Northwestern music department presents fall showcase

As part of Raider Nation Celebration, the Northwestern College music department will present a fall music showcase on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in Christ Chapel. The showcase will feature music from the A cappella Choir, Heritage Singers, Women’s Choir, Orchestra and Symphonic Band, and is free and open to the public.

The A cappella Choir will perform four selections ranging from the evocative plea for mercy “Kyrie” to “Baba Yetu,” a highly rhythmic Swahili setting of “The Lord’s Prayer.” A highlight of the Heritage Singers’ repertoire is “Flight of the Bumblebee,” an arrangement of Rimsky-Korsokov’s famous orchestra composition; without words, the music portrays an active and annoying bumblebee. These two choirs will invite guest conductor Corky Koerselman to join director Dr. Holm on stage.

The Women’s Choir will be singing Ryan Main’s striking “Il Lampo,” with text that portrays flashes of lightning in a building storm, and the deeply moving “In Remembrance” from Eleanor Daley’s Requiem.

The Symphonic Band will open with Charles Booker’s first movement of Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble, “Radiant Blues.” They will share another work titled “No Shadow of Turning” by David Gillingham, which is inspired by the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” The String Orchestra will offer a couple of pieces, including Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Presto” from the first movement of his Symphony No. 1.

Other highlights include performances by sophomore Morgan Huls (soprano), winner of the Rowenhorst Vocal Scholarship, and junior Benjamin Geary (saxophone), winner of the Ritsema Instrumental Scholarship. Cindy Moeller, NWC voice faculty, will present a vocal solo. MaryLou Wielenga, college organist, will open the evening with an extended prelude on the chapel organ.

Northwestern’s music department has a tradition of dynamic performances, outstanding faculty and standout educational experiences in an environment committed to glorifying God. Students can audition for one or more of 10 ensembles, having the opportunity to tour around the world and perform in the award-winning Christ Chapel.