The Dessoff Choirs’ final concert of the season, set on the 200th anniversary of Whitman’s birth, features several commissioned choral works that celebrate his poetry. The concert begins with settings of Whitman’s poetry by 20th-century American composers Howard Hanson and Gregg Smith. Along with reprises of two Dessoff commissions from earlier in the season, the second half of the concert offers two world premieres: commissioned works by Eve Beglarian and by Matthew Aucoin, the latter featuring choral excerpts from his critically acclaimed opera, Crossing.
7:15 pm pre-concert talk: Dr. Malcolm J. Merriweather in conversation with composers Matthew Aucoin, Eve Beglarian, Douglas Geers, & Ian Sturges Milliken
8:00 pm concert
Song of Democracy Howard Hanson (1896-1981)
Quicksand Years Ian Sturges Milliken (b. 1984)
Two Whitman Songs Gregg Smith (1931-2016)
As Adam Early in the Morning Douglas Geers (b. 1968)
WORLD PREMIERE
None More Than You Eve Beglarian (b. 1958)
WORLD PREMIERE
Choruses from Crossing Matthew Aucoin (b. 1990)
Tickets: $20-40 in advance, $25-45 at door
Purchase at dessoff.org or at the door.