The Wittenberg Series will present a free concert by Chanticleer at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29 in Weaver Chapel on the Wittenberg campus.This veteran all male vocal chamber group is named after the rooster in Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” whose singing was “such a joye.”
Their Wittenberg appearance will present a holiday program drawing from most of the past six centuries. The core of the program is a selection of traditional holiday songs. It will also include works of Thomas Stoltzer, John Taverner, Tomas Luis de Victoria, Thomas Tallis, Francis Poulenc and Benjamin Britten.
Chanticleer displays an encyclopedia of vocal technique from which they show a range of vocal color, ensemble blend and precise intonation. While the group may owe its reputation to such technicalities, it owes its longevity to audience-friendly programming which often combines jazz, classical, gospel, “modern” music and other influences.
When the group formed in San Francisco 22 years ago they made their mark with superb revivals of forgotten, or nearly forgotten masterworks of the Renaissance and Middle Ages. More recently they have done the same for 20trh century music with voices that breathe life into music that otherwise might not reach a wider audience.
Today, more rare than a male soprano, they remain virtually alone as a full-time classical vocal ensemble.
Chanticleer has produced 20 commercial recordings and since 1995 has recorded exclusively for Teldec Records. Their success has also benefitted the literature of choral music through their many commissions to leading composers including Morton Gould, Bernard Rands and Peter Schickele.
This free public performance is part of Wittenberg University’s premiere series for the arts and scholarship. This year the theme of the Wittenberg Series is “Individualism and Commitment in American Public Life.” Through its 13 events during 2000-01, the Wittenberg Series will examine from many directions the dynamic tension between individual and community needs in public life, including issues like the family, bigotry, violence, service, journalism and the arts.
Although the performance is free, seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Call (937) 327-7918 for more information.
