With a title like “Something Old, Something New,” it’s only fitting that the Cal Poly Choirs’ winter concert on Saturday will not only celebrate classic composers like Johann Sebastian Bach but also debut works by Cal Poly’s own talent.
Bringing “something new” to the stage, music professor Antonio Barata’s composition “Recordare” will make its world premiere at the winter concert. The 72-voice University Singers ensemble will lend their vocals to “Recordare,” as music department faculty accompany on the instruments. Paul Woodring will play the Forbes Pipe Organ, Brynn Albanese will play violin, and Susan Azaret Davies will play piano.
“‘Recordare’ is what I’m most looking forward to conducting,” said Thomas Davies, Cal Poly music professor and concert conductor. “To have the University Singers singing a world premiere by the music department’s amazing Antonio Barata is exciting.”
Davies, as in years past, will be conducting the University Singers and the 45-member PolyPhonics vocal ensemble in this quarter’s concert. The vocal groups will sing their way through works by contemporary American composers David Childs and Eric Whitacre, as well as classic pieces by Felix Mendelssohn and Bach.
“That’s really why I decided to name this year’s winter concert ‘Something Old, Something New,'” Davies explained. “There’s some classic elements and some of the more recent composers, and then (‘Recordare’) is brand new.”
Student assistant conductor Richard Carrick, a music senior, will also conduct the choirs in works by Jan Sweelinck and Thomas Morley.
“Richard has an amazing talent. He has the potential to go on and make a career out of conducting vocal groups,” said Davies, who started conducting choirs at only 17 years old.
Cuesta College’s Chamber Singers will add “something old” to the mix, with the traditional spiritual piece “I’ve Been in the Storm So Long” and the ninth century “Ave Maris Stella.”
The Chamber Singers will also perform works by contemporary composers Aaron Copeland, James Erb and Whitacre, as well as a piece by Renaissance composer Francisco Guerrero.
All three choirs will come together for the first time in several years to round out the night with the spiritual arrangements “Wade in the Water” and “Witness.”
Davies said student and parent turnout is usually high at Cal Poly concerts – ranging between 400 and 600 people at the winter event – and shows the community’s appreciation for vocals.
“We love a good student showing and encourage everyone to come out and hear what their fellow campus-goers can sound like,” Davies said.
“Something Old, Something New” will be performed at the Performing Arts Center’s Christopher Cohan Center at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets range $8 to $15 and can be purchased at the PAC ticket office or by phone at 756-2787.