SFA to present Chanticleer, 'an orchestra of voices'

Chanticleer, the Grammy Award-winning a cappella ensemble known throughout the world as "an orchestra of voices," will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 4, in W. M. Turner Auditorium. The concert is a part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 15, 2005 - Sylvia Bierschenk

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS- The Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 4, in W. M. Turner Auditorium as part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series.

Composed of 12 vocalists ranging from countertenor to bass, Chanticleer has been hailed by the New Yorker magazine as "the world's reigning male chorus" and praised by the Los Angeles Times for its "luxurious perfection." Since its founding in 1978, the group has earned international renown as "an orchestra of voices."

"We have been trying to bring Chanticleer to Nacogdoches for quite some time," said Dr. Max Morley, program and development officer for the College of Fine Arts. "The ensemble sings a cappella, or without any accompaniment, and has a remarkable reputation for its vivid interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to venturesome new music."

Chanticleer will present its national touring program, "Women, Saintly and Otherwise," a tribute to woman as ruler, composer, muse and creator. According to the concert's program notes, the audience "will experience music that takes its theme beyond the mysterious or soulful to rejoice in the process of giving voice to human passions refracted through the variety and intensity of feelings that women, saintly or otherwise, have inspired."

Chanticleer's 2004-2005 season includes 75 concerts in 28 states. In June 2004, the ensemble embarked on a five-country European tour that included concerts at the Konzerthaus in Vienna and Amsterdam's Concertgebouw.

Since 1994, Chanticleer has been recording exclusively for Teldec Classics International, making the group's recordings available worldwide. The ensemble's catalog includes "Colors of Love," which won the Grammy Award for Best Small Ensemble Performance (with or without Conductor) and the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award for Best Classical Album.

The world-premiere recording of Sir John Tavener's "Lamentations and Praises" was released in January 2002 to high praise and garnered two Grammy Awards, for Classical Best Small Ensemble Performance (with or without Conductor) and for Best Classical Contemporary Composition.

Prior to the concert, the College of Fine Arts will host a 6:45 p.m. reception in Griffith Gallery to honor the event's corporate sponsor, Lehmann Eye Center. At 7 p.m. Dr. Michael Dean, associate director of choral activities at SFA, will give an informative talk on the concert. The public is invited.

Tickets to the concert are $30, $24 and $15, with discounts available for seniors, students and children.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please log on to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or 888-240-ARTS.

-30-