By Keeton Yescott | Echo
What do the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra and Taylor University have in common? Their upcoming joint performance titled "Brahms to Broadway" Saturday, April 26 in Rediger Auditorium.
"Brahms to Broadway" is a unique selection of songs. Classics such as Antonin Dvorak's "Te Deum" flow into a selection of multiple Broadway songs. The classical section of the program also includes Johannes Brahms' Academic Festival Overture.
Dvorak's "Te Deum" is an arrangement of Psalm 95, as "Te Deum" literally means "To You, God." It is generally referred to as a Christian hymn of praise.
"We selected this work because we want to give glory to God in all we do in music," said Al Harrison, music department chair and one of the organizers of the concert. "(In) many ways this program represents both old and new music and expressions of human emotion."
The Broadway portion of the concert includes hits from "Man of La Mancha," "West Side Story," "Les Miserables" and more. Additionally, medleys from "The King and I" and "Oklahoma!" will be presented.
"I believe this program represents a very appealing, diverse range of repertoire selections that will appeal to a broad audience," said Conor Angell, Taylor music professor and baritone soloist in "Te Deum."
Taylor Chorale members are excited for this unique opportunity.
"To hear the magnitude of the sound that comes from the Marion Philharmonic is truly overwhelming as a performer," said sophomore music major Evan Koons.
In preparation for "Brahms to Broadway," professional singer and songwriter Steve Amerson will be presenting a seminar titled "Surviving and Flourishing in the Music Business" at 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 25 in room 151 of Smith-Hermanson Music Center. All students are invited to attend the class as well as the concert on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Rediger Auditorium. There is no cost for the tickets thanks to a generous contribution from a former Board of Trustee member, the Performing Arts Series and the Taylor Advancement Office.
