NWC News Desk

Master Chorale and NWC Choir perform Tuesday, April 24, at St. Barbara's Church

Posted April 17, 2012
By NWC News Desk

POWELL, Wyo. - The Northwest Master Chorale and Northwest College Choir will perform in a 7:30 p.m. joint concert Tuesday, April 24, at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Powell.

NWC Assistant Professor of Music Jan Kliewer describes the musical literature of the two groups as “different as Saturday night and Sunday morning.”

After a five-year hiatus, over 20 individuals from NWC and the surrounding communities come together to breathe new life into the Master Chorale. NWC alumnae and Cody Middle School Vocal Instructor Anissa Bree will direct the group in a variety of American classics, show tunes, vocal jazz arrangements and folk songs.

The “Saturday night” repertoire includes a slate of well-known tunes like “Bye Bye Black Bird;” Getting to Know You;” “Trickle, Trickle;” “Tennessee Wig-Walk;” “Londonderry Air;” “Joy in the Morning;” “A Farewell” and “Skye Boat Song” featuring soloists Marie Frame of Cody and Joseph Tritchler of Powell.

Kliewer conducts the Northwest College Choir in “Requiem” by French composer Maurice Duruflé. Considered a classic work of the 20th century, the piece stays true to the ancient chanted melodies associated with the requiem, but in a new setting.

“This isn’t your father’s requiem,” Kliewer said, “It’s lush, beautiful, hopeful and uplifting.” Tim Schoessler, an NWC instructor and music program coordinator, will provide organ accompaniment to the difficult and challenging eight-movement work. Featured soloists are Michael Lecher of Freedom and Rachel Willis of Basin.

The NWC Choir will close the concert with the finale from the opera “Candide” by Leonard Bernstein.

Admission is free and open to the public.