Spring Break
The Daily OrangeSU Women's Choir, Cassett Quartet to combine talents
By Molly Murkett
Posted: 11/19/04, 1:51 AM EST Section: Pulp
Entranced by the sounds of string instruments, Dr. Barbara Tagg's lyrical arm movements captured the attention of 65 women, coaxing resonating notes from the mouths of the Syracuse University Women's Choir.
Conductor of the choir and music instructor at SU, Tagg prepared a diverse selection for Saturday's 8 p.m. concert in Crouse College's Setnor Auditorium, including a premiere of "Canticle: The Hungry Angels," accompanied by the Cassatt Quartet.
"She's such a motivating woman, high spirited, enjoyable to be with and work with," said Jennifer Leshnower, second violinist for the Cassatt Quartet.
Robert A. Harris originally composed the music for "Canticle" for the Trinity United Methodist Church in Illinois, where he resides as choir master. SU's choir will perform a new version Harris specifically arranged for it and the Cassatt Quartet.
Philip L. White, former director of the American Medical Association, wrote the poem which inspired the song's lyrics. Studying the nutritional status and quality of the food supply in Peru, White witnessed the injustice of malnourished youth. He wrote "Canticle" as a message to care for these unfortunate children.
"I have seen the hungry angels, born in jeopardy, reared in adversity, matured in uncertainty," the lyrics muse. "Children need food, love and stimulation: a life today, is a part to play. Without these blessings, they will repeat the tragedy of unknowing society."
Leshnower described the piece as haunting yet beautiful, and said the music adds meaning and emotion to the text. The members of the Cassatt quartet, a Manhattan-based ensemble, are artists in residence at SU, and regularly perform throughout the year, creating a liaison between SU and the community. The quartet has made guest appearances in seminars and performed at other events, including tonight's dedication of the new arts journalism master's program. The SU Women's Choir and the quartet are collaborating for the first time on Saturday after years of indefinite plans for alliance.
Conductor of the choir and music instructor at SU, Tagg prepared a diverse selection for Saturday's 8 p.m. concert in Crouse College's Setnor Auditorium, including a premiere of "Canticle: The Hungry Angels," accompanied by the Cassatt Quartet.
"She's such a motivating woman, high spirited, enjoyable to be with and work with," said Jennifer Leshnower, second violinist for the Cassatt Quartet.
Robert A. Harris originally composed the music for "Canticle" for the Trinity United Methodist Church in Illinois, where he resides as choir master. SU's choir will perform a new version Harris specifically arranged for it and the Cassatt Quartet.
Philip L. White, former director of the American Medical Association, wrote the poem which inspired the song's lyrics. Studying the nutritional status and quality of the food supply in Peru, White witnessed the injustice of malnourished youth. He wrote "Canticle" as a message to care for these unfortunate children.
"I have seen the hungry angels, born in jeopardy, reared in adversity, matured in uncertainty," the lyrics muse. "Children need food, love and stimulation: a life today, is a part to play. Without these blessings, they will repeat the tragedy of unknowing society."
Leshnower described the piece as haunting yet beautiful, and said the music adds meaning and emotion to the text. The members of the Cassatt quartet, a Manhattan-based ensemble, are artists in residence at SU, and regularly perform throughout the year, creating a liaison between SU and the community. The quartet has made guest appearances in seminars and performed at other events, including tonight's dedication of the new arts journalism master's program. The SU Women's Choir and the quartet are collaborating for the first time on Saturday after years of indefinite plans for alliance.
