BSC choirs welcome spring with songs of the river Posted on 4/28/2011
Dr. Mark Christensen, bass soloist
A concert by the Bismarck State College choirs and guest bass vocalist Mark Christensen expresses traditional river songs, Negro spirituals, American folk tunes and other repertoire Tuesday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck.
The " ‘Cross the Wide Missouri" program meanders through "Deep River" and "Shenandoah" via the Concert Choir and a solo performance of "Old Man River" by Christensen. The choir also sings a composition by Andrew Miller, BSC's choral director - "If Music Be the Food of Love" accompanied by violinist Everaldo Martinez, BSC strings instructor.
"This program reflects the down-home nostalgia every North Dakotan feels as we spring into summer," Miller says.
Dr. Mark Christensen, professor of English at Bemidji State University, Bemidji, Minn., has sung professionally for 40 years. A member of many choral ensembles, he has given recitals and played roles in operas and plays. In July, he will sing the role of Bartolo in "The Marriage of Figaro."
The evening also features selections by the BSC Chamber Singers, Women's Ensemble and Men's Ensemble. The 16-member Men's Ensemble, directed by Dawn Hagerott, performs four pieces including "Prayer of the Children" and "Loch Lomond" featuring soloists James Gefroh, Matt Manders and Jeremiah McFarlen.
Members of the Women's Ensemble perform "When I Think of You" by Laura Farnell, Hebrew love songs, a Chinese folk tune, and an arrangement by Miller of Sting's "Fields of Gold."
Accompanist is Diane Eichhorst, BSC keyboard instructor. The concert is presented at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.
Bismarck State College Continuing Education, Training & Innovation PO Box 5587, 1200 Schafer Street , Bismarck, North Dakota 58506 701-224-5600 :: 1-877-846-9387
