FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 23, 2005 - Sylvia Bierschenk

SFA to present Chanticleer, 'world's reigning male chorus'

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - "The world's reigning male chorus" and "an orchestra of voices" are just two of the phrases used worldwide to describe Chanticleer, an a cappella male chorus that will be performing 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.

"This is a spectacular opportunity to hear a world-class ensemble," said Dr. Michael Dean, associate director of choral activities at SFA.

Chanticleer is named for the "clear-singing" rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" and is composed of 12 vocalists singing bass, baritone, tenor, alto and soprano parts.

The ensemble will present its national touring program, "Women, Saintly and Otherwise," a tribute to woman as ruler, composer, muse and creator. According to the program notes,"No subject could be better suited for a musical voyage through the dramatically varied terrain of the human heart."

The program includes a wide range of genres, from Gregorian chant to African-American spiritual, from madrigals and folk songs to laments and popular tunes. The audience will hear compositions from the medieval, baroque, romantic and modern periods, including works receiving their world premieres.

According to the Dallas Morning News, the chorus members "are among the most versatile and virtuoso singers anywhere."

Chanticleer has earned an international reputation for what The New York Times calls "Precise, pure and deeply felt singing" and the Los Angeles Times refers to as "luxurious perfection."

Since its founding in 1978 Chanticleer has toured the globe, recorded 28 compact discs and garnered four Grammy Awards. Joseph Jennings is the ensemble's music director.

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., Dean 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.