Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts will present its seventh annual Summer Festival Chorus' concert, "Exploring the 20th Century," in the Quick Center on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m.

Under the baton of Conductor Carole Ann Maxwell, accompanied by pianist Beth Palmer and, featuring special guest artists - jazz pianist Joe Utterback, and Jeanne Kimball, music director of the Pitchpipers, the 90-member chorus will sing choral masterpieces of the 20th Century from Broadway to the classics.

Arranged for the experienced choral singer, the Quick Center's Summer Festival Chorus brings together singers with a wide range of experience in, and passion for, the arts. (For a listing of those singers in your town, please see attached sheet.) The evening's repertoire includes: "Sanctus" from "Requiem" by Maurice Durufle; "O Let Us Sing," by Marvin Curtis; and "The Beginning of Creation," by Daniel Pinkham. Also on the program are: "Gloria" from "Mass in E Flat" by Mrs. H.H. A. Beach; "With a Song in My Heart," by Richard Rodgers; and selections from "Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert."

Guest artist, jazz pianist Joe Utterback of Rowayton, who will play Duke Ellington's "Satin Doll," is making his second appearance with the Summer Festival Chorus. For more than three decades Utterback has delighted audiences with his astonishing virtuosity and deeply personal music making. Recently nominated for a Grammy Award for his CD, "Blues and Ballads," his piano style was influenced by such keyboard greats as Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum and Erroll Garner.

Jeanne Kimball of Westport, founder of the Westport Madrigal Singers and the music director of the woman's choral group, the Pitchpipers, for more than 30 years, will also make an appearance as guest conductor of the piece, "Come Be My Love." Kimball currently serves as coordinator of the Young Artists Competition for Voice.

Conductor Carole Ann Maxwell is also the director of choral and liturgical music at Fairfield University, the artistic director and conductor of the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut, and chorus master of the Connecticut Grand Opera and Orchestra. A firm believer in the power, beauty and splendor of the human voice, her choirs have been hailed for their inspiring, dynamic and exciting performances.

Tickets for the Summer Festival Chorus concert are $12, $10 for seniors and students, and may be reserved by calling the Quick Center box office at (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-ARTS-396.

Posted On: 07-20-2000 09:07 AM

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