University Singers is comprised of all first-year voice majors as well as many non-major singers. Each year, the ensemble covers all musical styles and primary languages of the Western Canon, building musical skills, vocal techniques for choral singing, and stylistic nuances between genres and eras. The ensemble is conducted by A.J. Keller, with Charles Foster as collaborative pianist.
Recent Concerts
A Vast Similitude
The University Singers‘ fall program explored the interconnectedness of all things through a selection of choral works from a variety of genres and style periods, culminating in a performance of Schubert’s resplendent Mass in G Major. The ensemble gave a fantastic performance, complete with excellent soloists. The concert also featured two of our graduate assistant conductors: Tim Lambert conducted works by Marenzio and Betinis, and Victoria Marshall conducted Gerald Finzi’s “My Spirit Sang All Day.” The wide-ranging repertoire of this program, curated by Dr. A.J. Keller and accompanied by Chuck Foster, showcased the stylistic versatility of the ensemble and was a great way to mark the ensemble’s return to in-person performance.
University Singers will return to Galvin for their next performance on Saturday, March 5 at 7:30pm. Free admission; advance registration recommended.
Come, Sweet Death
For their mid-season concert, University Singers presents a program examining the truth of mortality through the art of centuries past. This program explores the concept of death through different perspectives from composers of various time periods, religious beliefs, and musical aesthetics, brought together thematically through the use of Bach’s setting of the chorale Komm, Sußer Tod. Each of the five verses are followed by choral works elaborating on the theme of each verse. Featured composers include Purcell, Byrd, Brahms, Schütz, Randall Thompson, and David Lang.
Music of Identity
What makes a person an individual? Is it their position in one of the world’s innumerable hierarchies? Is it the way they’re depicted in the historical record? Is it the way they are assessed by the ones they love? Is identity static, or always in flux? University Singers provides an opportunity to reflect on these questions, through the music of a variety of composers and eras.
Auditions
Placement auditions for all incoming students (both music majors and non-majors) for all Bienen choral ensembles are held in the first week of the fall quarter.
Placement auditions for returning students are held at the end of the spring quarter prior to the coming academic year.
Contact nuchoirs@northwestern.edu to schedule an audition.