ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (February 24, 2025) — Augustana's Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, directed by Dr Michael Zemek, will collaborate with high school choirs from Davenport Central, Davenport North and Pleasant Valley High Schools to perform "Anne Frank: A Living Voice" on March 4, 5:30PM.
"Visiting and working with each of the high school treble choirs in the weeks leading to our performance has been so much fun," said Dr Zemek. "It is fulfilling to witness the students' dedication to learning challenging music, and I am truly looking forward to March 4 when we all gather at Augustana to sing together."
On March 4 throughout the day, the Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble will host clinics, workshops, and rehearsals for area high-school students. Composer Linda Tutas Haugen will attend rehearsal virtually to engage in conversation with singers about the composition process.
All will join together for a concert at 5:30PM in Centennial Hall on the campus of Augustana College.
Of the music selection, Dr Zemek says, “The text excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary written while she and her family were hiding from the Nazis portray the progression from fear and despair to strength and courage. The message of hope shared by a young girl in the most unimaginable circumstances has touched generations of readers, and now we continue to be inspired as we join our voices together to sing Anne’s words.”
Participating choirs:
- Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, Michael Zemek, conductor, and Gail Baldwin, pianist;
- Davenport Central High School, Emily Schrank, conductor;
- Davenport North High School, Ryan Riewerts and John Whitson, conductors;
- Pleasant Valley High School, Catherine Lyon, conductor.
About Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble
Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble is a select treble ensemble for students who wish to develop advanced choral skills and a better understanding of various styles of choral music composed for sopranos and altos. The ensemble’s chosen repertoire — from folk to contemporary, ancient to modern — focuses on moving forward and upward, overcoming challenges, and celebrating compassion.
The ensemble is named after Jenny Lind (1820-1887), a Swedish opera singer known as the "Swedish Nightingale" and considered the finest coloratura of her day. The ensemble performs on campus and at community events.
