Nova Singers, under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, presents two performances of Lullabies and Folksongs Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Kresge Recital Hall, Knox College, 500 South Prairie, in Galesburg, and Sunday, April 19 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2136 Brady Street, Davenport.
Nova Singers will be joined by harpist Erin Freund for a delightful evening of music for harp and voices. Soak up the romantic harmonies of Brahms' Four Songs for women's voices, harp, and 2 horns, and the nostalgia and charm of familiar English and American folksongs arranged by Cecilia McDowall, Robert Shaw and Alice Parker. Everyone will love Conrad Susa's Carols and Lullabies featuring harp, guitar and marimba.
Artistic Director Laura Lane says, "The harp makes this one of the most unusual programs we've ever done! The sound of the harp with a small choir like Nova Singers is extraordinarily beautiful. I'm especially excited about Conrad Susa's exquisite set of carols and lullabies from Spain and South America: the melodies are tuneful and memorable and the harmonies simple and sort-of romantic, with just enough spice to keep you wanting more. My favorite thing about them, though, is that, in addition to the choir and harp, Susa adds guitar and marimba! The combination of these three instruments with the voices is striking and elegant. I also love that we feature the women's voices on some songs and the men's voices on others--the audience always loves that! Folks will also enjoy hearing all the soloists who are featured throughout the program. And the songs themselves are so much fun! The men are singing some of my favorite folk songs, including Gentle Annie and Fergus and Molly."
Dr. Erin Freund is a versatile harpist, equally at home performing solo music, chamber music, and orchestral repertoire. Dr. Freund is a frequent recitalist and embraces the challenge of performing virtuosic solo repertoire, spanning ancient and modern works that display the full capabilities of the harp. Teaching is at the core of her musical life as a musician. Dr. Freund is a part-time Assistant Professor of music at Augustana College where she teaches both private harp lessons in her studio, and sections of Music Appreciation in the classroom. Dr. Freund is a registered Suzuki harp teacher, and has served on the faculty of Indiana University South Bend's Raclin School of the Arts, as well as the Music Institute of Chicago.
Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, hopes to share our musical soul with you. Nova Singers is known for the beauty and charm of our sound, and for the intimacy and playfulness of the concert experience for our audience members.
Tickets will be available at the door or online at www.novasingers.com. Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for seniors. Students are admitted free of charge. For information about tickets, recordings, or other Nova Singers events, call 309-341-7038, or e-mail nova@knox.edu or like our Facebook page.
Lullabies and Folksongs is sponsored by G&M Distributors. Nova Singers' 2014-2015 season is partially funded by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the Galesburg Community Foundation. This project is also supported with Quad City Arts Dollar$ funds, provided by Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, the Doris and Victor Day Foundation, and Deere and Company.
