Fine arts concert April 21
Pictured: Kurt Miyashiro directing the orchestra. | PC: Integrated Marketing Communications
April 21 will forever be recognized as National Chocolate Covered Cashew Day. And, the day before Earth Day. However, as important as satisfying our sweet tooth (or saving the planet) is, April 21, 2017 is the day Union College will host the annual Fine Arts Vespers Spring Concert. This concert will be held in the College View Church sanctuary at 7:30 p.m.
Be sure to join live or watch it online at ucollege.edu/uclive. As always, this concert is free and open to the public. The focus of the concert will be on “The Creation,” the oratorio composed by Joseph Haydn.
Union College choir director Dr. Ricky Little summarized the purpose of the concert best by saying, “The oratorio depicts the acts of creation found in Genesis. When I heard Jim [McClelland] was retiring I thought it would be a great way to honor him after his many years of service at the school.”
Dr. Little also explained how along with the songs about creation Mr. Mac’s son and daughter will be putting a slideshow of his paintings to match the lyrics of the oratorio on the two huge screens in the church sanctuary. These creation pictures will be featured as a tribute to Mr. Mac’s creative artistry and his service as a professor.
Junior math education major Andrew Reed explained, “The first portion is a sacred portion on Friday in honor of Mr. Mac. Sunday afternoon is the second portion which will be more fun and relaxed.”
The Unionaires, Union College Singers, Union College Chamber Orchestra and organist Brent Shaw will be the main musical highlights.
If for some reason you haven’t had the joy of taking an art class from Mr. Mac and feel no obligation to go, do it for me. Go for your fellow Unionites who are in choir and orchestra and have slaved for months learning/memorizing the music.
“Concert’s are not easy stuff” said Dr. Little.
When asked why she thought people should attend the spring concert, Piettra De Almeida, a freshman general studies major, replied, “I think it would be nice to show support for someone who has put in the effort and time for 40 something years.”
And if my persuasion still isn’t enough, just come listen to the art that is classical music. Come enjoy bold, independent entrances by the sopranos, tenors and the sweet harmonies of the altos and bases. These may seem chaotic at times but will blend together masterfully. Hopefully the music complements and does justice to what Mr. Mac has done for years. The man paints masterpieces in one sitting for goodness sake. Hope to see you there!
In the words of Reed (who is in both choir and orchestra), “Come to support the music program as well as honor Mr. Mac. The spring concert will be great.”
Sean Hendrix is a senior studying biomedical science.