The Chorus is directed by Paulette LaParle and includes both university members from all fields and also community members. They will sing pieces in Hebrew, Mongolian, Latin and English. The program includes: “Dies Irae” from Mozart’s Requiem; “My Spirit Sang All Day” by English composer Gerald Finzi; “Dorven Dalai,” a song celebrating friendship by Mongolian composer Yongrub; “Wanting Memories” by contemporary composer Ysaye M. Barnwell (a member of Sweet Honey and the Rock), conducted by Graduate Assistant Edward Wilkin; Five Hebrew Love Songs by highly-regarded contemporary composer, Eric Whitacre, with URI student violinist Jennifer Langevin; “Awakening” by Joseph Martin, conducted by Edward Wilkin; and Gospel-style song “True Light” by Keith Hampton, with Chorus soloists Marianna Albanese and Justin Kisch.
The B101 Big Band, directed by Jared Sims, will perform a program of classic big band repertoire including hits such as “Our Love is Here to Stay” as done by Frank Sinatra and Nelson Riddle, “Central Park North” by Thad Jones, and “A Tribute to Bird” by Lennie Niehaus. Many of the band members had the thrill of performing at the Newport Jazz Festival this summer. The group, consisting of five saxes, four trombones, four trumpets and rhythm section, with vocalist Bianca Sperduti, just performed in New York City this month at the Johnny Pacheco Latin Music and Jazz Festival. They will be welcoming a large contingent of URI alumni in the audience for this concert.
Admission is $12 general public, $7 students, with tickets available in advance through the URI Music website, or at the box office by cash or check starting 45 minutes before the concert. The Concert Hall is handicap-accessible, and parking is available in the lot behind the Fine Arts Center, off Bills Road. For more information, please contact the URI Department of Music, 874-5955, or check the website: www.uri.edu/music.
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