April 19, 2010

Contact:   Stacey Schmeidel, 704/894-2798

Davidson, NC - The Davidson College Concert Choir and Davidson Pro Arte Orchestra will present a concert honoring veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces. The concert, "For Those We Love," will take place Monday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Duke Family Performance Hall at Davidson College. The event is open to the public; all veterans and current members of the armed forces are invited to attend at no charge.

Ray Sprague, professor of music at Davidson and director of the concert choir, explained that the concert presents two 20th-century masterpieces "as a musical tribute to the men and women who have served, are serving, and will serve in our armed forces."

American composer Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna is a gentle requiem whose texts focus on the themes of light and salvation. Written in 1996-97, after the death of the composer's mother, it will be offered as a memorial to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Ralph Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem was written in 1936. Although the composer denies any connection, many have speculated that Vaughan Williams' plea for peace was written in response to the events unfolding in Europe before World War II. Based on Civil War poems by Walt Whitman and a variety of other sources, this music describes humanity's experiences of armed conflict and fervent desire for peace. Joining the Davidson College Concert Choir will be soprano Jacquelyn Culpepper and baritone Anthony Deaton.

Please note that veterans and current members of the armed forces will be admitted free of charge. Other tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for senior citizens and Davidson faculty and staff; $5 for young people under 18; and free for college students at the door.

For tickets, please call 704 -894-2135; for more information please call 704-894-2848.

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