VOICES of Fort Worth to Present Spring Concert
The rebirth of spring calls for fresh new music. On Saturday, March 24, VOICES of Fort Worth returns to the Kimbell Art Museum to deliver a unique program of modern choral compositions set to ancient texts. Though every composer on the program is still living (several only in their thirties), the words in most of their songs are much older. These borrowed writings range from Emily Dickinson’s poetry to the 13th-century writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. Come enjoy this unique rendition of Voices at the Kimbell at 7:30 p.m. in the Renzo Piano Pavilion.
Founded by the chair of the Texas Wesleyan University Music Department, Dr. Jerome Bierschenk, this a cappella chamber choir celebrated its fifth anniversary in September. Since its 2012 debut, VOICES has grown from a handful of Texas Wesleyan students and alumni to an ensemble that attracts talent from all over the Metroplex. One of Dr. Bierschenk’s goals for the group is to grow it to recognition not only in the DFW area but throughout the state of Texas. As the only ensemble of its kind in Fort Worth, and with a mission “to preserve and promote the art of a cappella singing through the performance of quality choral music,” the young chamber choir has already started collecting awards. In 2016 VOICES had the honor of being the only community chorus chosen to perform at the Southwestern American Choir Directors Association Conference in Kansas City, and in 2017 the ensemble was named as a semi-finalist in the American Prize for Choral Performance competition.
VOICES is comprised of approximately 24 singers, with only three voices per part.
Dr. Bierschenk works tirelessly with his group to achieve a pure Renaissance tonal quality, prompting audience members to describe VOICES’ sound as “heavenly,” “stunningly beautiful” and “absolutely breathtaking.” In addition to their acoustic excellence, venues are chosen carefully to enhance the overall experience for concert goers, serving up a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Past performance spaces have included the soaring atrium of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the architecturally inspiring Marty Leonard Chapel, and the charming sanctuary of the historic Church of Christ the King.
Artistic Director Dr. Bierschenk originally formed the group at the request of a student who sought to challenge himself through singing with a select group of musicians. Today, spots in the coveted ensemble are by audition only, and Dr. Bierschenk looks for extensive singing experience and excellent sight-reading abilities in prospective members, as singers are expected to read their voice parts without the aid of an accompanist even during rehearsals. Most members of the elite singing group studied music in college, and many are employed professionally as directors of music at churches and schools in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Members of VOICES have formerly sung with other ensembles in venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Today Show, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Van Cliburn’s home, and alongside Willie Nelson at the Bass Performance Hall.
Appointed Chair of the Department of Music in 2014, Dr. Bierschenk began his tenure at Texas Wesleyan University in 2007 as Director of Choral Activities. Formerly the Artistic Director of The Texas Boys Choir and Fine Arts Director for the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, Dr. Bierschenk started out as an instrumentalist, serving as a band director in the Austin, Birdville and Weatherford school districts for 20 years. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting degree from the University of North Texas in 2003. An exceptionally talented musician, Dr. Bierschenk’s choir members know him for his high standards of excellence and his ability to bring out their best.
Tickets for Voices at the Kimbell are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), and $5 for students with ID. They are available online at www.voicesoffortworth.com and at the door (cash or credit card). For more information, call 817-713-4536.
In addition to this performance, audiences will have only two more chances to catch VOICES in concert for the 2017-18 season. Visit their website and like “Voices” on Facebook to keep up to date on information regarding upcoming shows.
Price
- $5-$15
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