Lamar University’s Grand Chorus and A Cappella Choir will premiere under the direction of new conductor James Han Sunday, Nov. 1, at the First United Methodist Church in Beaumont.
“Our theme for the concert is ‘Treasures from the Past and Today,’ and I think the selections all relate to the universal topics of healing, hope and looking forward to a brighter tomorrow,” said Han. “Today’s life can be difficult, and our country is struggling with the economy, but we have hope that a better day will come.”
The Grand Chorus opens the concert with W.A. Mozart’s “Gloria” from his “Coronation Mass K. 317.” Music by Franz Schubert and Leonard Bernstein will follow.
The A Cappella Choir takes the stage with Japanese composer Ko Matsushita’s 2008 composition “Jubilate Deo,” which combines eastern and western music into a Latin setting.
“Latin is the global language, and it is universal to choirs,” said Han. “Ko Matsushita was born and raised in Tokyo and trained in Europe. His music contains extremely complicated rhythmic patterns and intervals, but he beautifully pairs East and West.”
Han thought Matsushita’s work would challenge his students.
“It was 16 parts, and I asked them to memorize it,” Han said. “They are working very hard, and I am proud of their dedication.”
Music by English composer William Byrd follows, as well as compositions by Mozart, Claudio Monteverdi, Johannes Brahms, Morten Lauridsen, Gabriel Fauré, Eric Whitacre and William L. Dawson.
According to Han, Whitacre is one of the most famous American composers of our time.
“Eric Whitacre is a rising star and world-renowned composer,” Han said. “He creates a unique sound that is more dissonant than traditional music. His work is quite impressive.”
Justin West will provide accompaniment for the Grand Chorus, while Dwight Peirce accompanies the A Cappella Choir.
The choral concert will start at 3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (409) 880-8144 or visit www.lamar.edu/music.
