The 50-member Heidelberg University-Community Chorus will perform its annual spring concert, titled “Frostiana,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at First Lutheran Church, 300 Melmore St.
“Frostiana” is based on the works of poet Robert Frost, set to music. Commissioned in 1958 to commemorate the bicentennial of the incorporation of the town of Amherst, Massachusetts, the piece consists of seven choral settings of Frost poems, including “The Road Not Taken,” “The Pasture,” “Come In,” “The Telephone,” “A Girl’s Garden” “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” and “Choose Something Like a Star.” Dr. Greg Ramsdell, director of choral activities and associate professor of music education, is the chorus conductor. His wife, Cynthia Ramsdell, is the accompanist.
Ramsdell chose “Frostiana” as a reward for the ensemble’s musical growth and mastery of a piece by Randall Thompson, titled “The Road Not Taken,” which was part of the fall semester choral repertoire.
“During the fall semester, I noticed such a tremendous amount of musical growth in the ensemble that I decided it was time to attempt a major work,” Ramsdell said. “As we progressed through learning ‘The Road Not Taken’ last semester, I promised the chorus members that, should we conquer the challenges of this movement that we would prepare the entire work for the spring concert.”
The chorus delivered and Ramsdell proved he is a man of his word. “The chorus’ hard work and diligent preparation of this very difficult choral masterwork is inspiring,” he said.
The spring concert is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be collected.
If you have any questions about the University-Community Chorus or are interested in singing with the chorus in the future, please e-mail Ramsdell at gramsdel [at] heidelberg.edu or call (419) 448-2154.SATB mixed chorus, movements 2 and 6 are composed for TBB chorus, movements 3 and 5 are composed for SSA chorus, and movement 4 is composed for SSATTBB double chorus. We hope that you will join us for this very special concert.