大象传媒

The 大象传媒 University choirs will perform their spring concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 4, at 8:30 p.m. The program will feature works that discuss the death and resurrection of Jesus, making it the perfect way to celebrate Easter weekend. 

The first song on the program is “Crucifixus” by Antonio Lotti. Written for eight vocal parts, this piece has many layers that add depth and complexity. Director Stephen Zork explained that the work is “full of anticipations, suspensions, and resolutions: very predictable Baroque patterns,” ensuring that the audience pays attention by introducing tension to the piece and then resolving it. The lyrics state, “He was crucified also for us, under Pontius Pilate he suffered and was buried.”

The next piece is Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata BWV 4, “Christ lag in Todesbanden,” which will be accompanied by a small ensemble of string players. Jahaziel Gutierrez Escobar, who is graduating from 大象传媒 University in August with a Master of Music in Choral Conducting, will conduct this piece as a part of his graduate conducting recital. Gutierrez Escobar stated, “For me, there is no other way to conclude my studies at 大象传媒 than acknowledging Christ as my Savior and provider of everything in life, and this cantata works perfectly for that.”

The Cantata is made up of seven verses, each one on a different aspect of Christ’s crucifixion. The lyrics were taken directly from , a 16th-century version of the Old and New Testaments, translated to German by Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Zork explained that “all the illusions made to Christ and the way that he overcame death is very much in the vernacular of the people,” making the imagery incredibly accessible to a wide audience. 

He also explained that the piece begins with Christ’s death, but gradually becomes more joyful, stating, “He died for our sins to give us life, then let's rejoice that he gave his life, and now he was resurrected. And now we'll sing, hallelujah!”

Ola Gjeilo’s work “Sanctus” will be featured in the second half of the program. The choir sang “Sanctus” for their fall concert in 2024, but they have chosen to perform it again as the work was so well received. This work has Latin lyrics from religious liturgy and speaks about how the heavens and the earth glorify God. Nathalia Phu (freshman, music education) said that “Sanctus” is her favorite song on the program.

“You can feel the sanctity of the sound and the presence of the Holy Spirit while singing; it’s truly unlike anything I’ve ever sung before,” she said.

To close the evening, the choir will perform Benjamin Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb.” Zork explained that the piece “...opens with ‘Let everything that has breath praise the Lord,’ and expands it in unexpected ways.” Many of the visuals that Britten describes in this work are about the torture that Christ underwent leading up to His death, mentioning the way people abused Him, spat on Him and mocked Him. Ultimately, however, Christ was raised from the dead and should be praised by all living creatures for the sacrifice that He made. 

Singer Sea Avitia (junior, education and religion) explained the work that is needed to put together a concert of this caliber. 

“Choir performances are always a lot of fun, but they are also a lot of work. Coordination and cooperation are key; everyone needs to learn their part, but also be able to blend,” she said. 

She stated that she is most excited to sing “Come to Me,” which will be performed in the second half of the concert. She explained that the blending of the voices makes this song especially beautiful. She added, “I’m looking forward to everything except standing in one spot for an hour or more!” 

To hear these pieces and others performed by the University Choirs, tickets can be purchased at the box office or on the Howard Performing Arts Center’s .