The arts are a vital part of all human cultures that both influence and reflect how we see the world. For their fall concert, the Dubuque Chorale, Cadenza, and the Children’s Choirs perform music inspired by forms of art like painting, dance, and poetry. The concert coincides with National Arts and Humanities month, established in 1993 to encourage participation in and support for the arts and humanities across the United States. As Karmella Sellers, Progam Director of the Children’s Choirs, puts it, “I can’t think of any single thing that has had more impact on my life than the arts.”

October 25th, 7PM
October 26th, 2PM

First Congressional United Church of Christ

Program

The program opens with “Some Nights” by the pop rock band fun. It illustrates the perspective of a young artist wrestling with who he is and questioning the decisions and sacrifices he has made on the road to fame and success. The mood-boosting power of music is demonstrated by one of the Children’s Choir’s numbers, a rendition of “I Whistle a Happy Tune” from The King and I.

A highlight of the concert are two original pieces by the Chorale’s own membership. Soprano Mary Bryant’s piece “Be Still” uses biblical text to call the listener to find peace and renewal through faith. Bryant composed it at time when she herself needed to hear its calming message during a time of heightened anxiety. Associate Director Than Chesher’s piece “And You Love Me” is is a setting of a poem by 19th century American poet Stephen Crane. The text explores the complexity of human relationships, depicting the joy and anxiety of falling in love.

When two forms of art combine, the audience is able to engage multiple senses at once and deepen their experience of the work. The song “Sunday” from Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George, depicts the artist Georges Seurat finishing his most famous work, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. “At Such a Dizzy Height,” composed by Joan Szymko, takes inspiration from the stained glass windows of Marc Chagall with lyrics adapted from letters between the artist and his wife, Bella.

The concert’s final piece, “Connected” by Brian Tate and performed by the combined choirs, challenges our human tendency to focus on differences between people, and reminds us instead of how we are all bound together.

Admission is free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.