Roberts Wesleyan Chorale
Stephen Caracciolo, conductor
The Roberts Wesleyan Chorale is the college’s select vocal ensemble of 40 singers devoted to the study and performance of choral works from all major artistic periods. Bonded by a passion for compelling musical performance and a desire for meaningful Christian fellowship, the Chorale is an ensemble of talented singer-artists who combine their gifts to cultivate excellence in choral singing and to foster deep-rooted community.
The Chorale, recognized for its lyric choral tone and spirited performances,
tours each spring serving as an ambassador for the college and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sound Tracks, coming soon
2008-2009 Concert Schedule
Polyphony of the Renaissance
Sunday, November 2
Christ Church Episcopal, 141 East Avenue, 3:00 pm
An introduction to polyphony
Ite missa est/Deo gratias, from La Messe de Nostre Dame – Guillaume de Machaut
Micans micans parum stella (Twinkle, twinkle little star) – Stephen Caracciolo
Imitative counterpoint, the new international style
Jubilate Deo – Orlando di Lasso
Kyrie, from Missa Papae Marcelli – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
O vos omnes – Tomas Luis de Victoria
Sing joyfully –William Byrd
Cantus firmus motets
Veni creator spiritus –Tomas Luis de Victoria
Loquebantur variis linguis–Thomas Tallis
Religious and political upheaval in England
Gaudeamus omnes in Domino – William Byrd
Bow thine ear, O Lord – William Byrd
The splendor of Venetian cori spezzati
O magnum mysterium – Giovanni Gabrieli
Hodie Christus natus est – Giovanni Gabrieli
A Candlelight Concert for the Season
Sunday, December 7
Christ Church Episcopal Candlelight Concert Series, 141 East Avenue, 8:30 pm
Followed by the Christ Church Schola Cantorum service of Compline at 9:00 pm
Two Venetian motets
O magnum mysterium – Giovanni Gabrieli
Hodie Christus natus est – Giovanni Gabrieli
American settings
There Is No Rose of Such Virtue – Stephen Caracciolo
“O” Antiphon and Magnificat – Stephen Caracciolo
A Savior From On High – Stephen Paulus
Some Children See Him – Alfred Burt
Crown Him King of Glory – Olaf Christiansen
Annual Christmas Gala
Saturday, December 13, 7:30 pm
Sunday December 14, 3:00 pm
Hale Auditorium, contact the RWC Box Office early for tickets. (413) 499-1733
A prism concert of the choral and instrumental ensembles of the college
A Handel Celebration
Saturday, March 14
Hale Auditorium, 7:30 pm
Featuring Handel’s exuberant 1727 Coronation Anthems for George II:
Zadok the Priest, Let Thy Hand be Strengthened, and The King Shall Rejoice, performed with chamber orchestra.
Rise Up, My Love, and Come Away
Sunday, May 3
Hale Auditorium, 3:00 pm
An afternoon of music on the theme of romantic love. Works by Brahms and Willan, with featured work, Pinkham’s Wedding Cantata. The program will also include charts of popular American standards.
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When does Chorale rehearse?…
Mon. 4:30-6:00 pm, Tues. 4:30-5:30 pm, and Thurs. 4:30-6:00 pm in the Cultural Life Center.
Who should audition for Chorale?…
…any Roberts student with significant choral experience, music reading skills, a commitment to expressive singing, and a creative imagination. Limited scholarships for non-major tenors and basses available! See Ensemble Auditions for audition requirements and times.
Additional information
Male performers in Chorale are responsible for owning/purchasing a black Tuxedo; women, a black Chorale dress. Information on these will be provided at the beginning of each semester. The Chorale will tour to Ohio during a long weekend in the Spring semester. All singers register for Chorale, typically for one credit, but performers will be permitted to register for zero credit if enrolling places them into academic overload.
Choral Office Student Staff and Chorale Officers for the 2008-2009 season Justin Pietruch • Chorale and Men’s Chorus Manager
Katie Dorsey • Choral Librarian
Krysta Cagwin • Social Activities
Jessie Keim • Education and Outreach
Rebecca Kroetsch • Attendance
Matt Wells and Rebecca Kroetsch • Co-Chaplains
Greg Austin • Technology Support