Weston Noble
Frederick Swann
Erick Dale Knapp
Festival of Faith to be held at Evangel University
September 30, 2009
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications (417) 865-2815, ext. 7292
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Festival of Faith: A Celebration of Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs will be held at Evangel University on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. in the Chapel Auditorium. Pre-Festival music will begin at 5:30 p.m.
There is no charge for admission and the public is invited to attend.
The Mark Thallander Foundation and Evangel University Department of Music are sponsoring the event.
The festival features not only amazing artistry and musical talent, but also some of the eminent leaders in choral and church music today. Special guests include acclaimed conductor Weston Noble, a charter member of the American Choral Directors Association. Erick Dale Knapp, conductor and founder of the Orchestra de Camerata, will serve as the festival music director. Fredrick Swann, festival organist, is the president of the American Guild of Organists.
The evening will include performances by a 500-voice festival choir composed of choirs from universities and churches around the Springfield area, including the Evangel University Chorus, Concert Choir and Chorale. The Boys Choir of Springfield and the Evangel University Brass Ensemble will also be performing.
Background on the artists
Weston Noble is a highly accomplished and honored music educator and conductor. Now the Professor Emeritus of Music at Luther College, Noble is best known for his 57-year tenure as the director of the Nordic Choir and Concert Band. Noble is a member of the American Bandmasters and has served as conductor to more than 800 musical festivals worldwide. During World War II, as a tank driver in the U.S. Army Noble saw action in the Battle of the Bulge and was a part of the Allied thrust into the heart of Nazi Germany.
Frederick Swann is one of the most sought after leaders in organ and church music. In addition to concerts around the world from Melbourne to Moscow, Swann has served in distinguished positions for the Manhattan School of Music as well as the Teachers College of Columbia University. Swann now serves as university organist, artist-in-residence, and teacher of organ at Redlands University in California.
Erick Dale Knapp’s conducting has led him around the globe. His résumé includes concerts at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and leading the Celebration Choir at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
For additional information, visit Mark Thallander Foundation Site, download the flyer (pdf), or contact Lynne Hall at 417-865-2715, ext. 7390.