SMWC Chorale and Madrigals
The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) Chorale and Madrigals, a select ensemble composed of 24 of the school’s most talented voices, accepted the prestigious invitation to perform at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City to commemorate International Women’s Day. The program titled “Choral Music for Women’s Voices” is part of the Distinguished Concerts International New York City (DCINY) Concert Series. This performance, under the baton of Hilary Apfelstadt, Ph.D., director of choral programs at the University of Toronto, will take place on March 10, 2014.
These outstanding musicians will join with other choristers to form the Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a choir of distinction. Maestro Apfelstadt will lead the performance and will serve as the clinician for the residency. SMWC Chorale and Madrigals, the only college choir invited, will be performing with women’s ensembles from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China and the United States at the world-renowned venue of the prestigious Lincoln Center. This is just one of thousands of events that are held in conjunction with International Women’s Day (March 8) throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements.
“The Saint Mary-in-the-Woods College Choirs received this invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers and the exceptional recommendation given by Chanticleer’s Music Director Emeritus, Matt Oltman,” states Jonathan Griffith, Ph.D., artistic director and principal conductor for DCINY. “It is quite an honor just to be invited to perform in New York. These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community’s recognition and support.”
To be considered for the performance, Michael Boswell, associate professor of music and director of choirs at SMWC, submitted information about the Madrigals and Chorale’s ensembles as well as recordings that demonstrated their abilities. Upon submitting the information, Boswell received positive feedback and an enthusiastic invitation from the organization.
Over the years, the group has performed in Carnegie Hall and other locations throughout the United States as well as Austria, Canada, France, Germany and Italy. To prepare for the Lincoln Center performance, the Chorale and Madrigals are rehearsing and planning in anticipation of the trip to New York.
“We’re rehearsing a lot! We are rehearsing together in class, but the students are also expected to work on their music outside of class,” states Boswell. “In addition to preparing the musical aspects of this tour, I’m also planning every aspect of the tour itself from fundraising, booking travel, lodging, other performances, and planning fun and educational things to do when we aren’t singing.”
These singers, ranging from freshmen to senior students, represent a variety of musical backgrounds and academic disciplines. “I am very excited about the opportunity to go to New York and sing on International Women’s Day with women from all across the world,” states SMWC sophomore music therapy major, Mallory Tanis. “As a woman that attends a women’s college, I know I am getting the opportunity to represent our college at an international event which is a unique and valued opportunity. I look forward to the trip and the experience.”
The singers will spend five days and four nights in New York City in preparation for their concert. “The singers will spend approximately 9-10 hours in rehearsals over the five day residency.” says Griffith. “Not all of the time is spent in rehearsals, since there is so much history and culture to see in New York City.”