10/18/22 Oshkosh Chamber Singers Present Fall Concert
18 October 2022 News
OSHKOSH — The Oshkosh Chamber Singers will open their 2022-2023 season Saturday, Oct. 22, with the program “Let All Creation Sing.” Selections speak to the relationship between our creator, humanity and the natural world.
The concert will begin at 4 p.m. in First Congregational Church, 137 Algoma Blvd. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students. They are available from singers, at Heid Music on South Park, Gardina’s on Main Street and at the door. More information is available at oshkoshchambersingers.org or by calling 920-312-8290.
Herb Berendsen is the music director, Sarah E. Wheeler the accompanist and T. Jared Stellmacher the organist.
The signature piece will be the world premiere of Zachary J. Moore’s “Sing,” written to text of the poem “The First Day of Spring,” by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894). Other selections include “Always Something Sings,” by Dan Forrest; and selections related to The Creatures, The Earth, The Sky and The Waters.
“Sing” was commissioned by the Chamber Singers in memory of its founding conductor, Dr. Carl Chapman, and a founding member, Jack Propp.
Chapman conducted the Oshkosh Chamber Singers for 30 years. He earned his master’s degree from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
He began his teaching career in the music department of Mukwonago (Wisconsin) High School. In 1981, he was appointed director of choral activities at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where he conducted choirs until retiring in 2012. He died Oct. 7, 2021.
Propp was a frequent performer throughout the area, including with the White Heron Chorale and the Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Chancel Choir. He was an active member of the church and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Winnebago Area Literacy Council.
Professionally, he taught analytical chemistry and was director of medical technology at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh; a research scientist for James River Corp.; and a senior research fellow for Neenah Technical Center. He died Oct. 26, 2020.
Moore is a composer, conductor and educator. He is a native of Muskego, Wisconsin, holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is pursuing a master’s degree in music composition and is a graduate teaching assistant at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Combining his interests in film, classical music and film scoring, he strives to tell meaningful stories through his music. He has received commissions from throughout the world, including the United States, Asia, Africa and Australia, including two projects with the Cheong Gong High School Male Choir, previous winners of the 2013 Busan Choral Competition, and the professional choir Inspirare.
He also writes frequently for college choirs including Luther College, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Lawrence University.
He is a past member of the Oshkosh Chamber Singers, has taught at St. Mary’s Springs Academy in Fond du Lac and Waukesha West High School, and served as composer-in-residence to The Master Singers of Eau Claire.
He was a third-place winner in both the American Prize national competition and the Marvin Hamlisch Contest for international film composition.
Other Oshkosh Chamber Singers concerts this season will be “A Festival of Lessons and Carols,” a holiday concert, at 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Trinity Episcopal Church; and Haydn’s “The Creation” at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish.
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