Young said that he had two major goals when putting the tour and subsequently the concert repertoire together.
“The first goal was to provide an opportunity for UNCG singers to experience the breadth, beauty, and diversity of areas steeped in an amazing musical history.
“The second goal addresses my own personal beliefs. First, the belief that quality music, particularly vocal/choral music, performed beautifully has a transformative power that speaks beyond the brain to a more personal and heart/spirit-centered place where healing and understanding resides. Second, the belief that participation in the arts, particularly choral singing, should be a lifelong endeavor. So, I set out to build the ensemble not only with UNCG singers but with community singers who also celebrate the joy of singing.”
Thirty UNCG singers were joined by 12 community singers, the latter from First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, Bel Canto Company, retired choral music educators, and the Winston-Salem Chorale.
The repertoire was a slice of choral music from America and the British Isles. Examples of primitive nasal community singing, shape-note singing, folk-songs, gospel, hymn-tune arrangements and spirituals were woven together with motets influenced by the European masters of the Renaissance.
“Every concert was standing room only,” Young said. “The audiences were enthusiastic. Each concert ended with either a standing ovation or rhythmic applause – asking for an encore piece.”
Their full concerts:
May 7, St. Nicholas Church on the Square, Prague, Czech Republic
May 10, St. Peter’s Church, Vienna, Austria
May 12, St. Sigismund Church, Stroble, Austria (lake country outside of Salzburg)
Informal Half Concerts:
May 10, Melk Abbey outside of Vienna
May 12, The Dom Cathedral in Old Town Salzburg
Conductors and Guest Artists:
Welborn E. Young, Director of Choral Activities
Carole Ott Coelho, Associate Director of Choral Activities
Brett Nolker, Director of Choral Music Education
Jonathan Emmons, DMA Choral Conducting, candidate
Christian Albee, MM Choral Conducting (’18)
Tadeu Coelho, flute
Adam Ward, organ
(Christian and Jonathan also served as accompanists.)
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