The West Virginia University Choral Area will present a special concert titled “Myths, Mystics & Magic” at the Creative Arts Center, Sunday, Oct. 31, at 3:15 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre.
The theatrical choral presentation is based upon fables, legends, and the writings of mystics. It features the WVU Choral Area, with special guests from the WVU music faculty: William Haller, organ; William Skidmore, cello; and Michael Vercelli, percussion.
This concert promises to be a fun time for all ages.
According to Choral Director Kathleen Shannon, the presentation will include a semi-staged adaptation of Gian Carlo Menotti’s choral ballet, “The Unicorn, the Gordon, and the Manticore” or “Three Sundays of a Poet.” This often-humorous work for a cappella choir is set in medieval times and tells the story of a rich Man In The Castle, his pets, easily influenced Townsfolk, and the capricious Count and Countess.
There will also be a choral presentation of the legend of King Arthur and Merlin, by Lee Kesselman, titled “Nights in Armor, The Legend of King Arthur” to be performed by the Choral Union, conducted by Shou Ping Liu, choral graduate assistant.
Skidmore and Vercelli will join with the Women’s Choir on the mysterious “All I Was Doing Was Breathing,” the setting of a poem by the 15th century Indian mystic Mirabai. It is from “Ecstatic Songs of Mirabai” by David Brunner.
The concert will conclude with the world premiere of Division of Music faculty member William Haller’s whimsical composition based on an episode from “Alice in Wonderland” titled “The Mock Turtle’s Song.” It will be accompanied by Haller on the organ, and the WVU Choirs, who sing and dance the story of the Lobster Quadrille.
Tickets are $10 for the general public, $6 for WVU faculty and staff and senior citizens, and $5 for students, children and members of groups of 10 or more.
For tickets, contact the Mountainlair and CAC Box Offices at (304) 293-SHOW.
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CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4359, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu
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