Celebration of Black Music
Margaret L. Bergmark-Williams, soprano
Darian Clonts, tenor
Patrice P. Eaton, mezzo-soprano
Albert R. Lee, tenor
Sean McCarther, baritone
Taria Mitchell ‘17, mezzo-soprano
Akiko Hosaki, piano & organ
Daniel Jackson, lecturer
Princeton Symphony Orchestra Quartet
Westminster Jubilee Singers
Vinroy D. Brown, Jr., conductor
Lecture Recital:
Friday, March 24 at 7:15pm
Concert:
Saturday, March 25 at 7:30pm
Gill Memorial Chapel
Rider University
2083 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville, N.J.
Friday, March 24
7:15 p.m. Pre-Performance Lecture
Sight, Sound & Spirit: The Connective Tissue of Black Music
A conversation about the intersectionality of music and spirituality. This open dialogue will provide insight on the contributions of the composers who will be featured throughout the weekend, as well as reflect on the work of Elaine Brown and John Finley Williamson.
James Jordan
Professor of Conducting & Director of Choral Studies
Vinroy D. Brown, Jr. ‘15 Conductor, Westminster Jubilee Singers
8:00 p.m. Recital
Music for Solo Voice & Instruments
PROGRAM
String Quartet No. 1 George Walker
II. Molto Adagio (1922-2018)
Marian String Quartet
Lilacs for Voice & Orchestra Walker
Albert R. Lee, tenor Akiko Hosaki, piano
Quartet in A Minor Florence Price
II. Andante Moderato - Allegretto (1887-1953)
Marian String Quartet
Stabat Mater Julia Perry ‘48 (1924-1979)
Patrice P. Eaton, mezzo-soprano
Marian String Quartet
Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Westminster Jubilee Singers in Concert PROGRAM
Gloria in Memoriam George Walker
Lydia Reifsnyder, graduate assistant conductor
Akiko Hosaki, piano
Cantata George Walker
II. Psalm XXIV
Margaret L. Bergmark-Williams, soprano
Darian Clonts, tenor
Akiko Hosaki, piano
Lecture: The Life & Work of José Maurício Nunes Garcia
Daniel Jackson, lecturer
Requiem in d José Maurício Nunes Garcia (1797-1830)
I. Introitus
II. Kyrie
III. Graduale
IV. Dies Irae
V. Ingemisco
VI. Inter oves
VII. Offertorium
VIII. Sanctus
IX. Benedictus
X. Agnus Dei
XI. Communio
Margaret L. Bergmark-Williams, soprano
Taria Mitchell, mezzo-soprano
Darian Clonts, tenor
Sean McCarther, baritone
Akiko Hosaki, organ
Texts & Translations
Lilacs Walker
Text Source: When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d (excerpts) Walt Whitman
1
When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d, And the great star early droop’d in the western sky in the night, I mourn’d, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring. Ever-returning spring, trinity sure to me you bring, Lilac blooming perennial and drooping star in the west, And thought of him I love.
2
O powerful western fallen star!
O shades of night O moody, tearful night!
O great star disappear’d O the black murk that hides the star!
O cruel hands that hold me powerless O helpless soul of me!
O harsh surrounding cloud that will not free my soul.
3
In the dooryard fronting an old farm-house near the white-wash’d palings, Stands the lilac-bush tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green, With many a pointed blossom rising delicate, with the perfume strong I love, With every leaf a miracle and from this bush in the dooryard, With delicate-color’d blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of rich green, A spring with its flower I break.
Stabat Mater Perry
Text: 13th Century Christian Hymn
Stabat mater dolorósa
juxta Crucem lacrimósa, dum pendébat Fílius.
Cuius ánimam geméntem, contristátam et doléntem
The sorrowful mother was standing beside the Cross weeping, while the Son was hanging.
Whose moaning soul, depressed and grieving,
pertransívit gládius.
O quam tristis et afflícta fuit illa benedícta, mater Unigéniti!
Quae mœrébat et dolébat, pia Mater, dum vidébat nati pœnas ínclyti.
Quis est homo qui non fleret, matrem Christi si vidéret in tanto supplício?
Quis non posset contristári Christi Matrem contemplári doléntem cum Fílio?
Pro peccátis suæ gentis vidit Jésum in torméntis, et flagéllis súbditum.
Vidit suum dulcem Natum moriéndo desolátum, dum emísit spíritum.
Eja, Mater, fons amóris me sentíre vim dolóris fac, ut tecum lúgeam.
Fac, ut árdeat cor meum in amándo Christum Deum ut sibi compláceam.
Sancta Mater, istud agas, crucifíxi fige plagas cordi meo válide.
Tui Nati vulneráti, tam dignáti pro me pati,
the sword has passed through.
O how sad and stricken was that blessed [woman], mother of the Only-begotten [one]!
Who was mourning and suffering, the pious Mother, while she was watching the punishments of the glorious son.
Who is the person who would not weep, if he had seen the mother of Christ in such great suffering?
Who would not be able to be saddened to behold the Mother of Christ grieving with the Son?
For the sins of his people she saw Jesus in torments, and subjected to lashes.
She saw her sweet Son dying forsaken, while he sent forth [his] spirit.
Come now, O Mother, fountain of love Make me feel the power of sorrow that I might mourn with you.
Grant that my heart may burn in loving Christ the God that I might please him.
O Holy Mother, may you do that, fix the wounds of the cross mightily in my heart.
Of your wounded son, [who] so deigned to suffer for me,
pœnas mecum dívide.
Fac me tecum pie flere, crucifíxo condolére, donec ego víxero.
Juxta Crucem tecum stare, et me tibi sociáre in planctu desídero.
Virgo vírginum præclára, mihi iam non sis amára, fac me tecum plángere.
Fac ut portem Christi mortem, passiónis fac consórtem, et plagas recólere.
Fac me plagis vulnerári, fac me Cruce inebriári, et cruóre Fílii.
Flammis ne urar succénsus, per te, Virgo, sim defénsus in die iudícii.
Christe, cum sit hinc exire, da per Matrem me veníre ad palmam victóriæ.
Quando corpus moriétur, fac, ut ánimæ donétur paradísi glória.
Share [his] penalties with me.
Make me cry dutifully with you, to suffer (with him) on the cross, as long as I shall have lived.
To stand by the Cross with you, to unite me to you in weeping [this] I desire.
O noble Virgin of virgins, Be not bitter with me now, Make me mourn with you.
Grant that I might bear the death of Christ, Make [me] kindred in the passion, and contemplate the wounds.
Make me injured by the wounds, make me drunken by the Cross, and by the blood of the Son.
Lest I be consumed burned by flames, through you, O Virgin, may I be defended on the day of judgment.
O Christ, when it is time to depart hence, grant me to come through the Mother, to the palm of victory.
When the body will decay, grant that it may be bestowed on [my] soul the glory of paradise.
GloriainexcelsisDeo
Etinterrapaxhominibus
bonaevoluntatis
Laudamuste
Benedicimuste
Adoramuste
Glorificamuste
Gratiasagimustibi
proptermagnumgloriamtuam
DominiDeus
Rexcelestis
DeusPateromnipotens
DomineFiliunigeniteChriste
DomineDeus
AgnusDeiFiliPatris
Quitollispeccatamundi
AgnusDeimisererenobis
suscipedeprecationemnostram
Quisedesaddexteram
Patris
misererenobis
QuoniamTusolussanctus
DominusTusolusAltissimus
JesusChristeSancto
inGloriaDeiPatris
Alleluja
Glory to God in the higest and peace on earth to all men of good will
We praise you
We bless you
We adore you
We glorify you
We thank you for your great glory
Lord God
king of the heavens
God almighty Father
Lord begotten son Christ
Lord God
Lamb of God son of the Father take all sins from the world
Lamb of God have mercy on us receive our invocation
You who are seated at the right of the Father have mercy on us
Because only You are Holy Only You are Highest
Jesus Christ in the glory of God the Father
Alleluja
Cantata WalkerII. Psalm XXIV
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Gloria in Memoriam Walker
Requiem in d Garcia
I. Introitus
RequiemaeternamdonaeisDomine: etluxperpetualuceateis. Tedecethymnus DeusinZion, ettibiredeturvotumin
Jerusalem
exaudiorationemmeam, adteomniscaroveniet.
II. Kyrie
Kyrieeleison. Christeeleison. Kyrieeleison.
III. Graduale (Requiem aeternam)
RequiemaeternamdonaeisDomine: etluxperpetualuceateis. Inmemoriaaeternaeritjustus, abauditionemalanontimebit.
Absolve,Domine, animasomniumfidelium defunctorum abomnivinculodelictorum.
Etgratiatuaillissuccurente mereanturevaderejudiciumultionis. Etlucisaeternaebeatitudineperfrui.
IV. Dies Irae
Diesirae,diesilla, solvetsaecluminfavilla, testeDavidcumSibylla. Quantustremorestfuturus, quandojudexestventurus, cunctastrictediscussurus.
Tubamirumspargenssonum persepulchraregionum, cogetomnesantethronum. Morsstupebitetnatura cumresurgetcreatura,
Eternal rest give unto them O Lord: and let perpetual light shine upon them. A hymn O God, becometh Thee in Zion, and a vow shall be paid to thee in Jerusalem hear my prayer, all flesh shall come before you.
Lord have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us.
Eternal rest give unto them O Lord: and let perpetual light shine upon them. He shall be justified in everlasting memory, and shall not fear evil reports. Forgive, O Lord, the souls of all the faithful departed from all the chains of their sins. And by the aid to them of your grace may they deserve to avoid the judgment of revenge. And enjoy the blessedness of everlasting light.
This day, this day of wrath, shall consume the world in ashes, as foretold by David and the Sibyl. What trembling there will be, when the judge shall come, to weigh everything strictly. The trumpet scattering its awful sound. across the graves of all lands summons all before the throne. Death and nature shall be stunned when mankind arises,
judicantiresponsura. Liberscriptusproferetur, inquototumcontinetur, undemundusjudicetur.
Judexergocumsedebit, quidlatetapparebit, nilinultumremanebit.
Quidsummisertuncdicturus quempatronumrogaturus, cumvixjustussitsecurus. Rextremendaemajestatis, quisalvandossalvasgratis salvame, fonspietatis.
RecordareJesupie, quodsumcausatuaeviae, neperdasilladie.
Quaerensmesedistilassus, redemisticrucempassus, tantuslabornonsitcassus. Justejudexultionis, donumfacremissionis, antediemrationis.
V. Ingemisco
to render account before the judge. The written book shall be brought, in which all is contained, whereby the world shall be judged. When the judge takes his seat, all that is hidden shall appear, nothing will remain unavenged. What shall I, a wretch, say then to which protector shall I appeal when even the just man is barely safe. King of awful majesty, You freely save those worth of salvation, save me, found of pity.
Remember, gentle Jesus that I am the reason for your time on earth, do not cast me out on that day. Seeking me you sank down wearily, you saved me by enduring the cross, such travail must not be in vain. Righteous judge of vengeance, award the gift of forgiveness Before the day of reckoning.
I groan, as one guilty, my face blushes with guilt spare the suppliant, O God. Thou who didn’t absolve Mary, etlatronemexaudisti, mihiquoquespemdedisti, precesmeaenonsuntdignae: sedtubonusfacbenigne, neperennicremerigne.
Ingemisco, Tamquamreus, culparubetvultusmeus suplicantiparce,Deus. QuiMariamabsolvisti,
and hear the prayer of the thief, hast given me hope too, my prayers are not worthy: but Thou, O good one, show mercy, lest I burn in everlasting fire.
VI. Inter oves
Interoveslocumpraesta, etabhaedismesequestra, statuensinpartedextra. Confutatismaledictis, flammisacribusadductus,
Give me a place among the sheep, and separate me from the goats, placing me on Thy right hand. When the damned are confounded, and consigned to keen flames,
vocamecrumbenedictus.
Orosupplexetacclinis, Corcontritumquasicinis: Gerecurammeifinis. Lacrimosadiesilla quaresurgetexfavilla judicandushomoreus: Huicergoparce,Deus.
PieJesuDomine, donaeisrequiem.
VII. Offertorium (Domine Jesu)
call me with the blessed. I pray suppliant and kneeling, a heart as contrite as ashes: take Thou my ending into Thy care. That day is one of weeping on which shall rise again from the ashes the guilty man to be judged: Therefore spare this one, O God. Merciful Lord Jesus, give them rest.
DomineJesuChriste, rexgloriae, liberaanimasomniumfidelium defunctorum depoenisinferni
etdeprofundolacu: Liberaeasdeoreleonis. Neabsorbeateastartarus, necadantinobscurum. SedsignifersanctusMichael repraesenteteasinlucemsanctam, quamolimAbrahaepromisisti, etseminiejus.
Hostiasetprecestibi
Dominelaudisofferimus. Tususcipeproanimabusillis, quarumhodiememoriamfacimus. FaceasDominedemorte
Lord Jesus Christ, king of glory, Deliver the sounds of all the faithful departed from the pains of Hell and the bottomless pit: Deliver them from the jaws of the lion. Lest hell engulf them, lest they be plunged into darkness. But let the holy standard-bearer Michael lead them into the holy light, as once you promised to Abraham and to his seed. Lord in praise we offer you sacrifices and prayers. Accept them on behalf of those who we remember this day. Lord make them pass transireadvitam, quamolimAbrahaepromisisti, etseminiejus.
from death to life, as once you promised to Abraham and to his seed.
SanctusDominusDeusSabaoth; plenisuntcaelietterragloriatua. Hosannainexcelsis.
Holy Lord God of hosts; Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
VIII. SanctusIX. Benedictus
Benedictusquivenitinnomine Domini. Hosannainexcelsis.
X. Agnus Dei AgnusDei, quitollispeccatamundi: donaeisrequiemsempiternam.
XI. Communio (Lux aeterna) Luxaeternaluceateis, Domine, cumsanctistuisinaeternum, quiapiuses.
Requiemaeternamdonaeis,Domine, etluxperpetuaeis cumsanctistuisinaeternum quiapuises.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: grant them eternal rest.
Let everlasting light shine upon them, Lord, with Thy saints for ever, for Thou art merciful. Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, with Thy saints for ever, for Thou art merciful.
About the Artists
WESTMINSTER JUBILEE SINGERS
Composed of students selected by audition, the Westminster Jubilee Singers is modeled after the historically acclaimed Fisk Jubilee Singers. Its repertoire, while specialized and select, is very diverse and focuses on solo and ensemble artistic expressions from its singers. Part of Westminster Choir College’s Sacred Music Department, the ensemble performs literature that includes AfricanAmerican spirituals and folk songs; classical music by African-American composers; gospel music and secular songs by musical greats such as William Dawson, Duke Ellington, Walter Hawkins, Andraé Crouch, Richard Smallwood, Kirk Franklin and Dr. Nathan Carter, as well as Westminster graduates, Rosephanye Powell, Donald Dillard and M. Roger Holland. Also explored and performed are works by non-African-American composers, including George Gershwin, Alice Parker, Robert Shaw, Robert Page, Gail Poch, Steve Pilkington and others who have composed and/or arranged music of the AfricanAmerican experience.
In addition to its rich repertoire of African-American spirituals, hymn arrangements and gospel songs, the Westminster Jubilee Singers has performed classical works, such as AndTheyLynchedHimOnaTreeby William Grant Still and ShoutforJoyand IWillLiftUpMyEyesby Adolphus Hailstork. Highlights of recent seasons include the performance of Duke Ellington’s SacredConcertsand R. Nathaniel Dett’s TheOrderingofMoses . The ensemble’s 2021-2022 season included concerts in Lawrenceville, participation in AnEveningofReadingsandCarolsin Princeton, and a concert at the Bent But Not Broken Choral Festival in Wilmington, Delaware.
Previous seasons have included appearances at the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) in Kansas City and Regional Conference in Baltimore; the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Eastern Regional Convention in Boston; a performance with Denyce Graves at New York’s Apollo Theater to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Children’s Defense Fund; a joint concert entitled LivingtheDreamwith Penn State University’s Essence of Joy ensemble as a tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and its Lincoln Center debut performing in AnEveningofChoralArtistry , presented by the American Choral Directors Association. The ensemble has performed at Carnegie Hall with the
New York Pops Orchestra, under the baton of Skitch Henderson, in a concert version of Porgy and Bess. At the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, Westminster Jubilee Singers presented joint concerts with the Fisk University Jubilee Singers and the legendary Sweet Honey in the Rock.
MARGARET L. BERGMARK-WILLIAMS, SOPRANO
Margaret Bergmark-Williams (soprano) is the Rider University Libraries Manager of Moore Library and Talbott Music Library, and a staff singer at Trinity Church Princeton. Margaret earned her Bachelors of Music degree in Vocal Performance (2018) from Westminster Choir College and is currently pursuing her Masters of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. During her time at Westminster, Margaret was a member of Westminster Choir, Westminster Kantorei and Westminster Symphonic Choir. Other professional choral engagements include various projects with the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Symphonic Choir, Spoleto Festival USA, the LOTUS Project, Princeton Festival Baroque Chorus, and the Princeton Symphony. Past operatic experiences include playing Carolina in Il matrimonio segreto, Eugene Onegin (ensemble), and Pia de’ Tolomei (ensemble) with Spoleto Festival USA, and Amahl and the Night Visitor (ensemble) and Candide (ensemble) with the Philadelphia Orchestra (ensemble). Upcoming projects include Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles with the LOTUS Project, a newly founded choral ensemble that is based in Trenton, NJ.
VINROY D. BROWN, JR., CONDUCTOR
Vinroy D. Brown, Jr. holds credits in conducting, sacred music and music education. He is a member of the choral studies, music education and sacred music faculty at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, where he conducts the Westminster Jubilee Singers and teaches in the Baccalaureate Honors Program. A church musician, he is director of music & worship arts at Elmwood United Presbyterian Church. He is also artistic director and conductor of Capital Singers of Trenton.
A sought-after clinician and lecturer, he has presented at numerous academic institutions and education conferences, and conducted honor choirs and headlined festivals throughout the country. This year, he will lecture at both Yale and Princeton universities, conduct the Central Jersey Region II
Intermediate Treble Choir, headline the Bucks County Women’s Chorus Festival in addition to residences and guest conducting opportunities nationwide. He will also serve as Cover Conductor for the North Carolina premiere of Rihannon Gidden's Omar with Carolina Performing Arts Center.
Professor Brown holds active membership in numerous music and educationbased organizations. In addition, he is Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Essence of Harmony Choral Society, a Board Member of the Open Arts Performing Center, a grant panelist for the Arts Institute of Middlesex County and sits on the board of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. for which he is Eastern Region Director and Chief Editor of EMERGENCE: Research & Performance Topics in Black Music, a scholarly publication which will be released in 2023. Brown is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Inc. He holds the Master of Arts in Practical Theology degree from Regent University, and Bachelor of Music degrees in Sacred Music and Music Education from Westminster Choir College of Rider University.
DARIAN CLONTS, TENOR
Tenor, Dr. Darian Clonts, a native of Atlanta, GA., earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he studied voice with Dr. Uzee Brown Jr. He was a member, soloist, and accompanist of the worldrenowned Morehouse College Glee Club, under the direction of Dr. David Morrow. Dr. Clonts received his Master of Music degree and Doctor of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Lauded for his “pure” and “melodious” voice, Clonts has an extensive performing career that spans various genres of music, from opera to gospel. Clonts has performed with several prestigious opera companies, including Cincinnati Opera, The Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theater, The Princeton Festival, The Atlanta Opera, and the Indiana University Opera Theater.
Clonts is member of the Music & Worship Arts staff at Elmwood United Presbyterian Church in East Orange, NJ., and serves on the Board of Directors for the New York City Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He is currently a voice faculty member at the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University and William Paterson University. In addition to his faculty positions, he maintains a private voice studio of students
from various age groups. Clonts previously as an associate instructor at Indiana University in the department of African American and African Diaspora Studies. The main focus of his musical research includes opera and African American music, and he has lectured on his research at schools and institutions across the United States.
PATRICE P. EATON, MEZZO-SOPRANO
American Mezzo-Soprano Patrice Eaton is a versatile performer in various musical genres and is a frequent performer of premiere works. Ms. Eaton’s career in opera began as a member of the children’s chorus of both the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera. As a young artist at the Caramoor International Music Festival in 2010 and 2011, she covered the roles of Hedwige in Guillaume Tell and Little Buttercup in H.M.S. Pinafore and was a featured artist in the Bel Canto at Caramoor concert series.
Currently she is a member of the AOP/NYU Tisch Opera Lab. Most recently Patrice has performed with; Southern Crossings – A New Chamber Opera, Forth Worth Opera on the Virtual “A Night of Black Excellence” Concert, Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center as soloist with the White Light Festival, the We Shall Overcome National Tour with Damien Sneed honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Amahl and the Night Visitors with Harlem Opera Theater, Carmen with Downtown Symphony Orchestra and several recitals. In 2017, Ms. Eaton made her Carnegie Hall debut honoring the late Sylvia Olden Lee, followed by her debut with the National Philharmonic performing as a soloist with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and The Morgan State Choir in Wynton Marsalis’ All Rise at The Strathmore, and performed the role of Pythia in the World Premiere of Nkeiru Okoye’s, We’ve Got our Eye on You with SUNY - New Paltz Opera
Ms. Eaton’s concert engagements have included performing as soloist with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in the U.S. tour of Wynton Marsalis’ Abyssinian Mass (Recorded live under the Blue Engine Records Label), Soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s Ode to Joy with the Lehigh University Choral Arts, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle at the Caramoor Festival, and Handel’s Messiah with the Abyssinian Baptist Church Orchestra and Choir. She has sung at the Edinburgh International Festival, Athens Epidaurus Festival, and the Vienna Arts Festival.
Patrice is currently a Master of Music in Voice candidate at Brooklyn College. She is a proud member of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity, a Lifetime and National Board Member of the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM) and the Artistic Director of Three on 3 Music.
AKIKO HOSAKI, PIANO/ORGAN & ACCOMPANIST
A native of Osaka, Japan, Dr. Akiko Hosaki is acclaimed for her sensitive playing, and one of the most sought-after collaborative pianist and vocal coach in the New York – New Jersey area. She is currently an adjunct assistant professor and the pianist coordinator of the University Accompanist Program at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, and a staff member at the College of New Jersey and Bard College.
Dr. Hosaki was the assistant to Dalton Baldwin, legendary collaborative pianist, at Académie internationale d’été de Nice since 2013 until his passing in 2019, and at Mozarteum Sommerakademie in 2017 and 2018. She has collaborated with opera companies, such as Castleton Festival, New Jersey State Opera, Opera North, Opera New Jersey, Boheme Opera, and Princeton Festival Opera. She also enjoys collaborating with instrumentalists, and frequently performs in chamber music concerts and the keyboard/basso continuo in orchestras.
Dr. Hosaki holds degrees from Musashino Academia Musicae in Japan, Westminster Choir College, and University of Minnesota. Her future engagements include Voice Advantage Princeton Immersion during Summer 2023.
DANIEL JACKSON, LECTURER
Daniel Jackson is a PhD student at Temple University, studying choral music education. He also serves as the Director of Music at First United Methodist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia. Prior to his arrival in the Philadelphia area, Mr. Jackson served six years as the Director of Choral Activities and Music Theory at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, VA. During his tenure, Stone Bridge ensembles were invited to perform at state and national level music conferences, as well as a featured performance at Carnegie Hall in New York.
An Orlando native, Mr. Jackson began his teaching career at Olympia High School in 2002. During his 13-year tenure, choirs at Olympia were invited to several state music conferences, and participated in workshops/performances
at several universities across the country (including Westminster Choir College).
Mr. Jackson has been an adjudicator, guest speaker and clinician for schools and music conferences throughout the East coast.
Mr. Jackson received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from Florida State University.
JAMES JORDAN, LECTURER
GRAMMY® nominated conductor James Jordan is conductor of the Westminster Symphonic Choir and the world-renowned Westminster Choir. At Westminster he directs the graduate program in choral conducting and serves as Director of Choral Studies for the College. He is recognized and praised throughout the musical world as one of America’s preeminent conductors, recording artists, writers, music psychologists and innovators in choral music. He was described as a “visionary” by the Choral Journal, which cited his book Evoking Sound as a “must read.” He is the most published musician in the world. His 60 books explore both the philosophical, pedagogical and spiritual basis of musicianship.
His 20 CD’s have received critical praise. Gramophone has described him as a conductor of “forceful and intimate choral artistry.” Regarding the GRAMMYnominated recording of Annelies, Choir and Organ wrote, “Jordan’s instinctive understanding of the score makes this a profound and emotionally charged experience.” His CD’s can be heard on the NAXOS, Spiritum and GIAChoralworks labels and can be heard on all streaming outlets. He is exclusively published By GIA Music, Inc. (giamusic.com). He is also a host on the nationally syndicated radio program Sounds Choral of the Classical network, WWFM.org.
He serves as co-director of the Choral Institute at Oxford with James Whitbourn where Westminster Choir is in residence. He is artistic director and conductor of the professional choral ensemble, The Same Stream. www.rider.edu/oxford | www.thesamestreamchoir.com
ALBERT R. LEE, TENOR
Tenor, Albert R. Lee’s performances have been described as “vocally sumptuous,” “musically distinctive” and even “acrobatically agile.” Having appeared with Opera Theater of Saint Louis, Palm Beach Opera, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia Orchestra, Saint Luke’s Chamber Orchestra, the Collegiate Chorale of New York City, Caramoor International Music Festival, and the Aspen Music Festival, Lee’s operatic and oratorio roles include Don Ramiro in Rossini’s La Cenerentola, Don Ottavio in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Almaviva in Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Nemorino in L’Elisir d’Amore and Ferrando in Cosi Fan Tutte and the tenor solos in Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Handel’s Judas Maccabeus, and the Rossini Stabat Mater.
Most recently, he appeared as tenor soloist in Adolphus Hailstork’s I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes with the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and made appearances with the Keene Chorale of New Hampshire, and INSeries Opera of Washington, D.C. singing the title role in R. Nathaniel Dett’s The Ordering of Moses. In addition to his work as a performer, he is a sought-after guest lecturer highlighted by his TedTalk titled “When I Sing the Anthem” sharing his unique perspective on patriotism and the responsibility of citizenship. Dr. Lee is Associate Professor of Music and the inaugural Director of Equity, Belonging, and Student Life at the Yale School of Music.
SEAN MCCARTHER, BARITONE
Dr. Sean McCarther serves as Associate Professor of Voice at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, where he teaches classical and musical theater voice, voice science, and movement for performers. As an academic, Dr. McCarther has published several articles in the Journal of Singing and has presented poster and podium presentations at national and regional NATS conferences and workshops, the United Kingdom’s Association of Teachers of Singing Virtual Conference, the Dalcroze Society of America’s National Conference, and multiple regional conferences and universities. Previous publications with GIA include co-authoring Anatomy of Tone and contributions to Becoming Musical. Dr. McCarther’s scholarly interests include voice pedagogy, movement, alignment, performance psychology, motor learning, consent, and creating safe theatrical space.
Dr. McCarther has performed leading roles in opera, musical theatre, and staged plays with JCA Management, The Lee Norvelle Theater and Drama Center, the Bloomington Early Music Festival, Bloomington Playwrights Project, and IU Opera Theatre. He is a strong proponent of new music and has appeared in several premieres, including Gabriella Ortiz’s Unicamente la Verdad! (The Composer) and Don Freund’s Romeo and Juliet (Romeo). He premiered Paul Mealor’s 1st Symphony in Aberdeen, Scotland, and is a frequent soloist and chamber musician.
TARIA MITCHELL, MEZZO-SOPRANO
Taria Mitchell, born in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, is a 2020 graduate of the University of Michigan where she earned her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance while studying under Professor George Shirley. In 2017, Taria graduated from Westminster Choir College where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and studied under Professor Lindsey Christiansen.
As an experienced choral singer, Taria has performed with local and international orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmoniker as a performer with the Westminster Symphonic Choir, and the Westminster Choir. She has also performed in some of the world’s most distinguished venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Abbey of Montserrat. In addition, Taria has worked with world renowned conductors such as Yannick Nezet-Seguin, Sir Simon Rattle, Eugene Rogers, and Joe Miller.
As a soloist, Taria has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious events like the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, and the 2017 World Music Symposium on Choral Music in Barcelona, Spain. Throughout her collegiate career she has studied and coached with some of the nation’s most elite performers like Nova Thomas, Dr. Brandon Waddles, Stanford Olsen, and Martin Katz.
WESTMINSTER JUBILEE SINGERS
Vinroy D. Brown, Jr., conductor
Akiko Hosaki, Accompanist
Lydia Reifsnyder, Graduate Assistant Conductor
Jordan Samuel Allen, Graduate Assistant
SOPRANO
Jocelyn Alam, Mendham, NJ
Juliana Chiriboga, Huntington, NY
Olivia M. Dixon, Woodbury, NJ
Debbie-Ann Francis, The Bronx, NY
Abbey Ritter, Geneva, NY
Jennie Mae Sprouse, Nashville, TN
Olivia Venier, Gardiner, NY
Dominique White, Southampton, PA
Julia Wilder, Carmel, NY
TENOR
Andrew Chojnacki, Delran, NJ
Skylar Derthick, Camas, WA
Michael Woods, Colonie, NY
ALTO
Hayley Ashe, Quakertown, PA
Adrianna Barnett, West Grove, PA
Emilie Beals, Carlisle, PA
Azhaneet Blackwell, Trenton, NJ
Emily Huguenin, Howell, NJ
Lydia Reifsnyder, Mount Desert, ME
Abigail A. Rose, Perkasie, PA
Jenna L. Sims, Reno, NV
Jasmin Villatoro, Holbrook, NY
BASS
Andre Baldasserini, Freehold, NJ
Jacob Hale, San Antonia, TX
Lucas Heredia, East Brunswick, NJ
Arseniy Vasilyev, Green Brook, NJ
THE MARIAN STRING QUARTET
Emma Richman, violin
Sahana Shravan, violin
Cameren Anai Williams, viola
Wangshu Xiang, cello
with Dan Hudson, bass
About Rider University & Westminster Choir College
Located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Rider University is a private co-educational, student-centered university that emphasizes purposeful connections between academic study and real-world learning experience. Rider prepares graduates to thrive professionally, to be lifelong independent learners, and to be responsible citizens who embrace diversity, support the common good, and contribute meaningfully to the changing world in which they live and work.
The College of Arts a nd Sciences is dedicated to educating students for engaged citizenship, career success, and personal growth in a diverse and complex world. The college cultivates intellectual reflection, artistic creativity, and academic maturity by promoting both broad academic inquiry and in-depth disciplinary study, while nurturing effective and ethical applications of transferable critical skills. The College consists of four schools: the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Communication, Media, and Performing Arts, the School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics, and Westminster Choir College.
Culturally vibrant and historically rich, Westminster Choir College has a legacy of preparing students for thriving careers as well-rounded performers and musical leaders on concert stages, in schools, universities, and churches, and in professional and community organizations worldwide. Renowned for its tradition of choral excellence, the college is home to internationally recognized ensembles, including the Westminster Symphonic Choir, which has performed and recorded with virtually all of the major orchestras and conductors of our time. In addition to its choral legacy, Westminster is known as a center for excellence in musical pedagogy and performance.
Upcom ing Performances
WESTMINSTER CHOIR PERFORMS IN THE NEW YORK CHORUS FESTIVAL
March 30 at 8:00 p.m.
Carnegie Hall
LAST WORDS (SPRING OPERA)
April 1 at 7:30 p.m.
April 2 at 2:30 p.m.
Rider University – Bart Luedeke
Center Theater
NO FEAR, JUST PASSION: THE FIRST & SECOND YEAR ACTING SHOWCASE
April 14 at 7:30 p.m.
April 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Rider University – Yvonne Theater
WESTMINSTER CHOIR: SERENITY OF SOUL
April 15; 6:00pm-8:30pm
Rider University – Gill Chapel
WESTMINSTER CHOIR: SERENITY OF SOUL AT SAINT PETER’S CHURCH ON CAPITOL HILL
April 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Saint Peter’s Church on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.
WESTMINSTER SYMPHONIC CHOIR: CARMINA BURANA
April 21 at 7:30 p.m.
The George Washington Ballroom at The War Memorial, Trenton, NJ.
WESTMINSTER CHAPEL CHOIR: LOVE AND GLORY
April 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Rider University – Gill Chapel
JUBILEE SINGERS SPRING
CONCERT
April 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Rider University – Gill Chapel
KISS ME, KATE
April 28 at 7:30 p.m.
April 29 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
April 30 at 2:00 p.m.
Rider University – Bart Luedeke Center Theater
WESTMINSTER CONCERT BELL CHOIR: DESPITE THE STORM
Saturday April 29 at 4:00 p.m.
Rider University – Gill Chapel
