BU Chorale performs German carols & Mennonite hymns

BRANDON, MB – In the first concert of the Brandon University Chorale’s 2009-10 season, director Andrée Dagenais and the singers will perform the world premiere of novel settings of Mennonite hymns.

The evening will take place Friday, December 4, at 8 p.m., in St. Matthew’s Cathedral.

The English translations, or trans(e)lations, of these hymns have been adapted by nationally renowned poet Di Brandt, who has given the various texts a contemporary slant. In collaboration with the choir, she will read her adaptations, which are based on hymns from the Gesangbuch der Mennoniten (Mennonite Hymnal).

“I have tried to stay true to the rhetorical and formal strategies of these hymns, which we sang so many hundreds of times and are now woven in my blood, while at the same time staying true to the spirit and reality of here and now,” says Brandt.

In a unique and collaborative effort, the Chorale will also be joined by students from other studios in the School of Music. The hymns will be interlaced with cello improvisations provided by the students in Leanne Zacharias’ cello studio. Students from bassoon professor Heather Carruthers, and oboe professor Doug Bairstow, will join for the playing of German carols.

For the concert, the BU Chorale will perform variations of old German carols namely Es ist ein Ros’ Entsprungen (Lo, How a Rose), and Joseph, lieber Joseph mein (Joseph, dearest Joseph, mine), which is also known as Resonet in laudibus (Let the voice of praise resound). The programme includes works by Handel, Praetorius, Brahms, Distler and Swedish contemporary composer Sandström.

Tickets are $10 (General Admission) and $6 (Students and Seniors), and will be available at the door.

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For more information, please contact:

 

• Dr. Andrée Dagenais
• BU Chorale Director
• Brandon University (204) 727-9743

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