This Is the Day

ABOUT THE CHOIR

An emotional compilation of a cappella works to honor artistic director/conductor Richard Larson’s illustrious conducting career.

KANTOREI (or singers) formed in 1997 under Richard Larson’s leadership and has expanded into an auditioned, 52-voice ensemble. Its members come from schools with strong choral music programs, such as Augustana, Brigham Young, Concordia, Luther, St. Olaf, University of Denver, Wartburg and University of Northern Colorado. Kantorei established itself as one of the nation’s premier choral ensembles after performing as an auditioned choir for the 2003 national American Choral Director’s Association conference at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and the Vatican in June 2007. More recently, Kantorei has been featured in several regional and national conferences, including the 2008 National Performing Arts Convention and 2010 Southwestern Regional ACDA convention, both held in Denver. In March 2011, Kantorei returned to the national ACDA conference, with performances at Roosevelt University and Symphony Hall in Chicago. Kantorei completed its second European tour in 2012, traveling to Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic in June.

MEET OUR GROUP SOPRANO

ALTO

TENOR

BASS

Mary Christ Theresa Derr Juliane Dowell Kim Dunninger Beryl Fanslow Wendi Sue Grover Heather Gunnerson Stacie Hanson Judy Larson Sara Michael Alicia Rigsby Pearl Rutherford Becky Scott Annie Sullins

Emily Alexander Jan Ankele Lizabeth Barnett Lyn Berry-Helmlinger Jordan Bickel Hillary Foster Shannon LemmonElrod Melissa Menter Erin Meyerhoff Jennifer Moore Michelle Tombre Andrea Ware Lindsey Whitaker

Kai Berry-Helmlinger Michael Bizzaro Keith Ferguson Kevin Gunnerson Keith Harrison Brad Larson Alex Menter Michael Pohlenz John Redford Robert Suits David Weaver Ryan Wright

Ken Atkinson Michael Boender Garth Criswell Andy Halladay Stephen Hooper Brad Jackson Karl Johnson Robert Larson Michael Lewis John Ludwig Larry Meerdink John Schaak Matt Weissenbuehler

ACCOMPANIST - Alicia Rigsby THE 16TH SEASON

ASST. CONDUCTOR- Michael Poehlenz

* K a n t o r e i i s a 5 01( c ) ( 3 ) o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d a n y donations to the group are deductible to the fullest e x t e n t a l l o w e d b y l a w. P l e a s e c o n s u l t y o u r t a x advisor for more information. *Please make donations, purchase CDs, purchase t i c k e t s a n d s i g n u p f o r K a n t o r e i ’s m a i l i n g l i s t i n the lobby during intermission or after the concert.

If we have misspelled your name, incorrectly listed your giving level, or omitted your name i n a d v e r t e n t l y f r o m t h i s l i s t , p l e a s e d o n ’t h e s i t a t e to inform us and we will make the correction.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, i f y o u h a v e d o n a t e d t o K a n t o r e i a n d have not received an official thank you letter for your tax records, please let us know so that we can get one to you as soon as possible.

*We record our concer t s and frequently use live recordings for our CDs. Please keep extraneous noise to a minimum during the performance.

FOLLOW KANTOREI ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND YOUTUBE! F a c e b o o k . c o m / k a n t o r e i | Tw i t t e r. c o m / k a n t o r e i d e n v e r | Yo u t u b e . c o m / k a n t o r e i

PROGRAM

PROGRAM NOTES PART I

Glorificamus Te!

Daniel Kallman (b. 1956)

Tonight Eternity Alone

René Clausen

Sara Michael and Annie Sullins, Sopranos

(b. 1953)

Les Chansons de Roses

Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943)

IV. La Rose Complète V. Dirait-on

The Lord is the Everlasting God

Kenneth Jennings (b. 1974)

I. Has it not been told you from the beginning II. The Lord is the everlasting God

Amor de mi Alma

Z. Randall Stroope (b. 1953)

Alleluia

Eric Whitacre

Wendi Sue Grover, Soprano

(b. 1970)

PART II Miserere Mei, Deus

Bill Erickson (b. 1959)

Gabriel’s Oboe

arr.

Maureen Faukash, Oboe Kitty Knight, Cello (Friday Performance) Richard von Foerster, Cello (Saturday Performance)

Let the River Run

Ennio Morricone

by Craig Hella Johnson

(b. 1953)

Carly Simon

arr. by Craig Hella Johnson (b. 1945)

Prayer

René Clausen (b. 1953)

You Better Min’ How You Talk

arr. by Moses Hogan Ken Atkinson, bass

Hold On

(1957 - 2003)

arr. by Stacey Gibbs (b. 1962)

Nunc dimittis

Wendi Sue Grover, soprano Kai Berry-Helmlinger, tenor

Artistic Director and Conductor Richard Larson handpicked some of the most romantic, warm and sentimental pieces in Kantorei’s music library for his final concerts with the ensemble. The following program notes include a brief description of the songs, followed by Mr. Larson’s thoughts and feelings about each piece.

Glorificamus Te!

Miserere Mei, Deus

Tonight Eternity Alone

Gabriel’s Oboe

This splendid fanfare anthem, set to a rhythmic complex accompaniment, is a stirring affirmation of life and beauty.

Richard Larson: Daniel Kallman and his five brothers and sisters were talented music students of mine in Austin, Minn. Also a student of Dominick Argento, Dan is a very gifted composer, writing mostly in the choral/band mediums.

Clausen’s setting of the Thomas Jones, Jr. poem, “Dusk at Sea,” is full of dynamic variation, expressive passages and simple but mood-evoking text.

RL: René, who student taught with me in 1973, has written two commissioned pieces for Kantorei: In 2001, “Veni,” (he conducted the premiere performance) and, in 2007, “A Stable Lamp is Lighted” – a surprise gift to me from Kantorei at our Christmas concerts.

Les Chansons des Roses: IV. La Rose Complète, V. Dirait-on

The gorgeous lyricism of these poems is joyous and playful, with musical settings that are designed to enhance their delicate beauty and sensuousness.

RL: These are my favorites of the five chansons.

They contrast in style, yet flow together with no separation, much like a marriage. We have sung “La Rose Complète” at several weddings.

INTERMISSION

Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934)

Please consider turning in your program at the end of the concert to be re-used and recycled.

THE CONDUCTORS

The Lord is the Everlasting God

Written to celebrate Weston Noble’s 50 years of service as director of the Nordic Choir at Luther College, the first half of this composition employs a quasi free chant in an imitative murmuring style. The second half uses warm romantic homophonic chords with text that assures God does not grow faint or weary.

RL: Weston Noble, my teacher and mentor, has had the greatest influence on me as a person and as a musician. He changed my life.

Amor de mi Alma

Beginning in a chant style, this piece progresses to a harmonic structure that uses 20th/21st century chords and colors.

RL: This penitential psalm was composed by former Meistersingers director Bill Erickson, who I taught with at Cherry Creek HS from 19891995. He wrote it for the Meistersingers and their current director, Sarah Harrison.

This piece was the theme for the 1986 film classic, “The Mission.” This performance features a cellist and oboist, while the choir sings harmonies on neutral syllables.

RL: “Gabriel’s Oboe” is a song of hope.

Let the River Run

From the 1988 motion picture “Working Girl,” this musical theme was originally performed by Carly Simon.

RL: This energetic, high-spirited setting by Craig Hella Johnson is a Kantorei favorite.

Prayer

Clausen’s setting of the powerful Mother Teresa of Calcutta text employs perfect chords and a seamless flow.

RL: The first time Kantorei rehearsed this piece, we were so moved that rehearsal had to be stopped for 15 minutes. No one could speak; singers were hugging each other and wiping away tears. The first words, “Help me,” say it all. “Prayer” is Clausen at his very best.

You Better Min’ How You Talk

One of the most prolific composers of African-American Spirituals, Moses Hogan tragically died of brain cancer at the age of 46, having published more than 70 works. His arrangements are staples in nearly every choir setting.

RL: Spirituals usually close Kantorei concerts, and this concert is no exception! I can’t imagine a concert without this uniquely American art form. We have performed this spiritual more than any other.

Hold On

This profound work, set to a stunning 16th century love poem by Spanish Renaissance poet Garcilaso de la Vega, is rich in harmony and masterfully crafted.

RL: This piece was written in 2001 for the Cherry Creek High School Meistersingers and their director Bill Erickson. I am very fond of this ensemble, which I had the privilege to direct from 1982-1995.

Stacey Gibbs, highly acclaimed for his expertise in bringing new vitality and excitement to all the spirituals he writes, raises the roof with this exuberant arrangement.

RL: Singing spirituals has always been a part of my life. Audiences love rhythm, and so do I. I have never tired of teaching and singing spirituals, and I never will.

Alleluia

Although written in 1915, this piece wasn’t performed until it was revised by the composer’s daughter in 1974. It exploits the possibilities of 8-part chorus, including antiphonal effects.

RL: This song is dear to my heart. It has become something of a theme song for Kantorei. I will always remember singing it in the Pantheon in Rome and at my wedding in 2009. The text is especially poignant now, as I direct my final Kantorei concerts: “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace…”

A symphonic band composition, “October,” is the musical source for this new choral gem from Eric Whitacre. His masterful use of tone clusters punctuates this moving piece based on a single word.

RL: Kantorei has been fortunate to have such a wonderful relationship with Eric. He has conducted Kantorei on three different occasions and has been known to say, “I need my Kantorei fix!”

Nunc dimittis

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR RI C H A RD L A R S ON, d ir e c t o r o f t h e D e n v e r- b a s e d s emi- p r o f e s s io n al c h oir, K a n t o r e i, h a s b e e n in v ol v e d in c ommu ni t y mu s i c f o r o v e r 4 0 y e a r s . N ame d “ C h o r al C o n d u c t o r o f t h e Ye a r ” in 1989 b y t h e C olo r a d o A C DA , M r. L a r s o n t a u g h t mu s i c b o t h in p u bli c s c h ool s a s w e ll a s a t t h e c oll e g e l e v e l. H e h a s s e r v e d a s a d ju n c t p r o f e s s o r a t t h e L amo n t S c h ool o f M u s i c, U ni v e r s i t y o f D e n v e r, t h e U ni v e r s i t y o f No r t h e r n C olo r a d o a n d M e t r o p oli t a n S t a t e U ni v e r s i t y o f D e n v e r.

H e h a s s e r v e d a s a c lini c i a n a t t h e Re n e C l a u s e n C h o r al S c h ool, t h e I o w a a n d S o u t h D a k o t a s umme r A C DA c o n f e r e n c e s, a n d h a s c o n d u c t e d t h e Min n e s o t a A ll- S t a t e C h oir. H e h old s a B a c h e lo r o f A r t s D e g r e e f r om L u t h e r C oll e g e, D e c o r a h, I o w a a n d a M a s t e r s in M u s i c E d u c a t io n f r om t h e U ni v e r s i t y o f C olo r a d o.

S in c e mo v in g t o C olo r a d o in 1982, h e c o n d u c t e d t h e C h e r r y C r e e k M e i s t e r s in g e r s in r e g io n al A C DA c o n f e r e n c e s in 1988 a n d 199 4, n a t io n al A C DA in 1989 ( L o ui s v ill e, K Y ), a n d n a t io n al ME N C ( Wa s hin g t o n D. C .) in 1990. H e h a s d ir e c t e d K a n t o r e i in r e g io n al A C DA c o n f e r e n c e in 2002 a n d 2010, a n d t h e N a t io n al A C DA c o n f e r e n c e ( C a r n e g i e H all & Av e r y F i s h e r H all, N YC ) in 2003 a n d a g ain in 2010 ( Roo s e v e l t U ni v e r s i t y A u d i t o r ium & Sy mp h o n y H all, C hi c a g o). B e y o n d hi s g r a d u a t e d e g r e e, h e s t u d ie d mu s i c w i t h We s t o n No bl e ( L u t h e r C oll e g e), J uliu s H e r f o r d, A l f r e d M a n n, Wa r n e r Imig , J e a n B e r g e r ( U ni v e r s i t y o f C olo r a d o), Ro b e r t S h a w ( M e a d o w b r oo k S c h ool o f M u s i c, a n d S a r a t o g a - P o t s d am C h o r al I n s t i t u t e), O t t o We r n e r M u e ll e r ( Yal e), Jo h n N e l s o n ( A s p e n), M a r g a r e t Hill s ( C hi c a g o Sy mp h o n y O r c h e s t r a C h o r u s), E li z a b e t h Gr e e n, B r o c k M c E hl e r a n ( P o t s d am, N Y ), a n d Ro b e r t F o u n t ain (O b e r lin C o n s e r v a t o r y ). M r. L a r s o n w a s r e c e n t l y h o n o r e d b y L u t h e r C oll e g e a s t h e f ir s t a n n u al r e c ipi e n t o f t h e We s t o n H. No bl e a w a r d h o n o r in g e x c e ll e n c e in t h e f i e ld o f c h o r al mu s i c .

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR M I C H A E L P O H L E N Z is Dir ec t or of Music at Wellshir e Pr esby t er ian Chur ch wit h pr evious ex per ience as Gues t Conduc t or of t he Be t hany College Messiah Fes t ival in Lindsbor g, KS, and as f ounding Music Dir ec t or and Conduc t or, now Emer it us, of t he Wichit a Chamber Chor ale, an audit ioned adult communit y choir in Wichit a, KS. Signif icant per f or mance achievement s of t he Chor ale included t he 1989 Nat ional ACDA Convent ion and t he 1996 Joan of Ar c Fes t ival in Or léans, Fr ance.

Dr. Pohlenz has t aught chor al music and voice at t he college level, and vocal and ins t r ument al music at t he high school level. He holds chor al degr ees f r om Fr iends Univer sit y in Wichit a, Sou t her n Me t hodis t Univer sit y in Dallas, and T he Univer sit y of Ok lahoma in Nor man, wit h addit ional doc t or al s t ud y at T he Univer sit y of Sou t her n C alif or nia. In his cont inuing s t ud y of chor al music, he sang in t hr ee Rober t Shaw Chor al Wor kshops at C ar negie Hall and s t udied conduc t ing wit h Helmu t h Rilling at t he Or egon Bach Fes t ival.

He is cur r ent ly a p e r f o r m i n g m e m b e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h e r n C o l o r a d o’s S u m m e r f e s t C h o i r.

ACCOMPANIST A L I C I A R I G S B Y c a m e t o C o l o r a d o i n 19 9 7 a f t e r c o m p l e t i n g h e r Master of Music degree in piano per formance and music theor y at I n d i a n a U n i v e r s i t y, B l o o m i n g t o n . M s . R i g s b y w a s o n e o f t h e o r i g i n a l members of Kantorei, both as a singer and accompanist, but has taken time with her family since 2004. Ms. Rigsby has per formed w i t h t h e E s t e s Tr i o , t h e A s p e n M u s i c F e s t i v a l a n d t h e B o u l d e r C h a m b e r O r c h e s t r a . S h e h a s b e e n t e a c h i n g m u s i c a t t h e C h i l d r e n’s M u s i c A c a d e m y, b a s e d i n L i t t l e t o n , f o r 15 y e a r s . S h e i s p a s s i o n a t e about music as an ar t form, a teaching tool and an expressionistic medium, and enjoys having all of those musical oppor tunities in her life. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, ski and cycle with her husband and two daughters.

PROGRAM

PROGRAM NOTES PART I

Glorificamus Te!

Daniel Kallman (b. 1956)

Tonight Eternity Alone

René Clausen

Sara Michael and Annie Sullins, Sopranos

(b. 1953)

Les Chansons de Roses

Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943)

IV. La Rose Complète V. Dirait-on

The Lord is the Everlasting God

Kenneth Jennings (b. 1974)

I. Has it not been told you from the beginning II. The Lord is the everlasting God

Amor de mi Alma

Z. Randall Stroope (b. 1953)

Alleluia

Eric Whitacre

Wendi Sue Grover, Soprano

(b. 1970)

PART II Miserere Mei, Deus

Bill Erickson (b. 1959)

Gabriel’s Oboe

arr.

Maureen Faukash, Oboe Kitty Knight, Cello (Friday Performance) Richard von Foerster, Cello (Saturday Performance)

Let the River Run

Ennio Morricone

by Craig Hella Johnson

(b. 1953)

Carly Simon

arr. by Craig Hella Johnson (b. 1945)

Prayer

René Clausen (b. 1953)

You Better Min’ How You Talk

arr. by Moses Hogan Ken Atkinson, bass

Hold On

(1957 - 2003)

arr. by Stacey Gibbs (b. 1962)

Nunc dimittis

Wendi Sue Grover, soprano Kai Berry-Helmlinger, tenor

Artistic Director and Conductor Richard Larson handpicked some of the most romantic, warm and sentimental pieces in Kantorei’s music library for his final concerts with the ensemble. The following program notes include a brief description of the songs, followed by Mr. Larson’s thoughts and feelings about each piece.

Glorificamus Te!

Miserere Mei, Deus

Tonight Eternity Alone

Gabriel’s Oboe

This splendid fanfare anthem, set to a rhythmic complex accompaniment, is a stirring affirmation of life and beauty.

Richard Larson: Daniel Kallman and his five brothers and sisters were talented music students of mine in Austin, Minn. Also a student of Dominick Argento, Dan is a very gifted composer, writing mostly in the choral/band mediums.

Clausen’s setting of the Thomas Jones, Jr. poem, “Dusk at Sea,” is full of dynamic variation, expressive passages and simple but mood-evoking text.

RL: René, who student taught with me in 1973, has written two commissioned pieces for Kantorei: In 2001, “Veni,” (he conducted the premiere performance) and, in 2007, “A Stable Lamp is Lighted” – a surprise gift to me from Kantorei at our Christmas concerts.

Les Chansons des Roses: IV. La Rose Complète, V. Dirait-on

The gorgeous lyricism of these poems is joyous and playful, with musical settings that are designed to enhance their delicate beauty and sensuousness.

RL: These are my favorites of the five chansons.

They contrast in style, yet flow together with no separation, much like a marriage. We have sung “La Rose Complète” at several weddings.

INTERMISSION

Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934)

Please consider turning in your program at the end of the concert to be re-used and recycled.

THE CONDUCTORS

The Lord is the Everlasting God

Written to celebrate Weston Noble’s 50 years of service as director of the Nordic Choir at Luther College, the first half of this composition employs a quasi free chant in an imitative murmuring style. The second half uses warm romantic homophonic chords with text that assures God does not grow faint or weary.

RL: Weston Noble, my teacher and mentor, has had the greatest influence on me as a person and as a musician. He changed my life.

Amor de mi Alma

Beginning in a chant style, this piece progresses to a harmonic structure that uses 20th/21st century chords and colors.

RL: This penitential psalm was composed by former Meistersingers director Bill Erickson, who I taught with at Cherry Creek HS from 19891995. He wrote it for the Meistersingers and their current director, Sarah Harrison.

This piece was the theme for the 1986 film classic, “The Mission.” This performance features a cellist and oboist, while the choir sings harmonies on neutral syllables.

RL: “Gabriel’s Oboe” is a song of hope.

Let the River Run

From the 1988 motion picture “Working Girl,” this musical theme was originally performed by Carly Simon.

RL: This energetic, high-spirited setting by Craig Hella Johnson is a Kantorei favorite.

Prayer

Clausen’s setting of the powerful Mother Teresa of Calcutta text employs perfect chords and a seamless flow.

RL: The first time Kantorei rehearsed this piece, we were so moved that rehearsal had to be stopped for 15 minutes. No one could speak; singers were hugging each other and wiping away tears. The first words, “Help me,” say it all. “Prayer” is Clausen at his very best.

You Better Min’ How You Talk

One of the most prolific composers of African-American Spirituals, Moses Hogan tragically died of brain cancer at the age of 46, having published more than 70 works. His arrangements are staples in nearly every choir setting.

RL: Spirituals usually close Kantorei concerts, and this concert is no exception! I can’t imagine a concert without this uniquely American art form. We have performed this spiritual more than any other.

Hold On

This profound work, set to a stunning 16th century love poem by Spanish Renaissance poet Garcilaso de la Vega, is rich in harmony and masterfully crafted.

RL: This piece was written in 2001 for the Cherry Creek High School Meistersingers and their director Bill Erickson. I am very fond of this ensemble, which I had the privilege to direct from 1982-1995.

Stacey Gibbs, highly acclaimed for his expertise in bringing new vitality and excitement to all the spirituals he writes, raises the roof with this exuberant arrangement.

RL: Singing spirituals has always been a part of my life. Audiences love rhythm, and so do I. I have never tired of teaching and singing spirituals, and I never will.

Alleluia

Although written in 1915, this piece wasn’t performed until it was revised by the composer’s daughter in 1974. It exploits the possibilities of 8-part chorus, including antiphonal effects.

RL: This song is dear to my heart. It has become something of a theme song for Kantorei. I will always remember singing it in the Pantheon in Rome and at my wedding in 2009. The text is especially poignant now, as I direct my final Kantorei concerts: “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace…”

A symphonic band composition, “October,” is the musical source for this new choral gem from Eric Whitacre. His masterful use of tone clusters punctuates this moving piece based on a single word.

RL: Kantorei has been fortunate to have such a wonderful relationship with Eric. He has conducted Kantorei on three different occasions and has been known to say, “I need my Kantorei fix!”

Nunc dimittis

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR RI C H A RD L A R S ON, d ir e c t o r o f t h e D e n v e r- b a s e d s emi- p r o f e s s io n al c h oir, K a n t o r e i, h a s b e e n in v ol v e d in c ommu ni t y mu s i c f o r o v e r 4 0 y e a r s . N ame d “ C h o r al C o n d u c t o r o f t h e Ye a r ” in 1989 b y t h e C olo r a d o A C DA , M r. L a r s o n t a u g h t mu s i c b o t h in p u bli c s c h ool s a s w e ll a s a t t h e c oll e g e l e v e l. H e h a s s e r v e d a s a d ju n c t p r o f e s s o r a t t h e L amo n t S c h ool o f M u s i c, U ni v e r s i t y o f D e n v e r, t h e U ni v e r s i t y o f No r t h e r n C olo r a d o a n d M e t r o p oli t a n S t a t e U ni v e r s i t y o f D e n v e r.

H e h a s s e r v e d a s a c lini c i a n a t t h e Re n e C l a u s e n C h o r al S c h ool, t h e I o w a a n d S o u t h D a k o t a s umme r A C DA c o n f e r e n c e s, a n d h a s c o n d u c t e d t h e Min n e s o t a A ll- S t a t e C h oir. H e h old s a B a c h e lo r o f A r t s D e g r e e f r om L u t h e r C oll e g e, D e c o r a h, I o w a a n d a M a s t e r s in M u s i c E d u c a t io n f r om t h e U ni v e r s i t y o f C olo r a d o.

S in c e mo v in g t o C olo r a d o in 1982, h e c o n d u c t e d t h e C h e r r y C r e e k M e i s t e r s in g e r s in r e g io n al A C DA c o n f e r e n c e s in 1988 a n d 199 4, n a t io n al A C DA in 1989 ( L o ui s v ill e, K Y ), a n d n a t io n al ME N C ( Wa s hin g t o n D. C .) in 1990. H e h a s d ir e c t e d K a n t o r e i in r e g io n al A C DA c o n f e r e n c e in 2002 a n d 2010, a n d t h e N a t io n al A C DA c o n f e r e n c e ( C a r n e g i e H all & Av e r y F i s h e r H all, N YC ) in 2003 a n d a g ain in 2010 ( Roo s e v e l t U ni v e r s i t y A u d i t o r ium & Sy mp h o n y H all, C hi c a g o). B e y o n d hi s g r a d u a t e d e g r e e, h e s t u d ie d mu s i c w i t h We s t o n No bl e ( L u t h e r C oll e g e), J uliu s H e r f o r d, A l f r e d M a n n, Wa r n e r Imig , J e a n B e r g e r ( U ni v e r s i t y o f C olo r a d o), Ro b e r t S h a w ( M e a d o w b r oo k S c h ool o f M u s i c, a n d S a r a t o g a - P o t s d am C h o r al I n s t i t u t e), O t t o We r n e r M u e ll e r ( Yal e), Jo h n N e l s o n ( A s p e n), M a r g a r e t Hill s ( C hi c a g o Sy mp h o n y O r c h e s t r a C h o r u s), E li z a b e t h Gr e e n, B r o c k M c E hl e r a n ( P o t s d am, N Y ), a n d Ro b e r t F o u n t ain (O b e r lin C o n s e r v a t o r y ). M r. L a r s o n w a s r e c e n t l y h o n o r e d b y L u t h e r C oll e g e a s t h e f ir s t a n n u al r e c ipi e n t o f t h e We s t o n H. No bl e a w a r d h o n o r in g e x c e ll e n c e in t h e f i e ld o f c h o r al mu s i c .

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR M I C H A E L P O H L E N Z is Dir ec t or of Music at Wellshir e Pr esby t er ian Chur ch wit h pr evious ex per ience as Gues t Conduc t or of t he Be t hany College Messiah Fes t ival in Lindsbor g, KS, and as f ounding Music Dir ec t or and Conduc t or, now Emer it us, of t he Wichit a Chamber Chor ale, an audit ioned adult communit y choir in Wichit a, KS. Signif icant per f or mance achievement s of t he Chor ale included t he 1989 Nat ional ACDA Convent ion and t he 1996 Joan of Ar c Fes t ival in Or léans, Fr ance.

Dr. Pohlenz has t aught chor al music and voice at t he college level, and vocal and ins t r ument al music at t he high school level. He holds chor al degr ees f r om Fr iends Univer sit y in Wichit a, Sou t her n Me t hodis t Univer sit y in Dallas, and T he Univer sit y of Ok lahoma in Nor man, wit h addit ional doc t or al s t ud y at T he Univer sit y of Sou t her n C alif or nia. In his cont inuing s t ud y of chor al music, he sang in t hr ee Rober t Shaw Chor al Wor kshops at C ar negie Hall and s t udied conduc t ing wit h Helmu t h Rilling at t he Or egon Bach Fes t ival.

He is cur r ent ly a p e r f o r m i n g m e m b e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h e r n C o l o r a d o’s S u m m e r f e s t C h o i r.

ACCOMPANIST A L I C I A R I G S B Y c a m e t o C o l o r a d o i n 19 9 7 a f t e r c o m p l e t i n g h e r Master of Music degree in piano per formance and music theor y at I n d i a n a U n i v e r s i t y, B l o o m i n g t o n . M s . R i g s b y w a s o n e o f t h e o r i g i n a l members of Kantorei, both as a singer and accompanist, but has taken time with her family since 2004. Ms. Rigsby has per formed w i t h t h e E s t e s Tr i o , t h e A s p e n M u s i c F e s t i v a l a n d t h e B o u l d e r C h a m b e r O r c h e s t r a . S h e h a s b e e n t e a c h i n g m u s i c a t t h e C h i l d r e n’s M u s i c A c a d e m y, b a s e d i n L i t t l e t o n , f o r 15 y e a r s . S h e i s p a s s i o n a t e about music as an ar t form, a teaching tool and an expressionistic medium, and enjoys having all of those musical oppor tunities in her life. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, ski and cycle with her husband and two daughters.

PROGRAM

PROGRAM NOTES PART I

Glorificamus Te!

Daniel Kallman (b. 1956)

Tonight Eternity Alone

René Clausen

Sara Michael and Annie Sullins, Sopranos

(b. 1953)

Les Chansons de Roses

Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943)

IV. La Rose Complète V. Dirait-on

The Lord is the Everlasting God

Kenneth Jennings (b. 1974)

I. Has it not been told you from the beginning II. The Lord is the everlasting God

Amor de mi Alma

Z. Randall Stroope (b. 1953)

Alleluia

Eric Whitacre

Wendi Sue Grover, Soprano

(b. 1970)

PART II Miserere Mei, Deus

Bill Erickson (b. 1959)

Gabriel’s Oboe

arr.

Maureen Faukash, Oboe Kitty Knight, Cello (Friday Performance) Richard von Foerster, Cello (Saturday Performance)

Let the River Run

Ennio Morricone

by Craig Hella Johnson

(b. 1953)

Carly Simon

arr. by Craig Hella Johnson (b. 1945)

Prayer

René Clausen (b. 1953)

You Better Min’ How You Talk

arr. by Moses Hogan Ken Atkinson, bass

Hold On

(1957 - 2003)

arr. by Stacey Gibbs (b. 1962)

Nunc dimittis

Wendi Sue Grover, soprano Kai Berry-Helmlinger, tenor

Artistic Director and Conductor Richard Larson handpicked some of the most romantic, warm and sentimental pieces in Kantorei’s music library for his final concerts with the ensemble. The following program notes include a brief description of the songs, followed by Mr. Larson’s thoughts and feelings about each piece.

Glorificamus Te!

Miserere Mei, Deus

Tonight Eternity Alone

Gabriel’s Oboe

This splendid fanfare anthem, set to a rhythmic complex accompaniment, is a stirring affirmation of life and beauty.

Richard Larson: Daniel Kallman and his five brothers and sisters were talented music students of mine in Austin, Minn. Also a student of Dominick Argento, Dan is a very gifted composer, writing mostly in the choral/band mediums.

Clausen’s setting of the Thomas Jones, Jr. poem, “Dusk at Sea,” is full of dynamic variation, expressive passages and simple but mood-evoking text.

RL: René, who student taught with me in 1973, has written two commissioned pieces for Kantorei: In 2001, “Veni,” (he conducted the premiere performance) and, in 2007, “A Stable Lamp is Lighted” – a surprise gift to me from Kantorei at our Christmas concerts.

Les Chansons des Roses: IV. La Rose Complète, V. Dirait-on

The gorgeous lyricism of these poems is joyous and playful, with musical settings that are designed to enhance their delicate beauty and sensuousness.

RL: These are my favorites of the five chansons.

They contrast in style, yet flow together with no separation, much like a marriage. We have sung “La Rose Complète” at several weddings.

INTERMISSION

Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934)

Please consider turning in your program at the end of the concert to be re-used and recycled.

THE CONDUCTORS

The Lord is the Everlasting God

Written to celebrate Weston Noble’s 50 years of service as director of the Nordic Choir at Luther College, the first half of this composition employs a quasi free chant in an imitative murmuring style. The second half uses warm romantic homophonic chords with text that assures God does not grow faint or weary.

RL: Weston Noble, my teacher and mentor, has had the greatest influence on me as a person and as a musician. He changed my life.

Amor de mi Alma

Beginning in a chant style, this piece progresses to a harmonic structure that uses 20th/21st century chords and colors.

RL: This penitential psalm was composed by former Meistersingers director Bill Erickson, who I taught with at Cherry Creek HS from 19891995. He wrote it for the Meistersingers and their current director, Sarah Harrison.

This piece was the theme for the 1986 film classic, “The Mission.” This performance features a cellist and oboist, while the choir sings harmonies on neutral syllables.

RL: “Gabriel’s Oboe” is a song of hope.

Let the River Run

From the 1988 motion picture “Working Girl,” this musical theme was originally performed by Carly Simon.

RL: This energetic, high-spirited setting by Craig Hella Johnson is a Kantorei favorite.

Prayer

Clausen’s setting of the powerful Mother Teresa of Calcutta text employs perfect chords and a seamless flow.

RL: The first time Kantorei rehearsed this piece, we were so moved that rehearsal had to be stopped for 15 minutes. No one could speak; singers were hugging each other and wiping away tears. The first words, “Help me,” say it all. “Prayer” is Clausen at his very best.

You Better Min’ How You Talk

One of the most prolific composers of African-American Spirituals, Moses Hogan tragically died of brain cancer at the age of 46, having published more than 70 works. His arrangements are staples in nearly every choir setting.

RL: Spirituals usually close Kantorei concerts, and this concert is no exception! I can’t imagine a concert without this uniquely American art form. We have performed this spiritual more than any other.

Hold On

This profound work, set to a stunning 16th century love poem by Spanish Renaissance poet Garcilaso de la Vega, is rich in harmony and masterfully crafted.

RL: This piece was written in 2001 for the Cherry Creek High School Meistersingers and their director Bill Erickson. I am very fond of this ensemble, which I had the privilege to direct from 1982-1995.

Stacey Gibbs, highly acclaimed for his expertise in bringing new vitality and excitement to all the spirituals he writes, raises the roof with this exuberant arrangement.

RL: Singing spirituals has always been a part of my life. Audiences love rhythm, and so do I. I have never tired of teaching and singing spirituals, and I never will.

Alleluia

Although written in 1915, this piece wasn’t performed until it was revised by the composer’s daughter in 1974. It exploits the possibilities of 8-part chorus, including antiphonal effects.

RL: This song is dear to my heart. It has become something of a theme song for Kantorei. I will always remember singing it in the Pantheon in Rome and at my wedding in 2009. The text is especially poignant now, as I direct my final Kantorei concerts: “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace…”

A symphonic band composition, “October,” is the musical source for this new choral gem from Eric Whitacre. His masterful use of tone clusters punctuates this moving piece based on a single word.

RL: Kantorei has been fortunate to have such a wonderful relationship with Eric. He has conducted Kantorei on three different occasions and has been known to say, “I need my Kantorei fix!”

Nunc dimittis

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR RI C H A RD L A R S ON, d ir e c t o r o f t h e D e n v e r- b a s e d s emi- p r o f e s s io n al c h oir, K a n t o r e i, h a s b e e n in v ol v e d in c ommu ni t y mu s i c f o r o v e r 4 0 y e a r s . N ame d “ C h o r al C o n d u c t o r o f t h e Ye a r ” in 1989 b y t h e C olo r a d o A C DA , M r. L a r s o n t a u g h t mu s i c b o t h in p u bli c s c h ool s a s w e ll a s a t t h e c oll e g e l e v e l. H e h a s s e r v e d a s a d ju n c t p r o f e s s o r a t t h e L amo n t S c h ool o f M u s i c, U ni v e r s i t y o f D e n v e r, t h e U ni v e r s i t y o f No r t h e r n C olo r a d o a n d M e t r o p oli t a n S t a t e U ni v e r s i t y o f D e n v e r.

H e h a s s e r v e d a s a c lini c i a n a t t h e Re n e C l a u s e n C h o r al S c h ool, t h e I o w a a n d S o u t h D a k o t a s umme r A C DA c o n f e r e n c e s, a n d h a s c o n d u c t e d t h e Min n e s o t a A ll- S t a t e C h oir. H e h old s a B a c h e lo r o f A r t s D e g r e e f r om L u t h e r C oll e g e, D e c o r a h, I o w a a n d a M a s t e r s in M u s i c E d u c a t io n f r om t h e U ni v e r s i t y o f C olo r a d o.

S in c e mo v in g t o C olo r a d o in 1982, h e c o n d u c t e d t h e C h e r r y C r e e k M e i s t e r s in g e r s in r e g io n al A C DA c o n f e r e n c e s in 1988 a n d 199 4, n a t io n al A C DA in 1989 ( L o ui s v ill e, K Y ), a n d n a t io n al ME N C ( Wa s hin g t o n D. C .) in 1990. H e h a s d ir e c t e d K a n t o r e i in r e g io n al A C DA c o n f e r e n c e in 2002 a n d 2010, a n d t h e N a t io n al A C DA c o n f e r e n c e ( C a r n e g i e H all & Av e r y F i s h e r H all, N YC ) in 2003 a n d a g ain in 2010 ( Roo s e v e l t U ni v e r s i t y A u d i t o r ium & Sy mp h o n y H all, C hi c a g o). B e y o n d hi s g r a d u a t e d e g r e e, h e s t u d ie d mu s i c w i t h We s t o n No bl e ( L u t h e r C oll e g e), J uliu s H e r f o r d, A l f r e d M a n n, Wa r n e r Imig , J e a n B e r g e r ( U ni v e r s i t y o f C olo r a d o), Ro b e r t S h a w ( M e a d o w b r oo k S c h ool o f M u s i c, a n d S a r a t o g a - P o t s d am C h o r al I n s t i t u t e), O t t o We r n e r M u e ll e r ( Yal e), Jo h n N e l s o n ( A s p e n), M a r g a r e t Hill s ( C hi c a g o Sy mp h o n y O r c h e s t r a C h o r u s), E li z a b e t h Gr e e n, B r o c k M c E hl e r a n ( P o t s d am, N Y ), a n d Ro b e r t F o u n t ain (O b e r lin C o n s e r v a t o r y ). M r. L a r s o n w a s r e c e n t l y h o n o r e d b y L u t h e r C oll e g e a s t h e f ir s t a n n u al r e c ipi e n t o f t h e We s t o n H. No bl e a w a r d h o n o r in g e x c e ll e n c e in t h e f i e ld o f c h o r al mu s i c .

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR M I C H A E L P O H L E N Z is Dir ec t or of Music at Wellshir e Pr esby t er ian Chur ch wit h pr evious ex per ience as Gues t Conduc t or of t he Be t hany College Messiah Fes t ival in Lindsbor g, KS, and as f ounding Music Dir ec t or and Conduc t or, now Emer it us, of t he Wichit a Chamber Chor ale, an audit ioned adult communit y choir in Wichit a, KS. Signif icant per f or mance achievement s of t he Chor ale included t he 1989 Nat ional ACDA Convent ion and t he 1996 Joan of Ar c Fes t ival in Or léans, Fr ance.

Dr. Pohlenz has t aught chor al music and voice at t he college level, and vocal and ins t r ument al music at t he high school level. He holds chor al degr ees f r om Fr iends Univer sit y in Wichit a, Sou t her n Me t hodis t Univer sit y in Dallas, and T he Univer sit y of Ok lahoma in Nor man, wit h addit ional doc t or al s t ud y at T he Univer sit y of Sou t her n C alif or nia. In his cont inuing s t ud y of chor al music, he sang in t hr ee Rober t Shaw Chor al Wor kshops at C ar negie Hall and s t udied conduc t ing wit h Helmu t h Rilling at t he Or egon Bach Fes t ival.

He is cur r ent ly a p e r f o r m i n g m e m b e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h e r n C o l o r a d o’s S u m m e r f e s t C h o i r.

ACCOMPANIST A L I C I A R I G S B Y c a m e t o C o l o r a d o i n 19 9 7 a f t e r c o m p l e t i n g h e r Master of Music degree in piano per formance and music theor y at I n d i a n a U n i v e r s i t y, B l o o m i n g t o n . M s . R i g s b y w a s o n e o f t h e o r i g i n a l members of Kantorei, both as a singer and accompanist, but has taken time with her family since 2004. Ms. Rigsby has per formed w i t h t h e E s t e s Tr i o , t h e A s p e n M u s i c F e s t i v a l a n d t h e B o u l d e r C h a m b e r O r c h e s t r a . S h e h a s b e e n t e a c h i n g m u s i c a t t h e C h i l d r e n’s M u s i c A c a d e m y, b a s e d i n L i t t l e t o n , f o r 15 y e a r s . S h e i s p a s s i o n a t e about music as an ar t form, a teaching tool and an expressionistic medium, and enjoys having all of those musical oppor tunities in her life. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, ski and cycle with her husband and two daughters.

ABOUT THE CHOIR

An emotional compilation of a cappella works to honor artistic director/conductor Richard Larson’s illustrious conducting career.

KANTOREI (or singers) formed in 1997 under Richard Larson’s leadership and has expanded into an auditioned, 52-voice ensemble. Its members come from schools with strong choral music programs, such as Augustana, Brigham Young, Concordia, Luther, St. Olaf, University of Denver, Wartburg and University of Northern Colorado. Kantorei established itself as one of the nation’s premier choral ensembles after performing as an auditioned choir for the 2003 national American Choral Director’s Association conference at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and the Vatican in June 2007. More recently, Kantorei has been featured in several regional and national conferences, including the 2008 National Performing Arts Convention and 2010 Southwestern Regional ACDA convention, both held in Denver. In March 2011, Kantorei returned to the national ACDA conference, with performances at Roosevelt University and Symphony Hall in Chicago. Kantorei completed its second European tour in 2012, traveling to Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic in June.

MEET OUR GROUP SOPRANO

ALTO

TENOR

BASS

Mary Christ Theresa Derr Juliane Dowell Kim Dunninger Beryl Fanslow Wendi Sue Grover Heather Gunnerson Stacie Hanson Judy Larson Sara Michael Alicia Rigsby Pearl Rutherford Becky Scott Annie Sullins

Emily Alexander Jan Ankele Lizabeth Barnett Lyn Berry-Helmlinger Jordan Bickel Hillary Foster Shannon LemmonElrod Melissa Menter Erin Meyerhoff Jennifer Moore Michelle Tombre Andrea Ware Lindsey Whitaker

Kai Berry-Helmlinger Michael Bizzaro Keith Ferguson Kevin Gunnerson Keith Harrison Brad Larson Alex Menter Michael Pohlenz John Redford Robert Suits David Weaver Ryan Wright

Ken Atkinson Michael Boender Garth Criswell Andy Halladay Stephen Hooper Brad Jackson Karl Johnson Robert Larson Michael Lewis John Ludwig Larry Meerdink John Schaak Matt Weissenbuehler

ACCOMPANIST - Alicia Rigsby THE 16TH SEASON

ASST. CONDUCTOR- Michael Poehlenz

* K a n t o r e i i s a 5 01( c ) ( 3 ) o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d a n y donations to the group are deductible to the fullest e x t e n t a l l o w e d b y l a w. P l e a s e c o n s u l t y o u r t a x advisor for more information. *Please make donations, purchase CDs, purchase t i c k e t s a n d s i g n u p f o r K a n t o r e i ’s m a i l i n g l i s t i n the lobby during intermission or after the concert.

If we have misspelled your name, incorrectly listed your giving level, or omitted your name i n a d v e r t e n t l y f r o m t h i s l i s t , p l e a s e d o n ’t h e s i t a t e to inform us and we will make the correction.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, i f y o u h a v e d o n a t e d t o K a n t o r e i a n d have not received an official thank you letter for your tax records, please let us know so that we can get one to you as soon as possible.

*We record our concer t s and frequently use live recordings for our CDs. Please keep extraneous noise to a minimum during the performance.

FOLLOW KANTOREI ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND YOUTUBE! F a c e b o o k . c o m / k a n t o r e i | Tw i t t e r. c o m / k a n t o r e i d e n v e r | Yo u t u b e . c o m / k a n t o r e i

ABOUT THE CHOIR

An emotional compilation of a cappella works to honor artistic director/conductor Richard Larson’s illustrious conducting career.

KANTOREI (or singers) formed in 1997 under Richard Larson’s leadership and has expanded into an auditioned, 52-voice ensemble. Its members come from schools with strong choral music programs, such as Augustana, Brigham Young, Concordia, Luther, St. Olaf, University of Denver, Wartburg and University of Northern Colorado. Kantorei established itself as one of the nation’s premier choral ensembles after performing as an auditioned choir for the 2003 national American Choral Director’s Association conference at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and the Vatican in June 2007. More recently, Kantorei has been featured in several regional and national conferences, including the 2008 National Performing Arts Convention and 2010 Southwestern Regional ACDA convention, both held in Denver. In March 2011, Kantorei returned to the national ACDA conference, with performances at Roosevelt University and Symphony Hall in Chicago. Kantorei completed its second European tour in 2012, traveling to Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic in June.

MEET OUR GROUP SOPRANO

ALTO

TENOR

BASS

Mary Christ Theresa Derr Juliane Dowell Kim Dunninger Beryl Fanslow Wendi Sue Grover Heather Gunnerson Stacie Hanson Judy Larson Sara Michael Alicia Rigsby Pearl Rutherford Becky Scott Annie Sullins

Emily Alexander Jan Ankele Lizabeth Barnett Lyn Berry-Helmlinger Jordan Bickel Hillary Foster Shannon LemmonElrod Melissa Menter Erin Meyerhoff Jennifer Moore Michelle Tombre Andrea Ware Lindsey Whitaker

Kai Berry-Helmlinger Michael Bizzaro Keith Ferguson Kevin Gunnerson Keith Harrison Brad Larson Alex Menter Michael Pohlenz John Redford Robert Suits David Weaver Ryan Wright

Ken Atkinson Michael Boender Garth Criswell Andy Halladay Stephen Hooper Brad Jackson Karl Johnson Robert Larson Michael Lewis John Ludwig Larry Meerdink John Schaak Matt Weissenbuehler

ACCOMPANIST - Alicia Rigsby THE 16TH SEASON

ASST. CONDUCTOR- Michael Poehlenz

* K a n t o r e i i s a 5 01( c ) ( 3 ) o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d a n y donations to the group are deductible to the fullest e x t e n t a l l o w e d b y l a w. P l e a s e c o n s u l t y o u r t a x advisor for more information. *Please make donations, purchase CDs, purchase t i c k e t s a n d s i g n u p f o r K a n t o r e i ’s m a i l i n g l i s t i n the lobby during intermission or after the concert.

If we have misspelled your name, incorrectly listed your giving level, or omitted your name i n a d v e r t e n t l y f r o m t h i s l i s t , p l e a s e d o n ’t h e s i t a t e to inform us and we will make the correction.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, i f y o u h a v e d o n a t e d t o K a n t o r e i a n d have not received an official thank you letter for your tax records, please let us know so that we can get one to you as soon as possible.

*We record our concer t s and frequently use live recordings for our CDs. Please keep extraneous noise to a minimum during the performance.

FOLLOW KANTOREI ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND YOUTUBE! F a c e b o o k . c o m / k a n t o r e i | Tw i t t e r. c o m / k a n t o r e i d e n v e r | Yo u t u b e . c o m / k a n t o r e i