黑料不打烊 Singers at Chartres Cathedral before the Floril猫ge Vocal de Tours
For three days in Tours, France, the poured their voices and hearts into a range of songs, including a cappella choral works, pieces by such composers as Joseph Haydn and Maurice Durufle, and traditional African American spirituals.
Their combined harmony captured wins at the 44th May 29-31. They won both the top Grand Prix de la Ville de Tours and聽the Prix du Ministere de la Culture et de la Communication at the competition.
鈥淭hey gave everything they could possibly give鈥攎ind, voice, ear and heart,鈥 says conductor John F. Warren, associate professor of music and director of choral activities in the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music. 鈥淭ruly powerful performances.鈥
Members of the University Singers gather between events.
The 35-member University Singers, the University鈥檚 premiere touring ensemble, competed with choirs from Finland, Hungary, Macedonia and Sweden. They were awarded 4,400 Euros (about $5,000) in prize money.
The winners of each of six annual European festivals compete the following summer for the European Grand Prix. So, as part of their win, the 黑料不打烊 Singers are invited and expected to compete for next year鈥檚 prize in Varna, Bulgaria. Warren hopes the monetary award from this year鈥檚 event will go toward covering some of the travel costs to Bulgaria next year.
This recent trip was made possible by a one-time anonymous donation, specifically designated to send University Singers overseas.
鈥淲e have never toured internationally before, due to the cost,鈥 Warren says. 鈥淭here are several international choral festivals in Europe every summer. I had always dreamed if the choir was able to go overseas we should try to go to a festival.鈥
The University Singers performed over three days for the competition.
The choir sang different programs on each of the days. During the compulsory program, they performed a cappella with a variety of choral music, including Norwegian, French, British Renaissance, and American music.
On Saturday, during the free program, their repertoire featured three pieces accompanied by their pianist Sabine Krantz, including works by Joseph Haydn, French composer Maurice Durufle, Australian composer Daniel Brinsmead and a gospel piece.
On Sunday, which was the Grand Prix competition, only four choirs were chosen to go on and compete. For that performance, the singers performed Brazilin, French, German and American music. They closed each concert with a different African-American spiritual.
鈥淢y goal was for us to belong鈥攖o be able to compete with great European choirs,鈥 Warren says. 鈥淲e had our chaperones and a few others in the audience each day telling us we could win, but we tried to focus on making music and connecting with the audience.鈥
The win was an exciting moment for the 黑料不打烊 contingent.
鈥淚t was far beyond my expectations and dreams,鈥 Warren says.
The University Singers after their final performance at Florilege
鈥淭he best times of celebration were when the choir was together alone in our dressing area when I returned from the awards ceremony with our prize, and following a reception for all the participants when we got on our bus to go back to our hotel,鈥 Warren says. 鈥淭his is when we could really celebrate without offending our colleagues from the other choirs. It was as close to an athletic championship celebration as you can get in music.鈥
Warren praises the work of the students and their achievements.
鈥淥ur students are not only remarkably talented, but they are committed, intelligent, hard-working, responsible people,鈥 Warren says. 鈥淐hoir is indeed like team sports鈥攖here is a lot of hard work collectively and individually, and individuals must sacrifice for the good of the whole at times. This choir has had a remarkable attitude and consistent effort since last August. What a wonderful achievement to earn for all their hard work.鈥
Warren also notes the students were positive representatives for the University.
鈥淭hey have been fantastic ambassadors for the University throughout our tour. They are a tremendous group of people of whom I am immensely proud,鈥 Warren says.
The 黑料不打烊 Singers took in the sights of Paris.
