Missouri State University’s Grand Chorus and Symphony Orchestra will perform the University’s President’s Concert on two dates and in two locations this year, including for the first time at the renowned Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri.
More than 275 students to perform in KC
Performing at the Kauffman is a special opportunity for the student performers, who represent nearly every department across campus, said Dr. Cameron LaBarr, director of choral studies and the concert’s conductor.
“The President’s Concert at Missouri State has been a long-standing and well-loved tradition to culminate each academic year. To take this concert on the road to Kansas City is a huge undertaking, as it will involve over 275 student performers, but it will certainly be well worth it to be able to showcase the high level of excellence achieved by the music students at Missouri State University.”
Concerts to feature Poulenc and Mozart
In addition to the Kansas City performance on May 1, there will be a Springfield concert on April 30 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Both concerts will feature Poulenc’s “Gloria” and Mozart’s “Requiem Mass in D Minor.”
LaBarr said the works each offer something different for audiences.
“With these two contrasting works, the audience will experience freshness and modern musical ideas in the ‘Gloria’ — a gem of the 20th Century — paired with the historical and dramatic, yet classical setting of the ‘Requiem,’ which is one of the most well-known works of the entire choral-orchestral canon.”
Director of Orchestral Studies Dr. Christopher Kelts will prepare the orchestra for the concerts.
More about the ‘Gloria’
The “Gloria” is one of Francis Poulenc’s most celebrated works. Scored for soprano solo, large orchestra and chorus, it premiered in January 1961. Sarah Tannehill Anderson, an MSU alumna and renowned soprano, will be featured in this performance.
More about the ‘Requiem’
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed the “Requiem Mass in D Minor” in Vienna in 1791. The work was left unfinished at the composer’s death on Dec. 5; a complex mythology has grown up regarding who might have actually completed the work.
International soloist Brandon Nase, tenor, of New York City, will join the following MSU voice faculty in the”Requiem”:
- Dr. Carol Chapman, soprano
- Dr. Ann Marie Daehn, mezzo-soprano
- Dr. Chris Thompson, baritone
Concert schedule
Springfield performance
Date: April 30
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Admission: Free and open to the public, no ticket required
Kansas City performance
Date: May 1
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (Kansas City, Missouri)
Admission: Tickets ($15-$35) will be available
Feb. 16. Group tickets will also be available ($10). Ticketing information will be published on the concert website.