Program Notes

O Great Beyond

Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.

I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way

Rabindranath Tagore, 1913

Rabindranath Tagore was an early twentieth century and poet – heralded as the first non-European to be awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature. His captivating words became the inspiration for a set of three pieces by Minnesota composer Thomas Lavoy – which in turn, became the inspiration for this program.

O Great Beyond speaks to the lives of all those who have gone before us, those who are presently in our midst, and those will exist in body or spirit beyond the end of time as we know it.

It is in these words that we find a thread that links body, mind, spirit, and soul in a celebration of the human experience – at least as best we can know it.

Seek Him that Maketh the Seven Stars

Jonathan Dove

Two pieces by renowned British composer, Jonathan Dove book-end out concert set . This text drawn from the Old Testament and the Psalms quite literally launches toward the stars as we set our course for eternity.

Seek Him that maketh the seven stars and Orion,
and turneth the shadow of death into the morning.

Alleluia, yea, the darkness shineth as the day, the night is light about me. Amen

Faire is the Heaven

William H. Harris

Composed nearly 100 years ago by Sir William Henry Harris, the text of this remarkable piece dates back to the 16th century from the pen of Edmund Spenser (1553-1599). Scored for double choir, the anthem begins in total stasis as the poet describe a joyous place called heaven. That which follows, however, is a turbulent journey of erratic chord progressions as we hear the wings of angels darting from one choir to the other, then back again. How, then, could any mortal tongue express the true essence of perfectness, other than coming to rest in the calm harmonic resolution as the choir finally join again as one.

Faire is the heaven, where happy soules have place
In full enjoyment of felicitie
Whence they doe still behold the glorious face
Of the divine, eternall Majestie …

Yet farre more faire be those bright Cherubins
Which all with golden wings are overdight
And those eternall burning Seraphins
Which from their faces dart out fiery light
Yet fairer than they both, and much more bright

Beneath Angels and Archangels which attend
On God’s owne person, without rest or end
These then in faire each other farre excelling
As to the Highest they approach more neare
Yet is that Highest farre beyond all telling
Fairer than all the rest which there appeare
Though all their beauties joynd together were
How then can mortall tongue hope to expresse
The image of such endlesse perfectnesse?

Sanctus
from Mass for Double Choir

Frank Martin

French composer Frank Martin’s birth and death dates are nearly identical of his British counterpart, William Harris, but his music is decidedly French in both texture and nuance. Though we are only performing the Sanctus on this concert, his entire Mass for Double Choir is considered one of the masterworks of the early 20th century. Like Faire is the Heaven, the opening is deceptively serene as sopranos and altos slowly ramp up the intensity while passing an idiomatic scale back and forth between the two choirs. Suddenly, the heavens burst forth as the choir sings “heaven and early are full of they glory!” The tenors become the stabilizing force to reunite leading to a bold, yet indecisive final (half) cadence – suggesting that a resolute definition of eternity is not to be found in this setting. How very French!

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts,
heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.
Hosanna in the highest.

O Great Beyond

Thomas LaVoy

Here we have another text created about 100 years ago, but well outside the influence of the churches of Western Europe. All three movements were written to be sung without pause, as the last movement is essentially a mirror image of the first. Lavoy’s setting mimics that of Faire is the Heaven, beginning in quiet resignation the “my songs are lost in the of the sky.” By contrast, the choir reaches the most climatic moments of the entire work as they cry out, O Great Beyond! – only to be reminded by the altos that we have not wings to fly, we know not the way of the winged horse, and in the end, the gates are shut in the house where I dwell alone. In the last place, (in the last movement) we find peace not in a dream of eternity, but in the simple beauty of silence.

I. In Your Eyes

My heart, the bird of the wilderness, has found its sky in your eyes.
They are the cradle of the morning, they are the kingdom of the stars.
My songs are lost in their depths.
Let me but soar in that sky, in its lonely immensity.
Let me but cleave its clouds and spread wings in its sunshine.

II. A Strange Land

I am restless. I am athirst for far-away things.
My soul goes out in a longing to touch the skirt of the dim distance.
O Great Beyond, O the keen call of thy flute!
I forget, I ever forget, that I have no wings to fly, and I am bound in this spot evermore.

I am eager and wakeful, I am a stranger in a strange land.
Thy breath comes to me whispering an impossible hope.
Thy tongue is known to my heart as its very own.
O Far-to-seek, O the keen call of thy flute!
I forget, I ever forget, that I know not the way, that I have not the winged horse.

I am listless, I am a wanderer in my heart.
In the sunny haze of the languid hours, what vast vision of thine takes shape in the blue of the sky!
O Farthest End, O the keen call of thy flute!
I forget, I ever forget, that the gates are shut everywhere in the house where I dwell alone!

III. In Silence

Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death but completeness.
Let love melt into memory, and pain into songs.
Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower of the night.
Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.
I bow to you, and hold up my lamp to light you on your way.

Claviante Brilioso

Thomas Jennefelt

We suspect this piece will take on a unique and original character with each and every performance. This is largely due to the fact that the text is derived from a language that only exists in the mind of the composer, and means absolutely…

NOTHING!

The fanatically curious musicians in the audience might want to know that this one of seven movements drawn from the Villarosa Sequences, each featuring yet another verse of this mysterious and fictitious language.

O Sacrum Convivum

Kim André Arnesen

In an effort to bring you back from the sublime and the ridiculous, the lush, neo-romantic writing Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen celebrates the the most sacred of Christian traditions. Melodies derived from chant are accentuated by 10 and 12 part chords where even the most dissonant progressions sound other-worldly.

O sacred banquet!
in which Christ is received,
the memory of his Passion is renewed,
the mind is filled with grace,
and a pledge of future glory to us is given.
Alleluia.

Gloria
from Missa Brevis

Jonathan Dove

As it was in the beginning… we return to the angular stylings of Jonathan Dove in the Gloria excerpted from his Missa Brevis. in the absence of exuberance of a cathedral pipe-organ, we have rescored the piece for four-hands piano, if only to accentuate the whimsical and frenetic text that has been set by composers since the earliest days of music notation.

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will. 
We praise you,
we bless you, 
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God almighty Father. 

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, 
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of The Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father
have mercy on us. 

For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. 
Amen.

ENCORES

Flight Song

Kim André Arnesen

All we are, we have found in song:
you have drawn this song from us.
Songs of lives unfolding
fly overhead, cry overhead:
longing, rising from the song within.

Moving like the rise and fall of wings,
hands that shape our calling voice
on the edge of answers
you’ve heard our cry, you’ve known our cry:
music’s fierce compassion flows from you.

The night is restless with the sounds we hear,
is broken, shaken by the cries of pain:
for this is music’s inner voice,
saying, yes, we hear you,
all you who cry aloud,
and we will fly, answering you:
so our lives sing, sing,
wild we will fly,
wild in spirit we will fly.

Like a feather falling from the wing,
fragile as a human voice,
afraid, uncertain,
alive to love, we sing as love,
afraid, uncertain,
yet our flight begins as song.​

Alleluia

Jake Runestad

REFLECTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE UD CHORALE

Chorale is such an impactful ensemble to experience, whether as a singer os an audience member. The music we sing is always incredibly profound.

Chase – Delaware

Everyone in the choir is deeply dedicated to making the best music possible that touches your soul

Jeremiah – Delaware

I have discovered a life-affirming passion for singing and choral music through the UD CHORALE

Noah – North Carolina

Chorale is the light of my week. Everyone is so passionate about performing excellent music, and you’ll learn that your far more capable as a singer than you knew you were.

Leah – New Jersey

It’s a sure fire way to increase your musicianship greatly by making you sing really amazing, challenging songs with a group of people that makes you want to come back again and again.

Ary – New Jersey & Dominican Republic

It’s less so about singing in a a choir, and more about the humanity that is seen through choral music and how we are all working together to reach the same gaol: musical excellence through community.

Sofia – New York

It has been on e of the most eye opening and amazing musical experiences I have had here at UD. It has reminding me of how much I love music when I am feeling burnout and encourages me to keep going!!

Bri – New York

I was so worried about college ensembles wouldn’t compare to the “family” or “community” vibe that my school ensembles had. I’m sure that holds some truth at other universities, but not at UD or with the UD Chorale.

Kevin – Virginia

Making Music in the Ud Chorale is the most surreal and rewarding experience I have had as a musician to this moment.

Alyssa – New York

It’s a whole new level of sensitive singing – listening across the whole choir, sight-reading music and infusing it with ALL the markings on the page in the same motion.

Ben – Delaware

Anthony Adamo – New Jersey
Ashley Attieh – New Jersey
Riley Bell – Maryland
Elyse Blaier – Delaware
Ryan Boody – New York
Victoria Bressler – Pennsylvania
Erdong Chen – China
Dario Cinaglia – Delaware
Chase Correll – Delaware
Xander Costas – Delaware
Leon DeShields – Delaware
Jeremiah Epting – Delaware
Jenna Fabiano – New York
Noah Farnsworth – North Carolina
Owen Fresolone – Delaware
Amenah Ghani – New Jersey
Shaun Gibbons – New York
Leia Gibson – New Jersey
Benjamin Gonczi – Delaware
Alondra Gonzalez – Pennsylvania
Julia Grossmann – New Jersey
Aryana Herasme – New Jersey/Dominican Republic
Evelyn Husta – New Jersey
Kelly Irwin – New Jersey
Sofia Kachianos – New York
Bri Keller – Delaware
Kayla Kirchenberg – New Jersey
Johnathan Leest – New York
Zoe Lipkin – New Jersey
Brianna Loughlin – New York
Noah Mummert – Maryland
Abigail Murray – Delaware
Max Niedziejko – New Jersey
Rebecca Pimble – Pennsylvania
Elijah Robertson – New Jersey
Kevin Romano – Virginia
Spencer Sacrey – Connecticut
Sarah Scatena – New Jersey
Will Schwantes – Virginia
Thomas Waggner – New Jersey
Cole Walker – Pennsylvania
Meaghan Walsh – Texas
Liam Wheeler – Maryland
Alyssa Wronski – New York

Petite Voix

Francis Poulenc

I. La petite fille sage
II. Le chien perdu
III. En rentrant de l’école
IV. Le petit garçon malade
V. Le hérisson

What Was I Made For

arr. Dylan Tran

Lineage

Andrea Ramsey

Liz Kern and Bentsen Kwan – percussion

Orion

Susan LaBarr

Here

John Szymko

Will Schwantes – violin

Song of Miriam

Elaine Hagenberg

Mia Alexander
Emily Bachl
Alexis Baldwin
Sam Breiner
Khyla Brooks
Jules Bullis
Gracie Caliguari
Georgia Canty
Riley Chertcoff
Ashley Cole
Kelly Costigan
Abby Culling
Maya Diaz-Portalatin
Kalina Dolan
Karli George
Emily Haas
Brielle Hina
Keara Hubbard
Reaghan Jones-Press
Bridget Knutsen
Meghan Lalo
Emma Lawson
Cedar Lee
Linda Liu
Jae Longaro
Raelyn Luft
Izzy Martinez
Emmeline McBride
Amalia Messick
Caitlin O’Brien
Michelle Rosner
Cara Scollan
Jenna Vallario
Sreya Venkatesh
Allie Wiebke
Gabby Wuensch

Seek Him that Maketh the Seven Stars

Jonathan Dove

Faire is the Heaven

William H. Harris

Sanctus
from Mass for Double Choir

Frank Martin

O Great Beyond

Thomas LaVoy

I. In Your Eyes
II. A Strange Land
III. In Silence

Claviante Brilioso

Thomas Jennefelt

O Sacrum Convivum

Kim André Arnesen

Gloria
from Missa Brevis

Jonathan Dove

Flight Song

Kim André Arnesen

Alleluia

Jake Runestad

Anthony Adamo
Ashley Attieh
Riley Bell
Elyse Blaier
Ryan Boody
Victoria Bressler
Erdong Chen
Dario Cinaglia
Chase Correll
Xander Costas
Leon DeShields
Jeremiah Epting
Jenna Fabiano
Noah Farnsworth
Owen Fresolone
Amenah Ghani
Shaun Gibbons
Leia Gibson
Benjamin Gonczi
Alondra Gonzalez
Julia Grossmann
Aryana Herasme
Evelyn Husta
Kelly Irwin
Sofia Kachianos
Bri Keller
Kayla Kirchenberg
Johnathan Leest
Zoe Lipkin
Brianna Loughlin
Noah Mummert
Abigail Murray
Max Niedziejko
Rebecca Pimble
Elijah Robertson
Kevin Romano
Spencer Sacrey
Sarah Scatena
Will Schwantes
Thomas Waggner
Cole Walker
Meaghan Walsh
Liam Wheeler
Alyssa Wronski

Listen to the Land

*Program notes written collectively by the ensemble.“

The UD Concert Choir will present three sets of music, collectively entitled “Listen to the Land.” As one of our singers so elegantly stated, “We are currently in a period of intense environmental strife as a consequence of blaring human greed and selfishness drowning out the cries of Mother Nature for protection. We must listen to these cries, lest we lose the land that gives us our life.”

The first set, titled “We Approach Problems with Love and Wisdom” includes selections by female medieval composer Hildegard von Bingen and African arts practitioner and composer, Mbuso Ndlovu. The set reminds us that loving one another can open up many doors and that we can solve so many more problems standing together than when standing alone.

The second set, titled, “We Care for Our Land” opens with an assertive and commanding selection by Cree-Dene music educator and composer Sherryl Sewepagaham, entitled, “Nitohtamok Askîy.” The piece challenges us as singers to do what we can to respect and care for our home. The next piece, “For the Beauty of the Earth” by famous composer John Rutter, celebrates the joy that can come from appreciating all that nature can bring to one’s life. The set closes with “Fire,” composed by Indigenous composer Katerina Gimon. “Fire” provides a stark reminder that we, as inhabitants of this earth, are in fact in a crisis. One singer described feeling righteous anger at watching our world burn, while another reminds us that ignoring the problem won’t solve it. Facing it head on will.

In the third set entitled, “Together,” the audience will first hear a selection by Estonian composer Pärt Uusberg, entitled “Muusika.” This piece reminds the audience that music can be found in nature, while reinforcing that music is a medium granted to us to convey messages on a deeper level than through speech alone. Finally, we close our portion of the concert program with the traditional Appalachian selection, “Will the Circle be Unbroken?” In a joyous celebration of friendship and community, this piece provides a bookend on the program, reminding us that if we band together, we can make change and help our planet and its people thrive.

[We’ve only provided the texts for pieces performed in languages other than English]

SET I: We Approach Problems with Love and Wisdom 

O Virtus Sapientiae

Hildegard von Bingen, Arr. Katerina Gimon

O strength of Wisdom 
who, circling, circled, 
enclosing all 
in one lifegiving path, 
three wings you have: 
one soars to the heights, 
one distills its essence upon the earth, 
and the third is everywhere. 
Praise to you, as is fitting, 
O Wisdom.

Ngothando

 Mbuso Ndlovu

Through love, only,
We will conquer everything, 
All situations,
Cannot swallow (devour) us. 
Let us open our hearts, 
And let us fear nothing, 
through love...

SET II: We Care For Our Land

Nitohtamok Askîy (Listen to the Land)

Sherryl Sewepagaham

Listen to the land
We must take care of it together
It teaches us many things

For the Beauty of the Earth

John Rutter

Fire

Katerina Gimon

SET III: Together

Muusika

Pärt Uusberg 

Somewhere the original harmony must exist, 
hidden somewhere in the vast wilds. 
In Earth's mighty firmament,
in the far reaches of swirling galaxies, 
in sunshine,
in a little flower, in the song of a forest,
in the music of a mother's voice,
or in teardrops -
somewhere immortality endures,
and the original harmony will be found. 
How else could it have formed
in human hearts -
music?

Will the Circle Be Unbroken

Traditional Appalachian, Arr. J. David Moore 

Mia Alexander
Scott Andrews
Lydia Asti
Lola Babalola
Emily Bachl
Patrick Barrett
Paige Bates
Caroline Benito
Nick Benton
Katherine Black
Ryan Boody
Gracie Caliguari
Autumn Capes
Riley Chertcoff
Hunter Cohen
Elise Contessa
Xander Costas
Abigail Culling
Kalina Dolan
William Doyle
Micah Elliot
Elene Essick
Judah Everett
Meghan Freeze
Taylor Gibbs
Hailey Ginsberg
Alondra Gonzalez
Cameron Green
Kedi Gumus
Meg Harkness

Rachel Herway
Emma Lawson
Cedar Lee
Davy Lopez
Raelyn Luft
David Magoon
Ben McMonagle
Gianna Melendez
Amalia Messick
Kaely Miick
Ben Montimurro
Max Niedziejsko
Katherine Rippon
Elijah Robertson
Sienna Ryan
Mia Scarangelli
Cara Scollan
Will Schwantes
Juila Spina
Carson Stadler
Carter Steffen
Jo Tague
Ninamaria Taylor
Esther Tirat-Gefen
Tori Telschow
Mei Tobin
Jordan Viszoki
Ava Vitabile
Nick Quintana

My All

Gospel music, rooted in the oral traditions of African American religious experiences, stands as a testament to collective struggles, faith, and resilience. Over time, it has transformed from spirituals and traditional hymns to assimilate various musical influences, narrating a compelling journey through its evolving soundscape.

Resound begins with Rev. Timothy Wright’s “Come Thou Almighty King”, which harkens back to traditional gospel music’s parallel and tertiary chordal structures, capturing the essence of early Black church traditions. Following this, Hezekiah Walker’s “Every Praise” exemplifies the contemporary facets of gospel, balancing more modern, almost pop-like soundscapes with more traditional gospel harmonies and tertiary chordal structures.

The introspective but insistent tone is sustained with Christopher Brinson’s “What If God is Unhappy,” a piece that delves into the complexities of ethical choices and spiritual reflections. Glen Burleigh’s “Order My Steps”  is a powerhouse anthem that highlights virtuosic solo and ensemble singing with sudden changes in dynamics used emphasizes the quest for divine guidance and life’s purpose. Sounding almost like a Top 40 rock song, Kirk Franklin’s “My Life, My Love, My All,” encapsulates themes of devotion and commitment, and a demonstration of the fusing of the gospel and R&B styles.

It is our hope that these selections offer listeners a comprehensive journey through gospel’s rich tapestry, honoring its historical roots while also showcasing its contemporary nuances within the broader Black musical tradition.

PROGRAM & SELECTED TEXTS

Come Thou Almighty King

Rev. Timothy Wright

Come Thou Almighty King,
Help us Thy name to sing.
We've come to praise Thy name.
Father all glorious,
Lord over victorious;
Come and reign over us,
We've come to praise Thy name.

Every Praise

Hezekiah Walker

What if God is Unhappy With Our Praise?

Christopher Brinson

What if God is unhappy with our praise?
What if He is not pleased with the words we say?
What if He takes away His love and his spirit from above?
What if God is unhappy with our praise?

What if God is unhappy with the way we live?
What if He is not pleased with the way we give?
What if He takes away His love and his spirit from above?
What if God is unhappy with the way we live?

We must change the way we walk.
We must change the way we talk.
We must live a life that's pleasing to our King.
We must read God's holy word,
Let His praises be heard
Lord just be pleased with our praise

Order My Steps

Glenn Burleigh

Order my steps in Your word dear Lord,
Lead me, guide me everyday.
Send Your anointing, Father I pray.
Order my steps in Your word.
Please, order my steps in Your word.

Humbly, I ask Thee to teach me Your will.
While You are working, help me be still.
Though satan is busy, God is real.
Order my steps in Your word.
Please, order my steps in Your word.

Briddle my tongue, let my words edify.
Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Thy sight.
Take charge of my thoughts both day and night.
Please, order my steps in Your word.

I want to walk worthy.
My calling to fulfill.
Please order my steps, Lord,
And I'll do Your blessed will.
The world is ever changing .
But You are still the same.
If You order my steps,
I'll praise Your name.

My Life, My Love, My All

Kirk Franklin

My hands were made to worship You
My heart, my King, it beats for You

Oh Lamb, so true
I surrender to You

REFRAIN:
My life
(I give)
My love
(I give)
My all
(All)

Your touch, Your kiss, Your grace to me
Is deeper than my soul can see
My purpose it changed
When I called out Your name

REFRAIN

Your touch, Your kiss, Your grace to me
Is deeper than my soul can see
My purpose it changed
When I called out Your name

REFRAIN

My past has been erased
With just one touch from You
My clouds, my rain, my pain has changed
Your blood has made me new
Oh Lamb, so true
I surrender to You
And when this world
Has come to end
And paradise
With You begins
Well done, You'll say
When I see Your face
My past has been erased
With just one touch from You
My clouds, my rain, my pain has changed
Your blood has made me new
Oh Lamb, so true
I surrender to You

REFRAIN

Scott Andrews
Elyse Blaier
Khyla Brooks
Juliana Bullis
Leon DeShields
Jeremiah Epting
Noah Farnsworth
Alexander Fiore
Amenah Ghani
Shaun Gibbons
Leia Gibson
Alonda Gonzalez
Emily Haas
Aryana Herasme
Sarah Hughes
Noah Lucas
Anthonie Ramos
Viktoriia Riabukhina
Lizbeth-Shozzett Silva
Madelyn Testa
Katelyn Viszoki
Meaghan Walsh

The Dreams that Remain

The University of Delaware Schola Cantorum is comprised of people who simply love to sing! Our membership includes students, staff, faculty, and community folk from every walk of life with an age range of over 60 years between our youngest and oldest members.

Today we present selected works from two upcoming projects. On November 4th, we’ll take part in the Bent But Not Broken Conference to be held here on the UD campus where we’ll join hundreds of other singers under the direction of Rollo Dilworth. Then, on December 1st, we’ll present a concert for chorus, piano, and string orchestra entitled The Dreams That Remain – inspired by a piece composed by Thomas Lavoy.

The centerpiece of the December concert will be an extended work by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo as well as all three movements from Lavoy’s work mentioned above. To that end, you will see the theme emerging in today’s concert related to dreams past, present, and future.

Of particular note today is the performance of Gjeilo’s work called The Bridge. The rapid fire text is based on an ancient Norwegian folk tale about a man who falls asleep for two weeks on Christmas Eve. When he awakess, he shares his vision of the afterlife with his friends. Charles Anthony Silvestri adapted the legend for Gjeilo’s musical setting

By contrast, Lavoy’s music is written to the poetic texts of Sarojini Naidu. A devoted follower of Ghandi, she gained notoriety as the “Nightingale of India” due in large part to her colorful poetry and vivid children’s stories.

While our entire program today is in English, we’ve included the texts to Gjeilo’s and Lavoy’s works below. The fast and chaotic setting in the former is simply difficult to understand, while Naidu’s poetry in the latter deserves a bit more time for contemplation – perhaps on a Sunday evening in front of the fire.

We hope you enjoy our journey of dreams.

Splendor

Elaine Hagenberg

The Dream

Dan Forrest

The Bridge – from Dreamweaver

Ola Gjeilo

Beasts there were, And wilder things, And shades of night Were in that land; I was afraid. 
 
The monster’s claws  Tore at my cloak; With piercing eyes They saw my soul. I ran away.
  
For many leagues I traveled west Until at last— My journey’s end— I saw the Bridge!  
Stretching out Across the sky, The way was barred To all but wise. I went across.
  
This bridge was spanned  across a sea of ice— A silver band, a way to Paradise. A fair wide land did open up at last; I stopped to stand where Future reckons Past.  

And in that place the Pilgrim Church did rise Where, full of grace, our Holy Mother wise Bade me embrace her heart of gold and red; And o’er her face a loving smile was spread.

I met a man, whose coat was stained in blood, All mired was he, up to his knees in mud; He held a frightened child under his arm, And bitterly he wept for causing harm. 

The Dreams that Remain

Thomas Lavoy

In the Forest

Here, O my heart, let us burn the dear dreams that are dead,
Here in this wood let us fashion a funeral pyre
Of fallen white petals and leaves that are mellow and red,
Here let us burn them in noon’s flaming torches of fire. 

We are weary, my heart, we are weary, so long have we borne
The heavy loved burden of dreams that are dead, let us rest,
Let us scatter their ashes away, for a while let us mourn; 
We will rest, O my heart, till the shadows are gray in the west. 

But soon we must rise, O my heart, we must wander again
Into the war of the world and the strife of the throng;
Let us rise, O my heart, let us gather the dreams that remain,
We will conquer the sorrow of life with the sorrow of song.

Transience

Nay, do not grieve tho’ life be full of sadness,
Dawn will not veil her splendor for your grief,
Nor spring deny their bright, appointed beauty
To lotus blossom and Ashoka leaf.

Nay, do not pine, tho’ life be dark with trouble,
Time will not pause or tarry on his way;
To-day that seems so long, so strange, so bitter,
Will soon be some forgotten yesterday.

Nay, do not weep; new hopes, new dreams, new faces,
The unspent joy of all the unborn years,
Will prove your heart a traitor to its sorrow,
And make your eyes unfaithful to their tears.

To Sit and Dream

Rosephanye Powell

Seeking Light

Brandon Williams

Rowan Ackerman
Amy Anderson
Laura Baltrusatis
Kathryn Beck
Sarah Boone
Lori Bostrom
Victoria Bressler
Roslyn Bruno
Meredith Clark
Mark Clausing
Chris Clement
Jill Coghlan
Cecille Coker
Leon DeShields
Kerry Dietz
Alexis Droke
Ariel Drossman
Emilee Duckworth
Noah Farnsworth
Taryn Fields
Claudia Fischer
Orval Foraker
Ross Forney
Diane Freed
Patrick Fresolone
David Fuhrman
Judy Fullhart
Shaun Gibbons
Leia Gibson
Natalie Gibison
Benjamin Gonczi
John Gray
Carla Green
Andrew Groop
Jody Hagler
Kate Hayes
Maribeth Hoelmer
Alexandra Hubner
David Hudson
Julia Hulings
Evelyn Husta
Tiffany Iraheta
Ann Marie Johnson
Heather Johnston
Samantha Kasehagen
John Keating
Jeremy Keeler
Sharon Keeler
Bri Keller
Rob Kennan
Robert Lasher
Nancy Lester
Bob Lillich
Stephen Litterst
Sarah Mailloux
Emily Malafronti
Jennie Maslow
Michale McCamley
Kathy McCoy
Susan McGeary
Melanie Merritt
Amalia Messick
Beth Morling
Kathleen Morrison
Lysbet Murray
Luca O’Farrell
Bernadette Phillips
Lisa Reed
Courtney Rousak
Tim Satterfield
Will Schwantes
Helen Spence
Kat Steward
James Taylor
Madelyn Testa
Klaus Theopold
Lisa Thibault
Scott Thistle
Mary Ellen Trusheim
Hunter Van Valkenburg
Megan Woodring
Kathleen Zinn

In Time of Silver Rain

Rollo Dilworth

The University of Delaware is proud to host the second Bent But Not Broken conference here on our campus during the first week of November. This series of concerts, lectures, and presentations will conclude with a concert involving choirs from all over northern Delaware under the direction of Rollo Dilworth. In Time of Silver Rain is one of Dilworth’s lesser know tunes. We hope our performance today will entice you to come out for all of the concerts during the magnificent conference.

LEARN MORE: Bent But Not Broken 2023

The Dreams that Remain

The University of Delaware Schola Cantorum is comprised of people who simply love to sing! Our membership includes students, staff, faculty, and community folk from every walk of life with an age range of over 60 years between our youngest and oldest members.

Today we present selected works from two upcoming projects. On November 4th, we’ll take part in the Bent But Not Broken Conference to be held here on the UD campus where we’ll join hundreds of other singers under the direction of Rollo Dilworth. Then, on December 1st, we’ll present a concert for chorus, piano, and string orchestra entitled The Dreams That Remain – inspired by a piece composed by Thomas Lavoy.

The centerpiece of the December concert will be an extended work by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo as well as all three movements from Lavoy’s work mentioned above. To that end, you will see the theme emerging in today’s concert related to dreams past, present, and future.

Of particular note today is the performance of Gjeilo’s work called The Bridge. The rapid fire text is based on an ancient Norwegian folk tale about a man who falls asleep for two weeks on Christmas Eve. When he awakess, he shares his vision of the afterlife with his friends. Charles Anthony Silvestri adapted the legend for Gjeilo’s musical setting

By contrast, Lavoy’s music is written to the poetic texts of Sarojini Naidu. A devoted follower of Ghandi, she gained notoriety as the “Nightingale of India” due in large part to her colorful poetry and vivid children’s stories.

While our entire program today is in English, we’ve included the texts to Gjeilo’s and Lavoy’s works below. The fast and chaotic setting in the former is simply difficult to understand, while Naidu’s poetry in the latter deserves a bit more time for contemplation – perhaps on a Sunday evening in front of the fire.

We hope you enjoy our journey of dreams.

Splendor

Elaine Hagenberg

The Dream

Dan Forrest

The Bridge – from Dreamweaver

Ola Gjeilo

Beasts there were, And wilder things, And shades of night Were in that land; I was afraid. 
 
The monster’s claws  Tore at my cloak; With piercing eyes They saw my soul. I ran away.
  
For many leagues I traveled west Until at last— My journey’s end— I saw the Bridge!  
Stretching out Across the sky, The way was barred To all but wise. I went across.
  
This bridge was spanned  across a sea of ice— A silver band, a way to Paradise. A fair wide land did open up at last; I stopped to stand where Future reckons Past.  

And in that place the Pilgrim Church did rise Where, full of grace, our Holy Mother wise Bade me embrace her heart of gold and red; And o’er her face a loving smile was spread.

I met a man, whose coat was stained in blood, All mired was he, up to his knees in mud; He held a frightened child under his arm, And bitterly he wept for causing harm. 

The Dreams that Remain

Thomas Lavoy

In the Forest

Here, O my heart, let us burn the dear dreams that are dead,
Here in this wood let us fashion a funeral pyre
Of fallen white petals and leaves that are mellow and red,
Here let us burn them in noon’s flaming torches of fire. 

We are weary, my heart, we are weary, so long have we borne
The heavy loved burden of dreams that are dead, let us rest,
Let us scatter their ashes away, for a while let us mourn; 
We will rest, O my heart, till the shadows are gray in the west. 

But soon we must rise, O my heart, we must wander again
Into the war of the world and the strife of the throng;
Let us rise, O my heart, let us gather the dreams that remain,
We will conquer the sorrow of life with the sorrow of song.

Transience

Nay, do not grieve tho’ life be full of sadness,
Dawn will not veil her splendor for your grief,
Nor spring deny their bright, appointed beauty
To lotus blossom and Ashoka leaf.

Nay, do not pine, tho’ life be dark with trouble,
Time will not pause or tarry on his way;
To-day that seems so long, so strange, so bitter,
Will soon be some forgotten yesterday.

Nay, do not weep; new hopes, new dreams, new faces,
The unspent joy of all the unborn years,
Will prove your heart a traitor to its sorrow,
And make your eyes unfaithful to their tears.

To Sit and Dream

Rosephanye Powell

Seeking Light

Brandon Williams

Rowan Ackerman
Amy Anderson
Laura Baltrusatis
Kathryn Beck
Sarah Boone
Lori Bostrom
Victoria Bressler
Roslyn Bruno
Meredith Clark
Mark Clausing
Chris Clement
Jill Coghlan
Cecille Coker
Leon DeShields
Kerry Dietz
Alexis Droke
Ariel Drossman
Emilee Duckworth
Noah Farnsworth
Taryn Fields
Claudia Fischer
Orval Foraker
Ross Forney
Diane Freed
Patrick Fresolone
David Fuhrman
Judy Fullhart
Shaun Gibbons
Leia Gibson
Natalie Gibison
Benjamin Gonczi
John Gray
Carla Green
Andrew Groop
Jody Hagler
Kate Hayes
Maribeth Hoelmer
Alexandra Hubner
David Hudson
Julia Hulings
Evelyn Husta
Tiffany Iraheta
Ann Marie Johnson
Heather Johnston
Samantha Kasehagen
John Keating
Jeremy Keeler
Sharon Keeler
Bri Keller
Rob Kennan
Robert Lasher
Nancy Lester
Bob Lillich
Stephen Litterst
Sarah Mailloux
Emily Malafronti
Jennie Maslow
Michale McCamley
Kathy McCoy
Susan McGeary
Melanie Merritt
Amalia Messick
Beth Morling
Kathleen Morrison
Lysbet Murray
Luca O’Farrell
Bernadette Phillips
Lisa Reed
Courtney Rousak
Tim Satterfield
Will Schwantes
Helen Spence
Kat Steward
James Taylor
Madelyn Testa
Klaus Theopold
Lisa Thibault
Scott Thistle
Mary Ellen Trusheim
Hunter Van Valkenburg
Megan Woodring
Kathleen Zinn

In Time of Silver Rain

Rollo Dilworth

The University of Delaware is proud to host the second Bent But Not Broken conference here on our campus during the first week of November. This series of concerts, lectures, and presentations will conclude with a concert involving choirs from all over northern Delaware under the direction of Rollo Dilworth. In Time of Silver Rain is one of Dilworth’s lesser know tunes. We hope our performance today will entice you to come out for all of the concerts during the magnificent conference.

LEARN MORE: Bent But Not Broken 2023