UNews - Music Director

Hair promises a multi-sensory experience

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:09:29 +0000

Step back into the 1960s! The music, the passion, the era comes to life, Feb. 9-13 when Hair, a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation, appears in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

This colourful rock musical is presented nightly at 8 p.m. on Feb. 9-11 and 13. On Feb. 12 there are performances at 7 p.m. and midnight.

Set in New York City, a tribe of longhaired hippies celebrates their pacifist bohemian lifestyle, vehemently condemning the Vietnam War and embracing the sexual revolution. Through dance and song, Hair exposes the fervor of a contentious era.

"Although this musical is 40-years-old, its themes are still relevant," says choreographer Lisa Doolittle. "Recently revived on Broadway, Hair has a reputation for being controversial, but remains significant today with our consciousness of war and ecological awareness. Hair is about protest and about youth taking over the world. The main plot is about war – for a musical, the theme is sobering, but sends a message of optimism."

The production includes more than 50 musical numbers, each choreographed by Doolittle and directed by drama faculty colleague, Gail Hanrahan.

"The music ranges from doo-wop, to mop-top British rock and psychedelic rock. The choreography has been so much fun to research – to incorporate the different dance styles," says Doolittle.

Music Director Bente Hansen conducts the live 14-piece rock band complete with horns, guitars and keyboards.

"Hair is truly a multi-sensory extravaganza, from the hippie-style sets designed by Jim Wills, to the incredible costumes, designed by Leslie Robison-Greene," says Doolittle. "Based on the way the roof comes off the studio during rehearsals, this show will be high energy and unforgettable."

Hair contains mature content and themes.

Tickets for Hair are available for $15 regular and $10 student/senior at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (403-329-2616).

Musical weekend at Southminster Church

trevor.kenney — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:02:29 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Faculty of Fine Arts is gearing up for the Christmas season with a pair of musical events this weekend that promise to please any crowd.

The air at Southminster Church is sure to stir with music during Wind and Song, Friday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m., the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Wind Orchestra's first performance of the season.

"Vox Musica is joining us on stage for three selections," says Glenn Klassen, music director for Vox Musica and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Wind Orchestra.
"We are performing Dry Your Tears Afrika and Hymn to the Fallen by John Williams and a classic choral arrangement of Salvation is Created by Tschesnokoff."

With its almost 100 voices, Vox Musica choir consists of community singers and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ students.

Other selections on the program include Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliette and Gordon Jacob's arrangement of William Byrd Suite.

"William Byrd Suite, as arranged by Jacobs, is a magnificent piece going back 400 years, but recomposed for wind orchestra, transforming it into a bigger, more colourful work," says Klassen.

Tickets for Wind and Song are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (403-329-2616) and at the door.

The U of L Singers and U of L Women's Chorus then share the stage for Season of Joy on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. at Southminster United Church. The evening features a rich program of choral repertoire from traditional works to familiar seasonal classics.

"With this concert the U of L Singers take a different direction this year," says Dr. Janet Youngdahl, the ensemble's director. "Sharing this concert with another group is a good change for the choirs and showcases our wonderful choral areas of study at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ."

The U of L Women's Chorus is the newest addition to the choral program.

"We have a great bunch of students – both music majors and non-music majors," says Joanne Collier, director. "Women's Chorus is the next big thing on the choral circuit. The U of L Women's Chorus presents some of the exciting emerging repertoire for women."

Audiences can expect a robust selection of music for Season of Joy.

"The U of L Singers perform Imant Raminsh's Magnificat, an exuberant and challenging work for choir," Youngdahl says. "We'll also perform Regina Coreli by Mozart featuring soloists drawn from the choir."

The second part of the concert features seasonal classics and favourites as both choirs take to the stage together.

Combined or separate, these choirs are sure to delight audiences; sharing their song and the joy of the holiday season.

Tickets are $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors, and are available at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616) or at the door on the night of the concert.

Wind and Song to open Wind Orchestra season

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:59:52 +0000

The air at Southminster Church is sure to stir with music during Wind and Song, Nov. 27 at
8 p.m. at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Wind Orchestra's first performance of the season.

"Vox Musica is joining us on stage for three selections," says Glenn Klassen, music director for Vox Musica and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Wind Orchestra.
"We are performing Dry Your Tears Afrika and Hymn to the Fallen by John Williams and a classic choral arrangement of Salvation is Created by Tschesnokoff."

With its almost 100 voices, Vox Musica choir consists of community singers and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ students.

Other selections on the program include Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliette and Gordon Jacob's arrangement of William Byrd Suite.

"William Byrd Suite, as arranged by Jacobs, is a magnificent piece going back 400 years, but recomposed for wind orchestra, transforming it into a bigger, more colourful work," says Klassen.

The Wind Orchestra is also preparing for their concert Glory and Grandeur, set
for Mar. 6, 2010.

Tickets for Wind and Song are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (403-329-2616) and at the door.

UNews - Music Director

Hair promises a multi-sensory experience

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Musical weekend at Southminster Church

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Wind and Song to open Wind Orchestra season

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