OBU to Host Fall Choral Concert Nov. 3

The OBU Division of Music will host its annual Fall Choral Concert in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature the Bison Glee Club, the Bisonette Glee Club and the University Chorale.

To facilitate physical distancing, reservations may be made online in advance. Admission is free of charge and open to the public. The concert will also be livestreamed on OBU’s YouTube channel.

The Bison Glee Club and the University Chorale are under the direction of Dr. Chris Mathews, dean of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts and professor of music. The Bisonette Glee Club is under the direction of Dr. Jim Vernon, Burton H. Patterson Professor of Music.

The Bison Glee Club will be performing “Modimo,” arranged by Michael Barrett; “Music in the Air,” arranged by Ryan Murphy; “The Prayer,” arranged by Mark Hayes; “Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal,” arranged by Alice Parker; “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” arranged by J. David Moore; and “Mr. Blue Sky,” arranged by M. Ryan Taylor.

The Bisonette Glee Club will be performing “I Want to Walk as a Child in the Light,” arranged by Tom Trenney; “Lux aeterna,” by Michelle Roueche; “Lineage,” by Andrea Ramsey; “The Dawn Is Not Distant,” by Christine Donkin; “Tundra,” by Ola Gjeilo; and “The Storm Is Passing Over,” arranged by Barbara Baker.

The University Chorale will be performing “Jubilate Deo,” by Peter Angelea; “Rejoice in the Lord,” by Daniel Musselman; “Christus factus est,” by Anton Bruckner; “How Sweet the Sound,” arranged by Philip Lawson; “Love,” by Michael Engelhardt; “Softly and Tenderly,” arranged by Brenda Portman; and “Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da,” arranged by Bill Ives.

Mathews is proud of his students for their achievements and perseverance throughout the semester, despite challenges presented by the pandemic.

“Our choirs have been able to rehearse through modified schedules and increased distancing and have prepared a myriad of selections that represent varied musical genres and styles,” he said. “Tuesday evening’s concert will showcase not only their talent, but also their resolve to experience and to offer the gifts of beauty, camaraderie and joy through choral singing.”

Vernon also expressed his pride at his students’ achievements, despite the many changes made to the semester due to the pandemic.

“For Bisonettes, I would say the challenges of rehearsing in a pandemic world have been central to our work this semester, as we rehearse in small groups and rarely get the entire ensemble together,” he said. “The ladies have made this work well, however, and their flexibility is a testament to their love of good choral music and their ability to navigate unusual situations.”

Mathews is grateful for the experience that he has had working with his students and is looking forward to the concert.

“It has been a wonderful semester working with our incredible students, and we look forward to sharing the results of their efforts with our guests. We pray it will serve as an encouragement to all who come.”

Learn more about the Division of Music.