Fiddle songs, folk music and requiems fill WSU Spring Choirfest
WSU’s Chamber Choir will perform at the Spring Choirfest April 6 in the Browning Center.
WSU’s Chamber Choir will perform at the Spring Choirfest April 6.
Mark Henderson is the conductor for Weber State University's chamber and concert choirs, which will perform at the annual Spring Choirfest on April 6.
OGDEN — Weber State University’s Concert Choir and Chamber Choir will leave no stone unturned as they perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 6.
The two choirs will perform a huge variety of music ranging from pieces from two requiems they learned in just one month to Spanish folk songs to Aaron Copeland classics to some difficult but entertaining fiddle songs.
The Concert Choir has about 45 students and the chamber group has about 22. Some students are in both choirs. The choirs won’t combine for any performances, but will perform separately.
Choir conductor Mark Henderson said it has been a great year for both groups in that they have learned and mastered very difficult pieces.
“It is almost unheard of to learn two requiems in that time period,” Henderson said.
The Chamber Choir will travel with the WSU Chamber Orchestra this summer to southern Spain and the choir has worked to put together some pieces for that trip including some Spanish folk music.
“We don’t go to Spain and perform their music, but I did want the choir to have a taste of that culture,” Henderson said. “We go somewhere and perform American music because that’s what they want to hear,” he added.
PREVIEW
• WHAT: Spring Choirfest
• WHEN: 7:30 p.m. April 6
• WHERE: Browning Center Austad Auditorium, WSU, 3848 Harrison Blvd., Ogden
ADMISSION: $6-$7; 801-626-8500, www.weberstatetickets.com
Audiences will get to hear that music next week as well. “We will do a crazy medley of fiddle tunes that are sung unbelievably fast,” Henderson said. “It’s taken a long time to be able to master it, but it is very entertaining.”
“Danny Boy” will also be performed. The chamber group sang some Irish tunes at Rose Wagner Theater in Salt Lake City earlier this month and the popular “Danny Boy” was one of those.
“I don’t believe they have ever sung it before and it is one of the most beautiful songs in the world,” Henderson said.
Audiences will also be treated to a 1930s’ jazz tune, “Chocolate,” in which listeners will hear all about the best things and best kinds of chocolate. “The choir will even eat some chocolate,” Henderson said with a laugh.
The choir will perform a smaller version of the April 6 show on April 8 at the Salt Lake City LDS Tabernacle. That event will be free.
The upcoming Spain trip will be part of WSU’s new study abroad program, where students will not just perform, but take classes while there and also participate in a class after to discuss what they have learned. Henderson is thrilled for the opportunity for his choir.
Tickets for the April 6 concert are $6 to $7 and can be purchased onlinewww.weberstatetickets.com or by calling 801-626-8500.