FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 28, 2005 - Sylvia Bierschenk

SFA Choral Union and Women's Choir present choral panorama

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University Choral Union and Women's Choir will present "Roots and Wings: A Choral Panorama of America" at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 7, in Cole Concert Hall.

The concert's title refers to the works the choirs will perform.

"This unique concert will feature some important roots of our American choral heritage that give us the ability to soar today," said Dr. Michael Dean, SFA assistant professor of music and the choirs' director. "These roots include works from England, Germany, Africa, Israel and Italy by composers such as Jacobus Gallus, Ralph Vaugh Williams, Dede Duson, Paul Sjolund, Josef Rheinberger and Emma Lou Diemer.

Dr. Archie McDonald, SFA Regents Professor of history, will weave the pieces together with a special narrative written for the program.

According to Dean, the concert will open with a "dynamic processional," and instruments such as flute, trumpets, trombones and percussion will be used on various pieces.

"We will conclude the concert with a unique New Orleans-born style of 'Swingin' with the Saints' that features Tom Houston, SFA associate professor of music, on clarinet," Dean said.

The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and the Department of Music.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or 888-240-ARTS.