SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel University Chorus and Chorale will join to perform a spring concert under the direction of Tom Matrone on Thursday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the Barnett Recital Hall.
Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend.
The choirs’ performances will feature guest Philip Stopford, a choral composer and director from England.
Stopford will premiere his original composition for Evangel University, The Four Evangel Motets, celebrating and honoring the four scriptures that are engraved on the EU clock tower. The tower was constructed to commemorate Evangel’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2005.
The four verses of Scripture engraved on the clock tower are as follows:
- “Thus far has the Lord helped us.” — I Samuel 7:12
- “I will make known thy faithfulness.” — Psalm 89:1
- “With God all things are possible.” — Mark 10:27
- “Give thanks for the Lord is good.” — Psalm 136:1
“Mr. Stopford is a world-renowned composer who has crafted compositions that have been sung all over the world,” Matrone said.
Stopford went to Oxford University to study music at Keble College, where he was also an organ scholar. In 2003, he was appointed as director of music at St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast, Ireland. Stopford currently devotes his time to choral composition and conducting, offering commissions and workshops globally.
Program for chorus
Gospel Mass, by Robert Ray
Double Chorus Composition, by Giovanni Gabrielli
Program for chorale
Sparrow Mass, by Mozart
The Four Evangel Motets, by Philip Stopford
Pilgrims Hymn, by Stephan Paulus (performed by both choirs)
For more information, contact Lynne Hall at (417) 865-2811, ext. 7212, or by email at hallLy@evangel.edu.