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Shenandoah University

Music. Theatre. Dance.

Choral Ensembles

In a Time of Loving

Shenandoah Conservatory’s combined choral ensembles present music from a wide variety of choral traditions featuring pieces curated, prepared and conducted by our graduate students in choral conducting, including Bach’s Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243.

Digital Program

Shenandoah Conservatory is launching digital programs for the 2021/22 season! We’re always looking for ways to improve your audience experience and provide more ways to connect with our students, faculty and guest artists from around the world. The digital program is best viewed on your mobile or tablet device.

View Digital Program
ACCESSIBILITY

Accommodations for disabilities may be arranged by contacting the Box Office at least three days prior to the performance.

Photos by C King Media

EDGE Ensemble & Conservatory Choir

The EDGE Ensemble and Conservatory Choir partner to present an evening of works by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. Set in the Bright Box in downtown Winchester, the evening will feature an introduction by Shaw and an opportunity to learn more about her creative work and process.

New This Year: Digital Programs!

Shenandoah Conservatory is launching digital programs for the 2021/22 season! We’re always looking for ways to improve your audience experience and provide more ways to connect with our students, faculty and guest artists from around the world. The digital program is best viewed on your mobile or tablet device.

View Digital Program
PULITZER PRIZE COMPOSER SERIES: CAROLINE SHAW

Throughout the month of April, Shenandoah Conservatory celebrates the shimmering work of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw, with performances by the Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, EDGE Ensemble and Conservatory Choir.

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Food & Drink

Bright Box Theater: Cocktail table seating. Doors open at 7PM for food and drink service.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accommodations for disabilities may be arranged by contacting the Box Office at least three days prior to the performance.

Photos by C King Media

VOCES8 & Choral Ensembles

As a culminating event to the ensemble’s digital residency at Shenandoah, VOCES8 and the Shenandoah Conservatory choral ensembles present a joint virtual performance via Zoom including final thoughts and reflections on a month’s worth of work together.

Join Zoom for VOCES8 & Choral Ensembles Joint Performance

Learn More about the VOCES8 Virtual Residency at Shenandoah

ABOUT VOCES8

The British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. Touring globally, the group performs an extensive repertory both in its a cappella concerts and in collaborations with leading orchestras, conductors and soloists. Versatility and a celebration of diverse musical expression are central to the ensemble’s performance and education ethos.

VOCES8 has performed at many notable venues in its 15-year career, and in the 2020/21 season they are scheduled to perform concerts in the United Kingdom and across Europe, in the United States and Japan, as well as perform on film. The season begins online with Live from London and followed up by Live from London – Christmas, ground-breaking global streaming festivals hosted by the VOCES8 Foundation that connects performers with audiences around the world.

This season sees the launch of the VOCES8 Digital Academy, an online choral program for high schools and colleges featuring live interaction with members of the ensemble, live and recorded lectures, and video resources to learn and perform music from the renaissance to today.

With an on-going program of recordings, videos and live broadcasts, VOCES8 is heard regularly on albums, international television and radio, as well as maintaining a vibrant web performance presence. The ensemble is a Decca Classics artist and also releases on its own label, VOCES8 Records. The latest album After Silence topped the charts, and a major new project with Decca Classics is planned for release in 2021.

VOCES8 is passionate about music education and is the flagship ensemble of the music charity the VOCES8 Foundation. Engaging in a broad range of outreach work that reaches up to 40,000 people a year, the group runs an annual program of workshops and masterclasses at the foundation’s home in London, the VOCES8 Centre at St Anne & St Agnes Church. Dedicated to supporting promising young singers, the group awards eight annual choral scholarships through the VOCES8 Scholars initiative. These scholarships are linked to the annual Milton Abbey Summer School at which amateur singers of all ages are invited to work and perform with VOCES8. Through the separate VOCES8 USA Foundation there is another set of 12 talented Scholars.

VOCES8 is proud to have Roxanna Panufnik as the group’s composer-in-residence, and Jim Clements as arranger-in-residence. The ensemble has premiered commissions from Jonathan Dove, Roxanna Panufnik, Alexander Levine, Paul Mealor, Alexia Sloane, Alec Roth, Ben Parry, Ola Gjeilo, Mårten Jansson, Philip Stopford, Graham Lack, Thomas Hewitt Jones and Owain Park. In this season they will premiere works from Ken Burton, Taylor Scott Davis, Melissa Dunphy, Jocelyn Hagen, Paul Mealor, Alec Roth, Paul Smith and Roderick Williams. The ensemble has collaborated with ensembles and soloists including the Academy of Ancient Music, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philharmonia Orchestra, Rachel Podger, and welcomed artists on its recordings such as Mary Bevan, Nick Deutsch, Jonathan Dove, Sibeal and others.

As ambassadors for Edition Peters the ensemble publishes material including the VOCES8 Method. Developed by Paul Smith, co-founder of VOCES8, this renowned and unique teaching tool is available in four languages and adopts music to enhance development in numeracy, literacy and linguistics. Also available are two anthologies of its arrangements, and an ever-expanding ‘VOCES8 Singles’ range.

IN Series Orphée et Eurydice

CP4U

Streaming on CP4U Monday, November 2 – Saturday, May 15

Orphée et Eurydice: An Opera Film about Love and Loss in the Time of COVID

Music by Christoph Willibald Gluck
New English Translation by Andrew Albin
Directed by Timothy Nelson
Music Direction by Simone Luti
Benjamin Williamson (London), Orpheus
Paula Sides (London), Eurydice
Shenandoah University Conservatory Choir, Ensemble
Matthew Oltman, Chorus Master

Shenandoah Conservatory voice students collaborate with D.C.-based opera company IN Series in an unprecedented digital production of Orphée et Eurydice. Gluck’s revolutionary opera is the first in a trilogy of projects about love and loss in the time of COVID-19. Real-life husband and wife Benjamin Williamson and Paula Sides take on this story of love at the edge of life and death. The Conservatory Choir provided the exquisite other-worldly choruses that torment and console the film’s modern-day Orpheus as he struggles to cope with the death of his wife from an unnamed long-term illness. Recording in isolation booths, four at a time in the Ruebush Hall Recording Studio, their voices help drive Orpheus’ decent into deep despair and then turn to celebration as Orpheus reconciles his loss and finds a way to live with his grief.

SU and IN Series Collaborate on Unprecedented Digital Opera Season PRESS RELEASE

Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.-based opera company IN Series announce a season-long partnership to collaboratively create three digital opera premieres for release in 2020 and 2021. Finding opportunity in COVID-19-imposed restrictions on in-person singing, IN Series welcomes sixteen of Shenandoah’s graduate and undergraduate voice students to remotely provide the ensemble for upcoming co-productions of Gluck’s “Orphée et Eurydice”; “Boheme in the Heights,” based on Puccini’s “La Boheme”; and Bizet’s “The Pearl Fishers.”

Regular performer at IN Series and Associate Professor of Voice (Tenor) Byron Jones ’04, D.M.A., spoke highly of the opportunity. “Having been associated with IN Series since 1991, I know how richly creative and transformative their work is. I am thrilled that our students will get the chance to work with such a visionary company. Not only will they learn from the experience, but they will also establish professional connections that they may have for decades to come.”

IN Series Artistic Director Timothy Nelson echoes his optimism. “IN Series is honored and grateful to be in partnership with the choral program of Shenandoah Conservatory. The move to a fully virtual season has brought challenges and vast amounts of learning, but it has also presented opportunities for new partnerships. In a year when IN Series is able to explore traditional operatic works with great choral components, something we don’t often have the chance to produce, we are excited to lean on the experiences of Shenandoah’s virtual choirs, to grow from the enthusiasm of their talented students and faculty, and to offer performance opportunities in the dynamic season we are all experiencing.”

While group singing is considered one of the highest-risk activities for spreading coronavirus, Shenandoah Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Choral Activities Matthew Oltman, D.M.A., spoke assuredly about the strict protocols in place to ensure the safety of students and staff. “We’ll have eight singers at a time rehearsing together inside for a maximum of thirty minutes. They will be masked and at least 12 feet apart. Outside, all sixteen of them may sing together, masked and 12 feet apart for 30 minutes. Safety measures will also affect how we record. We may have to record in groups of four or some other creative configuration. We look forward to figuring out a way in which music production and recording technology students can help us safely capture the recordings for this project.” He added, “This collaboration is really fantastic. It may be the only real ‘performance’ opportunity SU choral students have this semester.”

“Orphée et Eurydice” premieres on Monday, Nov. 2, the first in a trilogy of projects about love and loss in the time of COVID-19. Real-life husband and wife Benjamin Williamson and Paula Sides take on this story of love at the edge of life and death. “Boheme in the Heights” is scheduled for release on Dec. 24, and “The Pearl Fishers” makes its debut in late February 2021.

All three performances will be available for streaming through digital platforms hosted by Shenandoah Conservatory and IN Series.

CP4U, Shenandoah Conservatory’s new digital streaming platform, showcases a dynamic lineup of music, theatre and dance by the conservatory’s own award-winning faculty and students, as well as internationally acclaimed guest artists. CP4U Sustaining Members enjoy access to all digital content throughout the Conservatory Performs 2020/21 season, priority email communication, reduced ticket prices to live performances and more. CP4U Sustaining Memberships start at $75 and are tax deductible. Single-viewing access will be available for purchase for some programs. To view an entire calendar of events, purchase tickets and learn more, visit Conservatory Performs online at conservatoryperforms.org or by phone at 540-665-4569. Regular box office hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.

All productions of IN Series’ virtual season are available on INvision: The Logan Operahouse Without Walls, a first-of-its kind multi-venue digital performing arts center. There is no cost for a non-subscription membership to the site, and anyone can sign up for free at www.invision.inseries.org. Subscriptions are $9.99 a month for individuals or $99 a year, $198 a year for a couple or $149 a year for a senior couple.

Shenandoah University Premieres Virtual Performance of ‘We Will Rise’ Virtual Choir Showcases the Talents of 75+ Participants from Around the World

Shenandoah University has premiered “We Will Rise,” a virtual performance crafted to interpret the internationally acclaimed song “We Will Rise” composed by Stefan Youngblood ’85 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education) and 75 choir participants and seven soloists from around the world. The project was produced and music directed by Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Choral Activities Matt Oltman, D.M.A. Video was edited by Donald Fraser of Fraser Music Interactive, and Simon Kiln of Abbey Road Studios served as the sound editor and balance engineer. The instrumental recording was produced by Youngblood and edited by Kurt Masterllor. Eric Terlizzi provided the instrumental arrangement. Distinguished Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Production & Recording Technology and Film Studies Paul DiFranco assisted with licensing. Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., spearheaded the idea and served as the executive producer for the project.

Twenty Shenandoah University students, alumni and faculty members participated in the project. Six countries were represented, including the United States, Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, India and Nepal, with choirs from Shenandoah University (USA), University of Pretoria TUKS Camerata (South Africa), Pacific Youth Choir (USA), Choral Chameleon (USA) and Empire City Men’s Choir (USA), as well as individuals from Canada, India, Nepal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Gospel/broadway singer/songwriter Cinnamon Ruth Leggett and Indian singer/actress Suneeta Rao were some of the featured collaborators of renowned acclaim.

The song was originally written by candlelight on September 15,1995, as the powerful Category 4 Hurricane Marilyn devastated the Caribbean in the middle of the night. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) adopted the slogan ’We Will Rise!’ and they used the song to spread hope. This year, the song celebrates 25 years of traveling the globe, being translated in multiple languages in times of crisis for countries including Haiti, where they recorded a new version in Creole which was featured on the ‘Delilah Show’; Nepal after an earthquake killed thousands; Myanmar after cyclone Nargis killed 138,000, and more.

“As destructive as these events were, none had the global impact of COVID-19/ coronavirus, nor were they as devastating to the physical and mental health or the livelihood of so many people,” said Dr. Oltman. “It is for this reason that Stefan [composer], Tracy [executive producer and Shenandoah University president] and I reached out to individuals and choral contacts throughout the world to invite their participation in a new virtual choir recording of ‘We Will Rise!’ It is our hope that with their help we can create a musical statement of solidarity that reflects the truly global nature of this crisis and our need, as vocalists and choral musicians, to use our gifts to create positive change even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.”

The creative process was collaborative and challenging in its nature. Some participants are COVID-19 survivors, some had to drive a significant distance in order to have enough bandwidth to upload their videos and some had a very narrow recording window each day due to the city noises that included roosters in the morning, dogs at night and the regular passage of trains and buses. Despite an array of challenges, participants held on to the hope within the project as many individual singers had previously performed the song as a response to recovery from local natural disasters.

A Recital in Celebration of Black History Month

Shenandoah Conservatory voice and piano faculty and students partner to present a special recital celebrating Black History Month featuring the music of black composers, poets, art songs and spirituals. Highlights include works by J. Rosamond Johnson, Roland Hayes, Leslie Adams, Margaret Bonds, William Grant Still, Hall Johnson, Charles Lloyd, John Work, Undine Smith Moore, Roland Carter, Fats Waller and Hale Smith.

PROGRAM

J. Rosamond Johnson: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing (National African American Hymn)
arr. Roland Hayes: Sister Mary Had-a But One Child
arr. Roland Hayes: Round About the Mountain
Leslie Adams: For You There Is No Song
Charles Lloyd, Jr.: Compensation
arr. William Grant Still: Sinner, Please Don’t Let This Harvest Pass
Margaret Bonds: Songs of the Season
Hall Johnson: City Called Heaven
Hale Smith: This Little Light of Mine
John W. Work, Jr.: Soliloquy
Leslie Adams: Creole Girl
Ricky Ian Gordon: My People
Undine Smith Moore: Come Down Angels
arr. Moses Hogan: Let Us Break Bread
arr. Moses Hogan: Give Me Jesus
arr. Moses Hogan: He’s Got the Whole World
arr. Roland Carter: Steal Away
Fats Waller: Keepin’ Out of Mischief
J. Rosamond Johnson: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing (National African American Hymn)

VOCALISTS

Stephanie Higgins, soprano
Elizabeth Holmes, soprano
Fotina Naumenko, soprano
Edrie Means Weekly, soprano
Kathryn Green, mezzo-soprano
Michael Forest, tenor
Byron Jones, tenor
George Wilkerson, tenor
David Meyer, baritone

COLLABORATIVE PIANISTS

Karen Keating, piano
Karen Walker, piano
Tianbo Guo, piano
Diane Voegtlin, piano

CANCELLED: The Body, the Voice, the Instrument

CANCELLED EVENT

This performance has been cancelled to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Current ticket holders will be contacted directly via email regarding refunds. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Applauded as “a perfect encapsulation of today’s trends in chamber music,” the award-winning PUBLIQuartet lends a fresh perspective to the music scene. Dedicated to presenting new works, PUBLIQuartet’s genre-bending programs not only expand the techniques and aesthetic of the traditional string quartet, but also present a wide variety of under-represented music and contemporary composers.

Friday, March 27 at 7:30PM
Saturday, March 28 at 7:30PM
Sunday, March 29 at 2:30PM

The Body, the Voice, the Instrument

The Shenandoah Conservatory Dance Ensemble performs original works choreographed by Maurice Fraga, Shylo Martinez and Matt Pardo in a powerful artistic alliance with the Shenandoah Conservatory choirs and Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Matt Oltman, Karen Keating and guest conductor Nadège Foofat. Highlights include performances of “Choral Dances” from Benjamin Britten’s coronation opera, Gloriana; a new adaptation of Edward Elgar’s Sea Pictures, op. 37 for chorus and orchestra; and the glorious Serenade to Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Concessions will be available for cash purchase beginning one hour prior to this performance.

Some productions contain mature content and/or content that may be offensive to some audiences. Contact the Box Office for more information.
ACCESSIBILITY

Infrared hearing system headsets are available in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre only. Accommodations for disabilities may be arranged by contacting the Box Office at least three days prior to the performance.

Photos by Senyao Zeng

CANCELLED: Shenandoah Singers

CANCELLED EVENT

This concert featuring the Shenandoah Singers has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Visit conservatoryperforms.org for the most up-to-date information about Shenandoah Conservatory performances and events.

JEFF MARLATT, DIRECTOR

Committed to dynamic and engaging performances, arts access and exploring music as a vehicle for shared understanding and social change, Shenandoah Singers (Jeff Marlatt, director) performs a dynamic range of works from the popular music tradition. The program features an eclectic repertoire of a cappella jazz, pop and world music.

Photos by C. King Photography