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April 30, 2003 One of SFSU's oldest and largest musical treasures will entertain
revelers at the Founders Day celebration on Thursday, May 1. The
95-member University Chorus will give an outdoor performance in
celebration of the University's 104th birthday, with a program that
includes a Bach cantata and Dona Nobis Pacem from Bach's Mass in B Minor.
The Chorus has been around almost as long as the University. Now under
the leadership of assistant professor of music David Xiques, the ensemble
is hoping to take on some new directions.
"The quality of the ensemble was in excellent shape when I started, and I
want it to continue to grow," said Xiques, who also wants to expand the
group's repertoire number of performances next year.
Open to all members of the campus community through audition, the Chorus
currently includes students from music and other disciplines along with a
few staff members. Members rehearse twice a week for more than an
hour -- with some challenging full-program rehearsals in the days leading up
to the special Founders Day performance.
"It's hard to take time in the middle of my day but I can pretty much do
it in my lunch hour," said Susan Hall, assistant to the dean of the
College of Creative Arts and a graduate of the University's music
program, who's sung with the Chorus on and off for more than five years.
For Hall, singing is a way to take a break from her regular day.
"I love to sing. Singing is like a spiritual experience for me," she
said. "When I'm singing I don't have to worry about the other things in
my life."
For jazz vocalist Emily Lieu, now in her third semester of a bachelor's
degree in music, the chorus is part of a requirement to participate in a
classical ensemble. She’s enjoying herself so much she hopes to return in
the fall. "I came from a classical background but I haven't sung in a
classical group in several years," Lieu said. "It's great to be back in
it. It really brings a balance to my studies."
She's looking forward to the Founders Day performance and to the
visibility it will bring to the Chorus. "It'll be nice to get a little
bit of exposure for the Chorus,” she said.
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