Moores School of Music Concert Chorale invited to Grand Prix of Nations

Acclaimed choir travels in July to Germany to perform wide-ranging repertoire in international singing competition

In the past five years, the Moores School of Music Concert Chorale has traveled across the Atlantic three times to dazzle international audiences. The acclaimed choir – led by Professor Betsy Cook Weber – will return to Europe this summer to perform and compete July 5 – 12 in the Grand Prix of Nations in Magdeburg, Germany.

The Chorale will be perform in Germany a wide-ranging repertoire from country classics (“If You’re Gonna Play in Texas”) to American folks standards (“Old Joe Clark”) and spirituals (“Down in the River to Pray.”) Classical masterpieces by the likes of Dutch composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and Francis Poulenc also will be performed.

The Chorale also will spotlight a piece from one of its biggest supporters, David Ashley White, UH professor of composition and former director of the Moores School of Music. UH’s singers first performed White’s “I Saw Eternity” in 2009 at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales.

Earlier this year, Weber was notified of the Chorale’s acceptance into the exclusive Grand Prix. The singing group’s participation was made possible following a stellar performance at a previous German festival, the 2013 International Chamber Choir Competition in Marktoberdorf. The group earned first prize and the award for best interpretation of a religious work.

In addition to performances in Wales and Germany, the Chorale performed at the Florilege Vocal de Tours in France in 2011.

While the increased support of international audiences is encouraging, Weber said there is no substitute for hometown applause.

“The students have worked very hard to prepare for this important competition, and it is so gratifying to have our community come listen to us and then cheer us on from afar,” she said.

-        By Mike Emery