Notice Board

With hearts bursting with song, the U of L Singers take to the Recital Hall stage for ‘How Can I Keep From Singing’, a concert inspired by St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. Happening November 22 at 8 pm, which is also St. Cecilia Day in the Roman Catholic calendar, the concert showcases a bounty of beautiful choral arrangements.

“The program was inspired by Roman Catholicism, the act of singing, and the desire to include a wide variety of musical eras and styles of choral singing,” says Dr. Sandra Stringer, director. “It is said that on St. Cecilia’s wedding day, as the musicians played, she sang a song in her heart to the Lord.”

Along with an arrangement of the Shaker hymn, “How Can I Keep From Singing,” and “A Hymn to St. Cecilia” by Canadian composer, Eleanor Daley, other notable selections on the evening’s program include “Ave Maria” with text by Franz Biebl, and an atmospheric rendering of E.E. Cumming’s poem, “all which isn’t singing is mere talking.”

Taking the reins as conductor of the U of L Singers for the Spring 2015 term, the concert reintroduces Joanne Collier to the University. “The U of L Singers are pleased to welcome Joanne Collier, as our guest conductor for the concert,” says Stringer. “She brings more than 20 years of vocal pedagogy and choral conducting experience in Southern Alberta.”