Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s choirs, which consist of the University Singers and the University Chorale, will be performing “Soundscapes VI” at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the Alva Independent School Bus Barn, 230 Choctaw.
This is the sixth year the choirs have chosen this unique location because of its great acoustics, historic setting, and public interest for a concert. Soundscapes is free and open to the public, but donations are encouraged.
Dr. Karsten Longhurst, director of choral studies and assistant professor of music, said this concert has become a tradition that is highly anticipated by both the choir students and community.
Longhurst said the choirs will be singing mostly a cappella works featuring the three newly commissioned works for the NWOSU Singers’ performance at the state convention in January. They also plan to premiere a work called “Atmosphere,” by Dr. Kira Zeeman-Rügen.
“’Atmosphere’ sounds like video game background music, and the students love it,” Longhurst said. “I hope everyone feels welcome to come to our concert to enjoy the myriad of sounds and emotions that makes Soundscapes a tradition.”
The performance will also include “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” and many more unique works that are enhanced by the reverberant acoustic of the space.
The eight singers chosen to sing in the regional collegiate honor choir in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the American Choral Director’s Association Convention will also sing a spirited Haitian work called “Wangol.”
Emily Smith, junior vocal music education major from Holdenville, is excited about the upcoming concert.
“There’s not a feeling that compares with the sound that happens in the bus barn during Soundscapes,” Smith said. “This year the close atmosphere of the group has really been transformed into our music, and I can’t wait to feel the energy that will flow through the bus barn during Soundscapes VI. A lot of work has been put into this year, and this experience will be something no one will want to miss. It’s an experience that I will never take for granted!”
For more information about the Northwestern choirs and vocal music program, visit www.www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/fine-arts/choral-and-vocal-studies or contact Longhurst at (580) 327-8692 or krlonghurst@nwosu.edu. More about all facets of the Fine Arts Department may be found at www.www.nwosu.edu/fine-arts.
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CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480