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Under the direction of Donald A. Busarow, professor of music and university organist, the choir will sing more than 14 songs, including pieces to be sung in German, Russian, French and Latin.
"Our concert programs are unique, in my opinion," Busarow said. "I look for some piece for everyone, and I look for unusual compositions that are worthy of performing along with the 'Masters'."
With works from the 16th century to contemporary music, this year's repertoire includes Mendelssohn's Jauchzet dem Herrn, alle Welt in German, a piece of Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil in Russian and two other pieces in Latin. The tour will also offer three African songs, the Cameroon processional song Louez le Seigneur in French, a Zimbabwe greeting and Siyahamb' the South African hymn and two of Busarow's compositions.
The choir will also perform The Dream Isaiah Saw, scored by Glenn L. Rudolph (2002), on a poem by Thomas Troeger in memory of those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001. On the six-month anniversary of the attacks, the Wittenberg Choir sang the national anthem at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.
Busarow has directed the choir for 25 years of its 77-year history. Associate Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students Carolyn Perkins and Director of Church Relations Robert White will accompany the choir on its tour.
Seven members have been with the choir throughout their four years at Wittenberg, which is a difficult achievement. Earning a position in the choir for one year is no guarantee of a permanent position. Annual auditions are held, and selections are based on voice quality, ability to sing in tune and ability to read music, among other qualifications.
The choir, made up of student performers from a wide variety of majors and disciplines, represents every academic department on campus. Performing with the choir is more than just an activity for most of the students.
"Choir is a place where I can be with others who appreciate and love music," said Kate Hubert, class of 2008 from Louisville, Ky. "When we come to an understanding about what's going on in the song, the result can be the most beautiful expression."
One of the most traveled college choral groups in the world, the Wittenberg Choir has earned rave reviews from critics across the United States and in Canada, Latin America, Europe and Russia.
The choir also serves as a recruitment tool for the university. White makes a presentation about Wittenberg during the intermission at each concert. White and Perkins will set up a display of admission materials and be available to discuss the university.
"The members of the choir are tremendous ambassadors for the university," White said. "Wherever they go, they represent Wittenberg at its best."
Written By: Cristina Recalde '08
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