Spring tour takes UMaine’s University Singers to four states, March 7–12

The annual spring tour of the 66-member University Singers from the University of Maine will include performances at high schools, churches and a community college in four states, March 7–12.

Free public concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the following locations: March 7, Winnisquam Regional High School, Tilton, New Hampshire; March 8, James and Betty Hall Theatre/Dutchess Hall, Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie, New York; March 10, Orient Congregational Church, Orient, New York; and March 11, Falmouth High School, Falmouth, Massachusetts.

The final concert of the tour is 7 p.m., March 12, Garland Auditorium, Thornton Academy, Saco, Maine.

The program focuses primarily on the music of American composers, including William Billings, John Knowles Paine, Samuel Barber and Stephen Sondheim. Also on the program will be motets by English Renaissance composer William Byrd and contemporary British composer Tarik O’Regan.

The repertoire will be performed by the University Singers on a European tour, May 23–June 4, when the group travels to Ireland and England, singing in such notable venues as Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire and Southwark Cathedral in London.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to spread the word around the Northeast about the great things happening here at the School of Performing Arts,” says Francis John Vogt, UMaine director of choral activities and conductor of the University Singers, of the upcoming tour. “Because the 66-voiced choir is comprised of both music majors and students in other disciplines, it is a great recruitment tool for the entire university. My favorite aspect of the tour, though, is getting to reconnect with former students and alumni, many of whom host us on our various stops.”

Contact: Meg Shorette, 207.581.4721