Music will fill the campus of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) later this month when it hosts two uplifting musical concerts.
On April 23, the choirs of SMWC will present Songs of Earth and Sky, a spring choral concert celebrating Earth Day. The concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Led by Michael Boswell, associate professor of music and director of choirs, the choirs will sing pieces that, like the features and people of earth itself, are diverse in nature. Selections will include folk music of the British Isles and the United States, songs of the Krahô tribe of Brazil, contemporary selections from some of America’s most notable young composers, and a group of songs from Gustav Holst’s transcendental ‘Choral Hymns from the Rig-Veda.’
On April 30, the SMWC Band will perform on the stage of the historic Cecilian Auditorium in the Conservatory of Music. The performance, “Winds and Percussion: A Time of Renewal,” will start at 3 p.m. Audience members will be treated to three band pieces — with nature themes — chosen to reflect the rich heritage and present realities of SMWC, said Band Director Bob McMillan.
“The idyllic setting of our campus is reflected in the piece ‘Out of The Shadows’ which is based on the folk song, ‘The Larch Tree,’ he said. “‘American Riversongs’ explores the rich American heritage associated with our river system and the transportation network and towns that flourished on and around them.”
This concert is the second band concert for the school year. “Our student band members will be joined by alumni, staff and faculty for this concert. We are pleased and grateful that so many talented musicians are willing to join us to make this band portion of the concert possible.”
Both concerts are free and open to the public. Voluntary donations will be accepted during the Songs of Earth and Sky concert to offset the costs of a scheduled 2018 tour of the SMWC Madrigals to Ireland in celebration of its 60th anniversary.