From: Sarah Mauet [mailto:sarah@sarahmauet.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2014 4:45 PM
Subject: Art and music mix at ARS 30th anniversary events
Arizona Repertory Singers to premiere four original compositions and four artworksat 30th anniversary concerts April 27 and May 4
New season finale event: ARS Open Rehearsal/Choral Singing Workshop May 6
TUCSON, Arizona – Arizona Repertory Singers (ARS), Tucson’s premier choral ensemble, will conclude its 30th anniversary season with Voices at an Exhibition on April 27 and May 4. The multimedia concert and art show will premiere four original commissioned compositions and four visual artworks by local artists in addition to showcasing music-inspired art by children in the Opening Minds Through the Arts (OMA) program.
“To premiere four pieces of music and four pieces of art at once – you won’t find that being done anywhere else in the nation,” said ARS Music Director Jeffry A. Jahn. “We are very excited to be part of something unique.”
Inspired by “Pictures at an Exhibition,” a Russian composition depicting a tour of an art collection, ARS has commissioned four original art-inspired choral compositions for Voices at an Exhibition. The artwork that inspired the music is by artists who are also ARS singers: Sheryl Holland, abstract painter; David Neve, U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. and photographer; Jan Sturges, photographer; and Ingrid Williams, casein painter.
“I wanted to show the diversity of talent in this group for our 30th anniversary,” Jahn said of the 45-voice ensemble. “We have a lot to celebrate and we wanted to do a lot to celebrate it.”
Experienced composers Ray Braswell and Dave Plank and accomplished young composers Anthony Constantino and Grant Jahn each wrote an original choral composition inspired by a different piece of art. The composers all have a connection to ARS so while the lyrics and styles vary, each piece is a great fit.
“When you get the opportunity to rehearse a piece that no one has ever sung and perform a piece that no one has ever heard, it’s tremendously cool – and it becomes personal and emotional,” Jahn said.
As part of its mission to support music education, ARS has teamed with Tucson Unified School District’s OMA program for a musical art project. Through careful listening, elementary students will use instrumental music as the inspiration for visual artwork. Their art will join the ARS art on display at Voices at an Exhibition.
To thank its loyal fans and the local music community for three decades of support, ARS is holding a special 30th anniversary season finale: the inaugural ARS Open Rehearsal/Choral Singing Workshop on May 6. Music aficionados can observe ARS behind the scenes at a working rehearsal and join in the singing.
“We wanted to do this to support and strengthen the singing community in Tucson,” Jahn said. “We want to show what ARS does. Maybe some people will realize they can do it too and will audition for ARS in August.”
ARS’ 30th Anniversary Spring Events
Voices at an Exhibition
3 p.m. April 27
Fountain of Life Lutheran Church,
710 S. Kolb Road
Open to the public. Tickets: $15
Voices at an Exhibition
2 p.m. May 4
Christ Church United Methodist,
655 N. Craycroft Road
Open to the public. Tickets: $15
Open Rehearsal / Workshop
7 p.m. May 6
Fountain of Life Lutheran Church,
710 S. Kolb Road. Ages 18+
Tickets: $8 advance/ $10 door
Purchase tickets online starting Feb. 15 at http://arsingers.tix.com. Visit arsingers.org for more information.
Arizona Repertory Singers is a 45-voice choral ensemble that has been critically regarded as “Tucson’s crown jewel of choral groups.” Known for its extensive repertoire, ARS has performed at more than 65 venues in Southern Arizona. Under the direction of Dr. Jeffry A. Jahn, ARS is in its 30th season. Tucson Pima Arts Council awarded ARS a grant for 2013-14.
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