MSSU Chamber Singers to open for Chanticleer

(From Southern News Service)

The Missouri Southern State University Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. David L. Sharlow, will open for the Grammy-Award winning Chanticleer ensemble at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26 at Central Christian Center, 5th & Virginia in Joplin.

Chanticleer will take the stage at 7 p.m.

Founded in San Francisco in 1978, Chanticleer is known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for the seamless blend of its twelve male voices ranging from countertenor to bass and its original interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to venturesome new music.

The Missouri Southern Chamber singers also will participate in a master class with Chanticleer at 10 a.m. on Feb. 26 in Corley Auditorium at MSSU.

The Missouri Southern Chamber Singers is a select, mixed-ensemble of 26-30 singers comprised of mostly music majors and minors, although talented non-music majors have been invited to sing based upon their level of skill and ability. The focus of this group is to explore a variety of music spanning all historical periods, choral genres, and cultural perspectives, with an emphasis on unaccompanied literature.

Sharlow is in his sixth year as director of choral activities and associate professor of music at MSSU. He received his Doctor of Philosophy in Choral Music Education / Curriculum & Instruction from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Prior to his doctoral work, he enjoyed 12 years as a high school vocal music teacher, mostly in Wichita and Goddard, Kan.

“Having the opportunity to open for Chanticleer is a great honor for us,” he says.

The evening will be presented by ProMusica of Joplin. The concert is open to the public at no charge. However, donations are greatly appreciated.

For more information about the Chanticleer performance, please contact Bonnie Yetter at 417-625-1822 or email info@promusicajoplin.org .

For information about the Chamber Singers, contact Sharlow at 417-625-9562 or email sharlow-d@mssu.edu .