HINSDALE CHORALE PRESENTS "TAPESTRY OF AMERICAN MUSIC"

Hinsdale, Ill. – April 13, 2015 – The Hinsdale Chorale will perform “Tapestry of American Music” at its annual Spring concert, Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Western Springs, 1106 Chestnut Street, Western Springs. The concert is presented under the direction of Hinsdale Chorale Music Director and Conductor Bruce Hall, and accompanied by Kathy Christian.

The program is a celebration of American music, presented primarily in chronological order. The Chorale will begin with the Navajo Prayer, sung in Navajo and English, followed by a move into colonial times with the music of William Billings and his contemporaries. Folk and religious music is also represented with two settings of Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, Long Time Ago and I Bought Me a Cat and revival songs in Gather By the River to Pray, a pairing of two well-known church standards.

The rich library of the American (Negro) Spiritual is represented by the Chorale’s own version of Halleluya, which includes singing in the Swahili tongue. Originally scored for drums and bells, the electronic accompaniment was created by conductor Bruce Hall. In a nod to American musical theater, the group will present a medley from Sound of Music, celebrating its 50th anniversary on the silver screen. The concert will conclude with four choral offerings by contemporary American composers Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, Leo Hoiby, Aaron Copland (again), and David Dickau.

“We hope our audience enjoys our tip of the cap to American music as much as we’ve enjoyed our exploration of it,” said Hall. “We plan more such celebrations in future concerts.”

Tickets for “Tapestry of American Music” are $15 for adults / $10 for students and seniors. For more information, visit www.hinsdalechorale.org or call 312-510-1823.

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About the Hinsdale Chorale

The mission of the Hinsdale Chorale is to enrich the musical culture of Hinsdale, Illinois and its surrounding neighborhoods by promoting the appreciation of choral singing in our community. The group is a non-profit and educational organization comprised of dedicated professional and amateur singers led by a professional director. We perform formally twice each year, at holiday time and in the spring. We also make several special community appearances throughout the year, including the Hinsdale Christmas Walk and the annual Memorial Day services at Memorial Hall. For more information, visit www.hinsdalechorale.org.

This program is partially sponsored by a grant from the
Illinois Arts Council Agency.