The Journal

Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: Lifestyle

Media Credit: Laila Wessel Robert Howard conducts instrumentalists and the Webster University Concert Choir at the 21st presentation of the season, entitled "Notes from Mother Earth," Oct. 28 in the Community Music School concert hall.

The audience sat in awe as the music of Henry Purcell's "In These Delightful Pleasant Groves" echoed around them, sung by a 40-voice ensemble.

Through a mix of music and vocals, audience members sampled the sweet melodies of the Webster University Concert Choir in the show "Notes from Mother Earth," held Oct. 28 in the Community Music School. All the music and text related back to the beauty and wonders of nature.

Some of the songs included "Swan," "Sheep May Safely Graze," "Sure, On This Shiny Night," "Antithon" and "Dreamcatchers" - a piece written by the conductor Robert Howard.

After the intermission, the choir walked down two aisles that converged at the stage. Standing in the aisles, the choir surrounded the seated audience and began singing the piece "Now I Walk in Beauty" by Gregg Smith.

Mike Slivka, a 2003 Webster alumnus, said he went to the show to see his girlfriend Katy Craven perform. He said when he attended WU he saw shows in the Winifred Moore Auditorium, and he likes the new building.

"I think the performance is very good and professionally done," Slivka said. "I really like the instrumentals in addition to the choir."

Alto Elisabeth Tomczyk, a junior music major with an emphasis in piano performance, said although performing in a major ensemble is a requirement for her major, she is glad she has been in the group for the last two years and is excited about the
new changes.

"I enjoy being in a group of other musicians and collaborating together," Tomczyk said. "The choir is exponentially better. The conductor expects more from us and gets it done."

Howard took control of the choir after former conductor Joel Christie stepped down.

Tomczyk said she also enjoyed being able to use the Community Music School's concert hall as a performance space, especially compared to the Winifred
Moore Auditorium.

"It's great for small chamber groups and solos," Tomczyk said.

Continued...

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