Nova Singers, under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, presents two performances of Journeys and Transformations Saturday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Kresge Recital Hall, Knox College, 500 South Prairie, in Galesburg, and Sunday, February 15 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2136 Brady Street, Davenport.
This program combines standard repertoire that many people will have heard before with exciting new pieces, all of them connected by their texts. The theme explores different kinds of journeys and the ways in which these journeys can change us. Familiar works include Vaughan Williams' extraordinary Three Shakespeare Songs, Rautavaara's darkly intense Suite de Lorca, and a Latin work by William Byrd. New works include Joby Talbot's sweet and joyful Santiago.
Artistic Director Laura Lane says, "All of us in Nova Singers are thrilled with the music on this program. Every piece is completely different from every other piece. I think audience members will love hearing the traditional sounds of Vaughan Williams and Byrd. But I admit that I am most excited about Santiago, from 'Path of Miracles' by Joby Talbot. Twenty minutes long, it tells the story of a group of people on a pilgrimage that draws thousands of travelers each year down an ancient route in northern Spain, arriving in Santiago's Cathedral. In English, with little bits of Latin interspersed, this gorgeous and dramatic piece has moments of sweet introspection and pure joy. The climax of the work, when we see Santiago for the first time and realize we're going to make it, is incredibly moving. I think the experience of seeing Nova Singers perform this work live will be an unforgettable one for everyone who attends the concert."
Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, hopes to share our musical soul with you. Nova Singers is known for the beauty and charm of our sound, and for the intimacy and playfulness of the concert experience for our audience members.
Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for seniors. Students are admitted free of charge. For information about tickets, recordings, or other Nova Singers events, call 309-341-7038, or e-mail nova@knox.edu or like our Facebook page.
Journeys and Transformations is sponsored by Blick Art Materials and Galesburg Cottage Hospital. Nova Singers' 2014-2015 season is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
This concert is supported with Quad City Arts Dollar$ funds, provided by Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, the Doris and Victor Day Foundation, and Deere and Company.
