Choral Music At Clemson
Brazilian Dreams featuring Paquito D'Rivera and the New York Voices
October 16th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Legendary National Endowment for the Arts jazz master Paquito D’Rivera sought out the renowned Gramm Learn More...
Concertante
October 21st, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Founded in 1995 by Juilliard graduates, these six virtuoso string players are gifted young artists w Learn More...
Regina Carter, jazz violin
October 28th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Renowned jazz violinist Regina Carter brings her band to Clemson. The recipient of a MacArthur Fell Learn More...
Corinthian Trio
November 6th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - The Corinthian Trio is comprised of three of the most successful performers of their generation. To Learn More...
Clemson University Choral Ensembles
November 11th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Clemson’s talented choral ensembles present a varied program of traditional and seasonal selections. Learn More...
Meet Viva Voce
Viva Voce, Clemson University’s newest vocal ensemble, will present its premiere performance at the Brooks Center on Tuesday, November 13, at 8 p.m. The 16-member mixed-voice ensemble performs traditional a cappella choral music without a conductor. “Performing without a conductor requires exceptional artistry and vocal discipline,” said
Chris Mathews, the director of choral activities in the Department of Performing Arts. “The members of Viva Voce are outstanding singers with plenty of choral experience and well-defined voice control.”
For Performing Arts in Production Studies student Liz Hatch, singing in Viva Voce has unique challenges. “Timing is key in performing in a group such as this. Without a conductor marking entrances and cut-offs, our timing has to be perfect.”
John Ziska, a junior studying materials and ceramic engineering, agrees. “Vocal tone and quality have to be precise, and performing without the aid of someone in front of the group makes it even more challenging.”
“We are very fortunate to have such fine musicians who learn parts very quickly,” commented Mathews. “This allows us to spend the majority of rehearsal time on the nuances of a piece, as well as tone, blend, and breathing together, the key to unified entrances.”
For their debut concert, the ensemble is singing contrasting Latin sacred works, “Puer
natus est nobis,” (“A Child is Born to Us”) by Renaissance composer William Byrd and “Ave Maria” by contemporary Spanish composer Javier Busto. Other selections included the English folk song, “Turtle Dove,” as well as two African-American spirituals—“Go Down ’n the Valley” and “Pray All Night, All Day.”
“This is a dream come true,” said Colombia native Monica Muñoz-Torres, a Ph.D. candidate in genetics. “I sang professionally in a chamber ensemble before coming to Clemson to pursue my graduate degree. I was thrilled to learn about Viva Voce and was eager to be a part of the new ensemble.”
Viva Voce next performance takes place when the ensemble will perform with Clemson’s other choral groups on Thursday, April 10, at 8 p.m. in the Brooks Center.
