The University of Houston Moores School of Music Presents, NEW VOICES

PROGRAM

The University of Houston Moores School of Music Presents New Voices

FLOREAT

Ethan Ha, conductor

Vox Populi Giedrius Svilainis (b. 1972)

THE UNIVERSITY CHORUS

Kaitlin DeSpain, conductor Xinruo Wei, pianist

Vögelein durchrauscht die Luft, Op. 52, No. 13

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Schöne Blümelein, Op. 43, No. 3 Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Songs of the White Wampum Timothy Corlis (b. 1972)

Text E. Pauline Johnson (1861-1913)

III. Fire Flowers

I. Rainfall

Francisco Perez, marimba

Bring Me Little Water, Silvy arr. Adam Podd

Eli Drake, bass

Ms. DeSpain’s portion of tonight’s concert is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, Doctor of Musical Arts.

ARDORE

Ryan Ludwig, conductor

Come In And Stay A While Rhonda Polay

New Voices

SOUNDSCAPE

Jeb Mueller, conductor Sharon How, pianist

Das Grosse Halleluja Franz Schubert (1797–1828)

Ben May, arranger

Nigra Sum Pablo Casals (1876–1973)

Les Papillons Ernest Chausson (1855–1899)

Arr. Mari Esabel Valverde

The Luckiest Ben Folds (b. 1966)

Arr. Kerry Marsh

Emma Hayden, soloist

Maestre of Moores (MoM)

Rhythm of Love Words and music by Tim Lopez (b. 1980)

Arr. Deke Sharon and David Wright

Here Comes the Sun

ACABELLAS

George Harrison (1943 - 2001)

Arr. Karen Lo #

MANCORPS

Jeb Mueller, conductor Charbel Yubaile, pianist

Media Vita Notker Balbulus (c. 840–912)

Arr. Michael McGlynn

Daniel Schwindack, soloist

New VoicesPROGRAM

Dies Irae

Say, Dear, Will You Not Have Me?

Z. Randall Stroope (b. 1953)

Thomas Morley (1557–1602

Arr. Jim Leininger

Kitty of Coleraine Traditional Irish Folksong

Arr. Daniel McDavitt

RHAPSODY

Stupid Deep Jon Bellion (b. 1990)

Arr. Raine Aslan

THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON CONCERT CHORALE

Betsy Cook Weber, conductor Andreea Muţ, pianist

Night Songs

Gjendines Bådnlåt

arr. Gunnar Eriksson

Nachtwache II, Op. 104, No. 2 Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897)

Sure on this Shining Night

Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943)

All Night Long Lionel Richie (b. 1949)

Arr. Deke Sharon

Olivia Sanchez and Ethan Ha, soloists

ThePERFORMERSUniversityChorus

Kaitlin DeSpain, director

Xinruo Wei, pianist

Lauren Suchy, graduate teaching assistant

Jewel GraceEleniMarinaGuadalupeAndersCastenedaElizonda-ColladoKaiserLast

SoundScape

Jeb Mueller, director

Franco Basili, doctoral teaching assistant

Valeria Bautista, student director Sharon How, pianist

Laura Arango Haley

Leslie Luna Hayli UlianaAlaysiaPhillipsRoySemenova

Valeria Moreno Rose

AriMeganAliciaAuriCarleighTeshiriaHannahDiyaKianaSarahHannahMunizaSharonNguyenPhillipsQureshiRiceRobertsSamieiSaratSchoon*SpelmonStaibleTamezThomasWeeksYruegas Leaders

ManCorps

Jeb Mueller, director

Kaitlin DeSpain, doctoral teaching assistant

Jason Burgos, student director

Charbel Yubaile, pianist

Ian TannerKeeganCesarBryantEthanMattJakeZaccaiGageJaronJasonLukeJaredEmmanuelAbrahamRobertAndersonAriasBarberiBarsalloBlanksBrinkleyBurgosButlerCampos*CamposCarrDionDuongEzealaFuentesGreerHarrington

New Voices

Aiden Hibbitts

Bhodi Langford Ethan

MaxPatrickVictorChristianDanielThomasAnthonyEmmanuelGavinKyleDonovanLinchLittleMaiMathewMusanteNevittO’NeillSchwindack*StathamVelaVogelWhite*

* Section Leaders

The University of Houston Concert Chorale

Betsy Cook Weber, director

Andreea Muţ, pianist

Carlin Truong, doctoral teaching assistant

Julian Díaz, student director

Julia Rose Arduino Franco

TravisDeborahAidanJulianKaitlinTiffanySadieJadonZacharyBaileyHannahBasiliBernoskyBowerBrabstonCamposChamberlainDawkinsDeSpainDíazDruryEdquist*Falknor

Madeline Flake

Matthew Gabino

Chase Gainesէ

Alana Glover

Aaron Gonzalez *

Dusan Grubisic Ethan

KarenNoeliaTasneemZacharySeanMariamHaHaiderHolshouserHoover*Islam*JimenezLo

PERFORMERS

Ariadne Lopez

New Voices

Ryan

JonatanQuintonRaymondChloeDavidJustineMaddieJordanEthanKyleKennanLudwigLukacsManinantanMarfilMartinezMayMcCuskerOluwoOwensPappasParmenterReyes

Acabellas

Maddie May, director

Sadie Chamberlain Sara

AriadneClaireMirandaShelbyJohannaMarisaDeborahDaconEdquistEspitiaGonzalezGriffinKeatingKyleLopez

Ardore

Kyle Maninantan, director

Citlalli Reynoso, assistant director

Zachary Brabston

Citlalli CarlinAngieLaurenStephenKeoraAubreyRohinOliviaJyothsanaReynosoSajanSanchezScariaSeuleanStevensStewardSuchyTovarTruong

* Section Leaders

SMALL GROUPS

Sarah AuriKeoraTeshiriaCitlalliMunizaHayliJustineMaddieLundbergMayMccuskerPhillipsQureshiReynosoSpelmonStevensTamez

Jadon

KyleRyanNoeliaAidanTiffanyCamposDawkinsDruryJimenezLudwigManinantan

Ethan AubreyRohinCitlalliRaymondMarfilPappasReynosoScariaSeulean

PERFORMERS

Floreat Ethan Ha, director

Abraham Barberi Zaccai Campos

Ethan GavinShelbyMarinaDuongElizondo-ColladoGriffinMathew

Maestre of Moores (MoM)

Travis Falknor and Aaron Gonzalez, directors

Abraham Barberi Jason Burgos

Aidan Drury

Travis KeaganAaronMatthewFalknorGabinoGonzalezGreer

Rhapsody

Sadie Chamberlain and Julian Diaz, directors Johanna Gonzalez, assistant director

Jason Burgos Sadie Chamberlain

Sara KeaganJohannaAaronBryantJulianTiffanyDaconDawkinsDiazEzealaGonzalezGonzalezGreer

Muniza Qureshi Daniel MaxwellAuriCarleighSchwindackStaibleTamezWhite

New Voices

Zach MaxwellChristianDanielQuintonJordanHooverMartinezParmenterSchwindackStathamWhite

Ethan Ha Claire

AuriKeoraTeshiriaRaymondMatthewMarisaKyleEspitiaGabinoPappasSpelmonStevensTamez

PROGRAM NOTES

DOCTORAL PROGRAM NOTES FOR THE UNIVERSITY CHORUS PORTION OF THE PROGRAM

“Vögelein durchrauscht die Luft,” Op. 52, No. 13 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

The text for the entirety of Brahms’s Liebeslieder Walzer, Op. 52, comes from a large collection of poems and folk songs by German poet and philosopher Georg Friederich Daumer. A significant figure of his time, Daumer’s writings often deal with themes of nature and romance. The Liebeslieder waltzes capture several facets of this romance, from the longing and passion of love fulfilled, to the loneliness of love undiscovered or unrequited. In “Vögelein durchrauscht die Luft,” Daumer combines nature and romance by comparing (through metaphor) a heart yearning to find its love to a bird rushing through the air seeking a branch upon which to rest. Brahms brilliantly represents this metaphor musically through a steady undulation of sixteenth and eighth-note figures that simultaneously represent the fluttering of the bird’s wings and the fluttering of the longing human heart.

The waltzes are in Ländler style, that is, modeled after a triple meter folk dance from Austria and southern Germany. Dances for piano duet were popular in the 1800s, as was parlor music, which was intended to be performed and enjoyed by amateurs rather than professionals. Brahms was influenced by these trends, and in his Liebeslieder Walzer he produced light, accessible music for the common musician.

The year 1840, referred to as his Liederjahr (year of the song), was prolific for Robert Schumann. In this year alone he composed over half of the lieder in his catalog. The Drei Zweistimmige Lieder, Op. 43, were composed in October of 1840, shortly following his wedding to Clara Schumann. The duets, though not often performed in their entirety in concert, are considered a prime example of the Romantic lieder style and are a staple among Romantic lieder anthologies. In his lied, Schumann sought to balance high art with accessibility, simplicity with complexity. In all of Schumann’s lieder, the voice and piano share equal responsibility in the telling of the story.

“Schön Blümelein,” the third in the set of vocal duets, is set to a poem from German poet Robert Reinick’s collection Lieder. The poem describes an early morning walk in which the narrator encounters beautiful flowers and lively insects reveling in their morning activities. The bustling insects are represented by a sprightly triplet rhythm in the left hand of the piano, while the singers play the part of the narrator, tenderly relaying their experience in a contrasting legato melody.

Heart Songs of the White Wampum is a four-movement set for treble voices and marimba with text from poems by indigenous Canadian poet E. Pauline Johnson. “White Wampum” refers to white conch shells which were carved and polished before being strung together into belts. The shells were not only a symbol of status but also a tool by which to preserve cultural stories through intricate carvings. Of his suite, composer Corlis says, “In setting the poetry to music, I’ve tried to preserve the poet’s intent, music that has a valuable connection to the past and a story to tell today.”

Emily Pauline Johnson (1861-1913), also known by her Mohawk name Tekahionwake, was an important contributor to Canadian and Indigenous culture. Johnson, a woman of mixed-race European and Mohawk descent, was heavily influenced by both her heritage and gender. In her art, Johnson challenged cultural

“Schöne Blümelein,” Op. 43, No. 3 by Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

“Rainfall” and “Fireflowers” from Heart Songs of the White Wampum by Timothy Corlis

PROGRAM NOTES

New Voices

race and gender prejudice while becoming a notable performer, enthralling audiences with dramatic live performances of her work.

Each movement of Heart Songs of the White Wampum has a distinct mood with characteristics highlighted by various techniques in the marimba and voices. Movement three, “Fire Flowers,” begins with a simple ostinato pattern coupled with a legato, unison choral melody. Both parts develop with increased com plexity but remain unrelenting in their forward momentum: the marimba through repeated, overlapping octave glissandos and the choir through consecutively increasing the number of melodies being sung simultaneously. The first movement, “Rainfall,” embodies the spirit of an oncoming storm through an energetic, rhythmically active choral melody and an equally rhythmic, undulating marimba accompa niment.

“Bring Me Little Water, Silvy,” arr. by Adam Podd

This popular folk song, credited to American folk-blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter (1888-1949), tells the story of his aunt Silvy. Ledbetter toured extensively around the United States, and accounts recall that when he performed outside of the Southern United States (where they would be familiar with the cultural context of his songs) he provided background information so that the audience might better understand his music. About “Bring Me Little Water Sylvie,” Ledbetter said his Uncle Bob would call for his wife, Silvy, to bring him some water as he plowed the fields during the hot summer months. After not hearing his call the first time, Silvy hears Bob and comes rushing to the field with a bucket, yelling, “don’t you hear me coming?” as she hurries on her way. The charm of this arrangement “relies on a steady groove” from the percussion and upright bass and a relaxed delivery by the choir that is characteristic of folk music.

Huddie Ledbetter, often called the “King of the 12-string Guitar,” is one of the most influential contributors to the development of American folk and blues music. His repertoire of over 500 songs and the vast number of recordings collected for the Library of Congress illustrate his expertise in a variety of styles. His musical abilities, combined with the salaciousness of his infamously criminal life, propelled Leadbelly to legendary status in American culture.

The Moores Society is the philanthropic volunteer organization for the Moores School of Music. Moores Society members and donors promote community awareness and provide funding for scholarships and special projects. Moores Society members receive invitations to concerts and special events held throughout the year.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Darlene Clark, President

Jackie & Malcolm Mazow, Immediate Past Presidents

Donna Shen, Vice President Membership

Nancy Willerson, Corresponding Secretary

Linda Katz, Recording Secretary

Meg Boulware, Opera Production Council Chair

Ann Faget, Audience Development Chair

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Rita Aron Ann Ayre

Meg Boulware

Terry Ann Brown

Carla Burns

Cheryl Byington

Julie WarrenTimothyCoganDoyleEllsworth

Sheila

Marita Glodt

Sean MaureenGormanHigdon

Gary Hollingsworth & Ken Hyde Mady

MichelleLindaKadesKatz&JackMatzerGaryPattersonShirleyRose

ADVISORY BOARD

Frank Geider, MS DDS

Diane & Harry Gendel Mariglyn & Stephen Glenn Beatrice & Gregory Graham

Deb Happ Ellen & Alan Holzberg

Gladys Hooker

Janis Landry

Cora Sue & Harry Mach Karinne McCullough

Mary Ann McKeithan

Richard BobRhondaDonnaSchmittShenSweeneyAnnTornyosBettyTutor&MaryAnnWilkinsBethWolff

Jan Rhodes

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Lillie

FranJoJenniferMcNamaraMeyerCeliaMorgan&JosephNogeeKitten&RonPageKusumPatelFawcettPetersonCarrollR.Ray

Cathy

DonnaHeidiMinetteRobertsonRobinsonRockecharlieKathiRovereScott&MitchGlassmanHelenSchafferSatoko&AnthonyShouNancyStrohmerSusanThompsonVirginia&GageVanHornBarbaraVanPostmanCarol&CarlVartianNancyWillersonPhyllisWilliamsCyviaWolffJoDeeWrightGayYellen

As of 9/1/2022

OPERA PRODUCTION COUNCIL

Meg GwynethBoulwareCampbellAnnaDeanTimDoyleWarrenEllsworth Ann JackieEllenGeraldineFagetGill&AlanHolzbergLeeHuberShannonLangmanHelenMann&MalcolmMazow

Robin Angly Chris Bacon

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Robin Angly & Miles Smith

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Ann & Jonathan Ayre

Olga & Gerardo Balboa

Meg Boulware & Hartley Hampton Terry Ann Brown

Roxi Cargill & Peter Weston

Cheryl & Carl Carlucci Lydia & James Chao Darlene Clark & Edwin TimothyFriedrichsDoyle&RobertRoyall,IIAnnFagetSylviaFarbDebbieFeuer

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Drucilla & Richard Davis Joyce & John Frassanito Rachel & Howard Frazier Diane & Harry Gendel

Elad NicoleJulieJudyFeliciaBen-MenasheBrooks&HarryBristol&JohnCogan,Jr.Kenley-Miller&AndyMillerConnieLewis

DIRECTOR LEVEL ($1,000)

Jennifer & Todd Frazier Mariglyn & Stephen Glenn Marita & David Glodt

John Goode & Janwin Overstreet Goode Susan & Sean Gorman Maureen Higdon Gary Hollingsworth & Ken Hyde Ellen & Alan Holzberg MonzerLindaHouraniKatz

Sharon & Robert Lietzow Jay Marks

Jackie & Malcolm Mazow Paula & Robert Mendoza Shirley E. Rose Jane Ross Kathi & William Rovere

PARTNER LEVEL ($500)

Sophia & Keith James Helen Mann Susan & David Morris

PATRON LEVEL ($250)

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FRIEND LEVEL ($120)

Terrylin Neale Robert Nelson Sue & Paul Ofield Susan & Edward Osterberg Kenneth Proctor Kate & Gregory Robertson Heidi Rockecharlie

Rosamund & David Rowan Fayez Sarofim

Jane & Richard Schmitt Donna & Tim Shen Melanie Sonnenberg Rhonda & Donald Sweeney Vita Taksa Susan BettyAnnAnnThompsonTomatzTornyos&JesseTutor, Jr. David Voll Betsy Cook Weber & Fredric Weber Bob & Mary Ann R. Wilkins Beth Wolff Jo Dee & Cliff Wright

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Nancy & Hans Strohmer Elissa Taylor

Cyvia & Melvyn Wolff Gay Yellen & Don Reiser

Stephanie Sawyer Matthew Tomatz

Katherine L. Turner

Debra Witter & Scott Chase Cheryl LawrenceWorleyZomper

MOORES SCHOOL OF MUSIC

ABOUT THE MOORES SCHOOL

Moores School of Music

The University of Houston’s Moores School of Music (MSM) is one of the leading comprehensive music schools in the nation. Its remarkable faculty — of internationally recognized performers, composers, and scholars — outstanding student body, modern facilities, and broad range of programs make MSM the natural choice for nearly 600 students annually. The school’s commitment to academic excellence and the highest performance standards has ensured its role as a vital resource in the educational and cultural life of Houston and beyond.

Moores Society

The Moores Society is the philanthropic volunteer organization for the Moores School of Music. Moores Society members and donors promote community awareness and provide funding for scholarships and special projects. Moores Society members receive invitations to concerts and special events held throughout the year. Please visit uh.edu/kgmca/music/moores-society.

For more information, please contact Emily Wolfe, Patrons Relations and Communications Coordinator, at mooressociety@uh.edu or 713.743.8036.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts

The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston is a dynamic home of creativity and collaboration in one of America’s most artistically vibrant and culturally diverse cities. Bringing together the performing and visual arts entities at the University of Houston, the college has the ability to harness the power of the arts to ultimately impact our world. Our award-winning, internationally distinguished faculty provides top-quality instruction to the talented, emerging student artists from more than 30 programs of study. The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts seeks to positively impact the community and to empower our students to use their talents to change the world.

Giving to the Arts

Please support emerging artists at the University of Houston's Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts. Your gift enables KGMCA students and educators to create, collaborate, and transform Houston’s cultural landscape. Your gift makes a difference.

• Please visit https://giving.uh.edu/gift. To give directly to the Moores School of Music, please visit uh.edu/ kgmca/music/giving

• For more information contact Emily Wolfe, Patron Relations and Communications Coordinator, at ewolfe@uh.edu or 713.743.7732