’s Chariot Jubilee. Known for his intricate choral arrangements Dett’s Ordering of Moses Oratorio and Chariot Jubilee are noted around the world as extremely challenging to perform, such that few professional or community choirs perform them.

A giant in the black classical world, Dett gained attention during his tenure at historic Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. His orchestral and organ works are rarely performed in the United States but are celebrated staples in Canada and Europe.

Tickets/Information
Spiritual Masterworks: From Robert Nathaniel Dett to Moses G. Hogan
CSO Spiritual Ensemble @ 2014 Piccolo Spoleto
Saturday, May 31, 2014 • 7:00pm
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 142 Church Street, downtown Charleston
General Admission tickets: $21 adults; children or students $11 with ID
Online: www.piccolospoleto.com; by phone (866) 811-4111; at door (cash or check only) up to one half hour before each performance

About the CSO Spiritual Ensemble
The CSO Spiritual Ensemble is a 30-member repertory vocal group based in Charleston focusing on African-American spirituals, sacred and classical music. The Ensemble’s core musical offering honors the devout musical tradition that African-Americans formed as slaves after arriving in this country and in particular its relevant history in South Carolina. The spiritual has shaped and inspired the evolution of classically trained African-American composers and arrangers.

About Music Director David A. Richardson
The 2013-2014 season marks David Richardson’s second full season as director of the CSO Spiritual Ensemble. A recipient of the prestigious Charleston Southern University Horton School of Music Senior Excellence Award for his exceptional work in the area of Choral Music Education, Mr. Richardson is a noted baritone soloist who has garnered admiration of the choral community throughout the Carolinas.

As a professional vocalist he toured the United Kingdom, Scotland, Austria, and Prague, where he performed with the CSU concert choir to much acclaim. An accomplished pianist, Mr. Richardson has served as music director for several regional productions and has accompanied choral programs and honor choirs at all levels including three seasons with the University Children's Choir.

Mr. Richardson serves as Director of Choral Activities at Fort Dorchester High School, earning consistent Superior ratings at regional concert festivals. Prior to his tenure at Fort Dorchester High School he served as Band Director and Music Specialist in the Berkeley County School District.

Mr. Richardson was the Director of Vocal Music for the Charleston Southern University Music Camp and Oconee County Choral Festival. His professional affiliations include the South Carolina American Choral Directors Association, South Carolina Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Education.

Mr. Richardson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with voice emphasis from Charleston Southern University. He is currently a candidate for the Master of Music Education degree at Kent State University.

###

No comments: