Glorious Psalms from ESU

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of PA presented their Music Department’s Spring Choral Concert at The East Stroudsburg Methodist Church on Wednesday May 2nd. The performance featured the University’s A Cappella Ensemble, their Concert Choir, and several instrumentalists who were all led under the direction of Dr. James Maroney. This was the first time The Music Department held their Spring Choral Concert within the church’s facility and its quaint atmosphere seemed to bring an even more pleasant dimension to the presentation.

The performance began with selections sung by the University’s A Cappella Ensemble. These selections ranged from some classical compositions sung in Latin to more modern pieces such as the Irish standard “Danny Boy.” Their performance concluded with a piece written by a living composer named Mathew Harris whose song titled, “When Daffodils Begin to Peer” is based upon the poem found in William Shakespeare’s play titled, “A Winter’s Tale.” The song featured solo performances by Paula Dixon and David Yablonski.

After a brief intermission, the University’s Concert Choir took their place. The Concert Choir consists of members of the ESU Student population which includes its students, faculty, and staff along with members of the community not enrolled in the school. Their varied life experiences which influences each member’s individual approach to the work presented was combined by their love for music and a desire to share this common bond through their voices. This proved to be a wonderful blend as the soul of each piece moved beyond the language barriers to find a home in each listener’s heart.

The choir began its performance with a work written by Leonard Bernstein titled, “Chichester Psalms” which are based upon the Psalms attributed to King David (aka David HaMelekh) who ruled over the middle eastern country of Judah c. 1010 - 1003 BCE (Before the Common Era) and was the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel in c. 1003 - 970 BCE. King David was noted for being a righteous (although imperfect) king as well as an acclaimed warrior, musician, and poet in the Judaic Tradition, the ancestor of Joshua Son of Joseph (aka Jesus the Christ) in the Christian Tradition, and a prophet as well as a king in the Islamic Tradition.

The work was sung in Hebrew with solo performances given by Susan Prtune, Diane Lusk, Patrick Mertz, Ely Reys-Viruet, Patrick Fenning, and Laura Wall. Percussionists who accompanied choir were Steven Mathiesen and Mark Zettler. Other musicians included Dr. Pauline Fox on Pipe Organ and Andrea Wittchen on Harp. This portion of the performance proved to be very satisfying to the ear.

When “Chichester Psalms” by Leonard Bernstein concluded, several additional musicians took their place to perform for the next selection for the concert. The work was titled, “Gloria” composed by John Rutter. The work was sung in Latin and featured soloist Sarah Fister, Laurie Braman, and Sandra Bullock. The musicians who accompanied the choir and soloists were Danny Cahn, Eddie Severn, Peter Hyde, and Patrick Dorian on Trumpet, Malcolm Viney and Ashley Taylor on Trombone, Geof Speicher on Bass Trombone, and James Daniels on Tuba along with the musicians I mentioned earlier in this article. The concert ended with words of appreciations and recognition of the talents of students who will be graduating this year. You’ll find more photographs taken during the concert in The ESU 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150661494755421.450297.636000420&type=3&l=e882125dc2.

The East Stroudsburg University of PA Music Department presents their Choral Concerts near the conclusion of their Fall and Spring Semesters. In addition to being an educational opportunity for their students, the choir welcomes members of the community to participate in their program. Rehearsals for the Fall 2012 Semester will begin on Tuesday August 28th beginning at 7pm and every following Tuesday evening. The Concert will take place on Wednesday December 5th. Please feel free to Explore the ESU Choral and Vocal Music Website at www.esu.edu/music/sing for more information.

Musical performances to be presented by The ESU Music Department for the remainder of the university’s Spring Semester include their 25th Annual Spring Band Concert titled, “Potpourri” on Sunday May 6th beginning at 7pm, a program titled, “Let’s Sing” on Monday May 7th beginning at 7:30pm, and Student Voice Recitals on Tuesday May 8th. Please Contact The ESU Music Department at 570-422-3483 for more information.