UW Collegiate Chorale and Chamber Orchestra to Present ‘We Are Phoenix’ Oct. 17

The University of Wyoming Collegiate Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Brian Murray, will present a collaborative concert exploring themes of resilience and renewal Friday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall.

Tickets are available at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/uwyo/6984, in person or at (307) 766-6666 at the Performing Arts box office, Monday-Friday, noon-6 p.m. and one hour before performances.

The concert’s centerpiece is Takach’s multimovement oratorio for choir and strings, “We Are Phoenix.” The piece uses poetry from multiple authors to draw a powerful comparison between the Earth’s constant cycle of destruction and renewal and the human capacity to overcome hardship and rise again, stronger than before.

The concert also highlights two stunning musical settings of John Donne’s Divine Sonnet VII, a vivid depiction of the Last Judgment that creates a timeless and profound reflection on life and death. First is Williametta Spencer’s 1968 work “At the Round Earth's Imagined Corners,” followed by Reginal Wright’s powerful new choral work “Imagined Corners,” which was commissioned by the UW choirs and will include the composer in attendance.

Complementing this theme and concluding the program is Moses Hogan’s joyful and dynamic arrangement of the African American spiritual, “I Can Tell the World,” known for its vibrant harmonies and rhythmic intensity.

UW’s Collegiate Chorale is the premier mixed choral ensemble at UW. The UW Chamber Orchestra features some of UW’s most advanced string players, performing a diverse repertoire from Baroque to contemporary music.