Chanticleer, Klezmer Conservatory Band to Perform
November 11, 2004
Ring in the holidays with two performances at the Modlin Center. Grammy award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer returns December 2, 2004, at 7:30 pm to present "A Chanticleer Christmas," a blend of traditional carols, medieval and Renaissance sacred works and moving spirituals. With its seamless blend of 12 male voices, ranging from countertenor to bass, the ensemble has earned international renown as "an orchestra of voices." Chanticleer performs more than 100 concerts a year and has traveled all over the world, including Toronto, Tokyo and Paris.
Hailed by the The New York Times as "precise, pure and deeply felt singing," Chanticleer delivers a spectacular performance that often sells out. Formed in 1978 by founder Louis Botto, Chanticleer would soon become what it remains today, the only independent full-time classical vocal ensemble in the United States. The name was taken from Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, which originated as an English translation of the French words chanter (to sing) and clair (clear).
The Klezmer Conservatory Band presents a different side of the holiday festivities by performing during the Chanukah season on December 6, 2004, at 7:30 pm. For over two decades, the Klezmer Conservatory Band has been enlightening audiences as an internationally renowned Yiddish music ensemble. Klezmer music began in medieval Europe, where bands of wandering Jewish musicians played for Jewish festivals and special events. By the 19th century, Klezmer music had become a well-developed musical style, taking its inspiration not only from the synagogue, but also from the non-Jewish culture that surrounded it.
The Washington Post recognizes The Klezmer Conservatory Band as possessing an "uninhibited verve [that] translates into any language and will no doubt leave anyone included to dance along gasping for air." The KCB's unique blend of traditional Jewish folk music, merged with elements of jazz, folk and classical music, has led the band to play shows from coast to coast, as well as offer educational programs on Yiddish music.
Tickets for Chanticleer are $30 for adults, $28 for seniors, $15 for children, $22 for UR faculty/staff, FREE for UR students. Chanticleer is currently sold out but a limited number of Stand By tickets will be available for $10 at the box office beginning 90 minutes before the performance. Stand By patrons will be seated in vacant seats at show time. Tickets for The Klezmer Conservatory Band are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors, $14 for children, $20 for UR faculty/staff and $5 for UR students, and can be purchased by stopping by the Modlin Center Box Office, by calling 289-8980 or by visiting oncampus.richmond.edu/modlinarts.