Locklair’s music showcased at Harvard, Oxford

December 7, 2011

WINTER (from the forgottens), a four-movement choral cycle for SATB, SSAA and TTBB choruses and piano written by Wake Forest composer-in-residence Dan Locklair, was premiered by the Harvard Glee Club and Radcliffe Choral Society on Dec. 3 at Sanders Theater on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The piece was commissioned by the Harvard Glee Club and Radcliffe Choral Society (Andrew Clark, Conductor).

Locklair writes, “WINTER (from the forgottens) is based on poetry from four 19th century and early 20th century American poets whose work has been undeservedly forgotten. While the theme of the choral cycle is the season of Winter, hues of the December holiday spirit permeate each piece.” Other composers on the program include Brahms, Morales, Praetorius, Rachmaninov and more, and audience sing-alongs of traditional holiday carols.

Creator of the Stars of Night (An Anthem for SATB Chorus and Organ) was premiered the Harvard University Choir on Dec. 4 as part of Sunday services at Memorial Church on the campus of Harvard University. Additionally, on Dec. 2,  the Church’s daily service of Morning Prayer will include performances of Locklair’s Serenity, from Inventions for organ and The Lord Bless You and Keep You (for SATB chorus, a cappella).

Three Christmas Motets was given its U.K. Premiere by Commotio, Matthew Berry, Director, on Dec. 3 in Merton College Chapel in Oxford, England.

The piece, SATB (divisi), a cappella, was written in 1993 and consists of the movements I. Quem Vidistis Pastores Dicite, II. O Magnum Mysterium and III. Hodie Christus Natus Est. Other composers on the program include Schoenberg, James MacMillan, Malcolm Williamson and Peter Racine Fricker. Commotio is one of Oxford’s foremost chamber choirs.

In upcoming events, Creator of the Stars of Night will receive its second performance on Sunday, Dec. 11 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem by The St. Paul’s Choir, John Cummins, Organist/Choirmaster. More about this at http://www.stpauls-ws.org/.

Commotio will give a second UK performance of Three Christmas Motets on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 3:30 PM in Douai Abbey, near Reading. For more about Commotio and these concerts, visit http://www.commotio.org/.

For information about Locklair, including a bio, list of works, discography and much more, please visit http://www.locklair.com.