130 Voices, One Table: Cal Poly Humboldt Choirs Celebrate Community in Two Spring Concerts

Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt:

Crowded TableThe Cal Poly Humboldt School of Dance, Music, and Theatre presents University Singers and Humboldt Chorale, led by choral director Rachel Samet, in two live concerts on Friday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fulkerson Recital Hall. The concert, called “A Crowded Table,” celebrates the idea of cultivating community and embracing diversity. Concert tickets are $15 general, $5 children, and free for Cal Poly Humboldt students with ID. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre.

The 100+ member strong Humboldt Chorale welcomes the audience in a party setting with the lively “Brindisi” chorus from Verdi’s La Traviata. Andrea Ramsey’s arrangement of The Highwomen’s “A Crowded Table” follows, welcoming everyone with a folk-like feel. Walter Robinson’s “Harriet Tubman” celebrates the iconic heroine and in a fun and engaging way with Kathleen McGuire’s bluesy arrangement. Jacob Narverud’s “Lunar Lullaby” invites us to dream with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. Canadian composer Brian Tate’s “Connected” is an upbeat call for seeing diverse humans come together as one community. The Humboldt Chorale concludes the first half with Susan Brumfield’s “No Time,” a beautiful and emotionally impactful arrangement of a traditional camp meeting song.

University Singers starts the second half of the program with Felix Mendelssohn’s powerful double choir motet, “Heilig,” followed by Thomas Morley’s well-known English madrigal, “Sing we and chant it.” Jocelyn Hagen’s striking “Belong” embraces inclusiveness with rich, jazz-influenced harmonies and poignant lyrics. Lars Jansson’s “To the Mothers in Brazil: Salve Regina” combines traditional Latin text with a compassionate backstory about longing and the fight against injustice. University Singers closes their set with Zachary Moore’s simply titled “Hope,” which encapsulates optimism with intricate rhythms, delicate melodies, and robust harmonies.

The Humboldt Chorale and University Singers will join together to form a 130-member choir with the raucous and slightly silly Yiddish folksong, “Ale Brider,” arranged by Joshua Jacobson. It conveys the message, “We are all united, whether we have much or little.”  You will want to take a seat at this eclectic and joyous table!

When: May 8th and 10th at 7:30pm

Where: Fulkerson Recital Hall

Price: $15 General, $5 Children and FREE for Humboldt Students w/ID

Ticket Purchase: tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre