Shenandoah Conservatory’s Performing Arts Live, the region’s premiere concert series, kicks off Sunday, Oct. 5, with a performance by internationally acclaimed female a cappella ensemble Anonymous 4.
After nearly 30 years of international touring and 20 recordings, which have sold more than two million copies, the ensemble has announced 2015-16 will be their last season, making Winchester part of an exclusive two-year farewell tour.
Renowned for their unearthly vocal blend and virtuosic ensemble singing, Anonymous 4 brings to life the music of the past 1,000 years.
Their program in Winchester, titled “Grace and Glory,” is a historically rich program featuring 13th century French motets, American shape note tunes, gospel songs and folk hymns. The second half of the program, which includes new arrangements of American folk music and hymns popular in 1865, commemorates the 150th anniversary of the conclusion of the Civil War.
Immediately following the performance, audience members will have an opportunity to meet the ensemble, and on Monday, Oct. 6, female choral students from Shenandoah Conservatory and regional high school choirs will participate in a masterclass with the artists.
Shenandoah Conservatory’s Performing Arts Live series presents Anonymous 4 at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, in Armstrong Concert Hall on the campus of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. Ticket prices are $25 (general admission), $18 (senior citizens) and $10 (students and military). For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Shenandoah University Box Office at 540/665-4569 or visit http://conservatoryperforms.org/. Group discounts are available for groups of 20 or more.