Nova Singers, under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, presents two performances of Voices and Keys, Saturday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Kresge Recital Hall, Knox College, Galesburg, and on Sunday, October 9 at 4:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Moline.
Discover the stunning blend of piano and choir in Nova Singers' 26th season opener. These concerts feature the dramatic and virtuosic Mid-Winter Songs by Morten Lauridsen, a set of five songs that revolve around a common winter motif. Also included in the program are several charming part songs by Schubert and Brahms, and American folk songs, all featuring dazzling accompaniments. Joining Nova Singers for these opening concerts is guest pianist Ashlee Mack.
Specializing in contemporary music, pianist Ashlee Mack has performed solo and chamber music with new-music organizations such as the Society for Chromatic Art, Vox Novus (New York City), New Music Forum (San Francisco), and the Iowa Composers Forum. She has given recitals across the United States, in Germany (Breisach and Freiburg), and Italy (American Academy in Rome). Her performances of Odds and Ends by Robert Morris and For Milton by Christian Carey will be featured on an upcoming CD commemorating Milton Babbitt. Her recording of James Romig's Transparencies was recently released on Navona Records (distributed by Capstone). Mack earned her degree in piano performance at Bucknell University where she studied with Lois Svard. She has furthered her studies with pianists Michael Adcock (Washington, DC) and Alan Huckleberry (University of Iowa). Mack is currently the Coordinator of Piano Instruction at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.
Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, hopes to share this fantastic listening experience with you. Nova Singers is known for bringing a wide variety of choral music to its audiences, and for the spirit and charm the singers impart to their music. Dr. Lane has been serving the greater Galesburg and Quad-Cities communities for over twenty-five years, bringing her passion for music and expressive singing to audiences and singers alike.
Tickets for this concert are available through Nova's office and at the door. Admission is $16 for adults and $12 for seniors. Students are admitted free of charge. Voices and Keys is sponsored by OSF St. Mary Medical Center. Nova Singers' 2011-2012 season is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. For information about tickets, recordings, or other Nova Singers performances, please call Nova Singers at 309-341-7038 or email nova@knox.edu. Information is also available at www.novasingers.com.
