The Troy University Concert Chorale will perform a variety of sacred religious music at Bush Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 3 p.m.
The chorale’s presentation is an exhibition of its fall program “Songs of Devotion,” dealing with themes of “devotion, reflection, comfort and praise.”
According to Diane Orlofsky, professor of music and director of choirs, an incalculable number of hours have been put into preparing for this performance.
“I start picking out the program a year in advance,” Orlofsky said. “I’m always working a year ahead.
“Basically, you find one or two pieces that you sort of build your whole concert around. We’ve been working on this for ten weeks.”
The Troy University Concert Chorale is “the premier vocal ensemble in the School of Music” made up of 45 auditioned voices, according to the Long Hall School of Music page on Troy’s website.
The St. Andrew’s Episcopal School’s high school choir, Rhapsody, will also be performing.
Scott Sexton, former Troy student and current music director at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, was the first person to hold the undergraduate conductor position in the music program at Troy. With St. Andrews bringing 55 choir members in addition to Troy’s 45, there will be 100 voices total performing.
Another special guest is Michael Huff, associate professor of music, who will be the featured trumpet soloist for Halsey Steven’s “Magnificat,” a powerful piece expressing the Virgin Mary’s response to the angel who brought news of her future as Jesus’ mother.
“It’s a very faith-inspired performance, and it’s really brought us closer together as an ensemble,” said Patrick Greene, a sophomore music education major from Milton, Florida.
“What I love about the chorale side, as an instrumentalist, is that when you sing there’s a more surreal experience because there’s lyrics involved and a connection among the singers, like your voices are honing into one.
“Every concert I go to, I’m always looking forward to just connecting with the musicians and telling a story to the people that are listening.”
Works include Franz Bieble’s 1964 “Ave Maria” as well as “My Eternal King,” which was written in 1924 by Jane M. Marshall.
According to Greene, “My Eternal King” is something “a lot of the older generation really like to hear. It’s kind of a lost art to do the piece well, and the piece itself has a lot of really meaningful lyrics about being faithful to God.”
“It’s a very religious concert,” said Matt Young, a senior global business major from Montgomery. “Most of it is like an ablation to God and specifically Jesus, how He is the word incarnate, how His death saved us.
“It’s meant to honor God in that sort of way. I think it’s going to be fantastic. Even if you’re not religious, they’re all very beautiful pieces that anyone can understand the emotion behind.”
According to a Concert Chorale press release, “Members of the Troy music study club will also be recognized and honored as a ‘Chorale Community Champion’ for their faithful support of this ensemble and choral music in general.”
The concert is free of charge and open to the public.
“I urge folks to get there early to get a good seat,” Orlofsky said. “I am excited about the variety of the program, the chance to welcome a talented young choir and gifted trumpet soloist to our stage and to be given another opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy and power of sacred choral music.”
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