At 7:30 p.m. on Mar. 17 in Mees Hall, the Conservatory of Music will be hosting the second annual Young Choral Artists Festival, Heaven Full of Stars, featuring the music of Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds.
The festival will feature the Capital University Chapel Choir, Choral Union, Women’s Chorus, Chordsmen and young choral artists from various Ohio high schools. The show will be put on by Capital’s own Lynda Hasseler.
“I have designed the event with the intent of having maximum impact, educational value and musical experience for all of the singers involved,” Hasseler said.
She said that she is excited for the conservatory students to be introduced to a composer who makes a living through music. She hopes that they will set similar goals for themselves.
Hasseler is also looking forward to meeting and working with such a notable composer as Ešenvalds.
“[It is] a rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of his creative process and thus elevate our own creative process when singing this music!” Hasseler said. “…Music doesn’t exist as an art form without the involvement of musicians. It’s a powerful experience to bring these elements together.”
Charlotte Brown, first-year vocal music education major, said that tremendous amounts of work have gone into the show.
“I came to see the concert with last year’s composer, Jake Runestad, and was absolutely blown away by the concert,” she said. “Little did I know, though, how much work was put into that concert because we are working our tails off this year.”
“[Ēriks Ešenvalds] is basically a celebrity in the choral work, and his pieces are extremely well-known,” Kirsten Newland, junior vocal music education major, said. “Composers pour their whole hearts into their work, and when we get the pleasure of meeting them, we get to finally see the heart behind the music.”
Jacob Stuckert, sophomore, is another music education student involved.
“I’m very much looking forward to meeting such a distinguished composer who has made such an impact in the world with his music,” he said. “It is encouraging and inspiring to see someone become so successful in this challenging career path I have chosen, and I am excited to hear about his life and musical journey to where he is today.”
Admission to the show is $5 for students and $10 for adults, or free with a Capital ID.
