Fresh off the bus from a three-day concert tour of Northern New England, the USM Chamber Singers are back at the university and are ready for their annual spring concert.
The musicians of the USM Chamber Singers are chosen through a careful audition process and represent some of the most outstanding singers at USM.
The group just returned Wednesday from their concert tour in which they traveled and performed in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Professor of music and choral studies Robert Russell said that the tour was a huge success.
“It may have been our best tour overall, ever,” said Russell. “We had large audiences, enthusiastic responses and great local hosts.”
The Chamber Singers are known for performing music from many different composers and representing various world cultures. Their repertoire is often a cappella.
“We do a mixture of modern compositions, classic American songs, spirituals, a few French, African, and Greek pieces, among others,” said freshman musical performance major Matt LaBerge.
Russell is confident that his students are energized, excited and ultimately ready for their big show this Tuesday at Williston-Immanuel United Church in Portland. Russell also spoke of the musicians for their outstanding talent and impressive stage presence.
“It’s the best singing group I’ve ever gotten to participate in. We have a great balance of voices, and everyone there knows how to use their voice well,” said LaBerge.
“The program we’ve prepared since the fall, and perfected during the tour, is full of breathtakingly beautiful music,” said junior musical theatre major Carolyn Glaude. “The audiences we’ve received this semester have been so wonderfully responsive, appreciative and energetic. I’m certain Tuesday’s turnout will prove to be no different.”
The show start at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are sold at the door: $6 for general admission, and $3 for seniors, students, and USM alumni, faculty and staff.