College of DuPage concerts

Works by Cedar Walton, Paul Simon, Franz Joseph Haydn and More Featured in Diverse Program of Pop, Jazz, Folk and Classical Music

GLEN ELLYN, IL – Five College of DuPage (COD) student music ensembles unite for a mid-semester concert at the McAninch Arts Center located on the campus of College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd. Thursday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

The diverse and entertaining program of 16 works will include Adam Miller’s rhythmic “Rainfall;” distinguished contemporary jazz composer Cedar Walton’s “Cedar’s Blues, ” Felix Mendelssohn’s reverent choral work, “Verleih uns Frieden;” a gospel version of Paul Simon’s Grammy Award-winning hit, “A Bridge Over Troubled Water;” Franz Joseph Haydn’s composition for wind instruments, “Selections from Feldpartie in C; David O’Fallon’s beautiful and creative “Gaelic Overture;” Thomas Weelkes masterful madrigal, “Hark, all ye Lovely Saints;” Thomas Tallis’ well-known anthem, “If Ye Love Me;” among others. A list of the full program follows this release.

Twice a year, the MAC offers this showcase of student music ensembles. The concert demonstrates some of the wide variety of music-making in the College of DuPage music department. The two choirs and three instrumental ensembles represent the very best in guided collaborative music-making, from the traditions of classical chamber orchestra to the free improvisation of small group jazz, a broad spectrum of the contemporary percussion ensemble and both small and large choral ensembles. Under the leadership of professional faculty, COD students have the opportunity to grow as music-makers. This concert gives audiences a chance to peer into the window of that process.

“We’re very proud of our talented and energetic music students. This concert is sure to pique the interest of anyone who likes to see music students learning and demonstrating their craft, ” says COD Music Department Chair Lee Kesselman.

The following ensembles will be performing at the Oct. 16 concert:

The Small Group Jazz Ensemble. This 10-member ensemble, under the direction of Tom Tallman, addresses the many aspects of jazz including improvising and constructing small-group arrangements.

The Percussion Ensemble. This 14-member ensemble, under the direction of Ben Wahlund, is a chamber ensemble that performs repertoire written specifically for the percussion family as well as transcriptions adaptable to percussion.

The Chamber Orchestra. This eight-member orchestra, under the direction of Alison Gaines, focuses on reparation and performance of music for small orchestra.