Grammy-nominated CSU Chorus Performs at Alma
The highly acclaimed Central State University Chorus, whose repertoire includes black spiritual and sacred liturgical music and works by Joseph Hayden, will bring its version of “get-off-your-seat” choral energy to Alma College.
The chorus, which has performed with such artists as Stevie Wonder and Alberta Walker, performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 in the Remick Heritage Center at Alma College. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and up, and free for Alma College staff, students and youth 18 and under. Seating is reserved. Call (989) 463-7304 for ticket information.
The Alma College Choir will join the Central State University Chorus for two songs during the performance, says Will Nichols, director of choirs at Alma College.
Central State University Chorus
"Our music programs are similar because of the model of the liberal arts education,” says Nichols. "The Alma College Choir is often a guest at Central State University, and now we have the opportunity to return the favor for a group we so greatly respect.”
William Henry Caldwell, director of the Central State University Chorus, is a relative of James Arthur Williams, who is an old friend of Nichols and an Alma College Honorary Doctorate recipient. Williams hosted the Alma College Choir at Stillman College.
Under the leadership of Caldwell, the Central State chorus has received international acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for its Telarc International CD, “A Gospel Celebration, Amen.” The group also has performed with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Alberta Walker, Termaine Hawkins and Vaclac Nelhybel.
The Chorus has toured throughout the United States and Europe, performing in England and France in monumental buildings such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame. In 2007, the Chorus performed in Venice, Florence and Rome and at the Vatican for Pope Benedict XIX. In 1994, the chorus performed in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Central State University, located in Wilberforce, Ohio, is one of a few schools that can trace its black heritage back 120 years. It is one of the nation's oldest historically black universities.
Posted: Tue, February 2nd, 2010 at 8:09AM
