Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University will present a series of choral concerts April 20-21, featuring WCU choral groups and students from three high schools as part of the 26th annual High School Invitational Choral Clinic.

The performances will take place in the recital hall of the Coulter Building. The concerts are free and open to the public.

WCU choral groups will perform Friday, April 20, at 8 p.m. The program will include performances by the University Chorus, conducted by Robert Holquist, WCU professor of music, accompanied by Meagan Gillette; the WCU Concert Choir, conducted by Holquist, accompanied by Patrick Thomas; and the Catamount Chamber Singers, conducted by Bruce Frazier, WCU’s Belk Distinguished Professor of Commercial and Electronic Music, accompanied by Thomas.

“This program is one that will have something for everyone, ranging from classical to folk, spiritual, pop, and jazz,” said Holquist.

Three high schools will bring students to rehearse together with the Concert Choir beginning at 11 a.m. on April 20.

The Concert Choir and 85 visiting high school singers will present a concert at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21. 

The performance will open with the guest choir from Erwin High School of Asheville under the direction of Bob Johnson, WCU alumnus. The ensemble will sing two motets by Palestrina and Byrd, “Canticle” by Faure, “Sing me to Heaven” by Gawthrop, and the spiritual “He Never Failed Me Yet.” 

The guest choir will be followed by a mass by Franz Joseph Haydn, performed with orchestral accompaniment featuring area string players. Heather Hallmark, WCU senior vocal performance major, will perform as soprano soloist.

The concert will close with “Sing Halleluiah!” by Jim Williams, a N.C. composer, church musician and educator from Drexel.

For more information, call the WCU music department at (828) 227-7242.