SU Chorale Inaugurates 2007 Music Festival December 2

SALISBURY, MD---The SU Chorale inaugurates Salisbury University’s “Ring in the Holidays” winter music festival 4:30 p.m. Sunday, December 2, with pieces ranging from a Nigerian holiday song to a world premiere performance.

The concert includes the first-ever performance of I Taste of Your Water by Dr. Jerry Tabor, conductor of the SU Jazz Brazz Big Band and faculty in SU’s Department of Music. Other pieces performed include Deck the Halls (in 7/8), arranged by James McKelvy, a chorale arrangement of Lewis Carroll’s poem The Jabberwocky, holiday music by P.D.Q. Bach and Betelehemu, a Nigerian holiday song by Via Olatunji and Wendell Whalum, featuring members of the SU African Drumming Ensemble conducted by Ted Nichols.

“The Nigerian Christmas carol is representative of the diverse African-American musical heritage and the dedication of the celebration of the culture this semester,” said Dr. William Folger, chorale conductor and director of choral activities at SU. Regarding Jabberwocky and the PDQ Bach carols he added, “Humor in musical numbers occurs through parody, witty word play, poetry and tone painting where rhythm, articulation, melody and harmony depict the text.”

Sponsored by the Department of Music, admission is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6385 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.