The Performing Arts at Hamilton closes the Classical Connections series on Saturday, April 24, with a performance by Chanticleer titled "Passport to Song," at 8 p.m. at Wellin Hall in the Schambach Center for Music and the Performing Arts.
Named after the clear-singing rooster in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and frequently referred to as "An Orchestra of Voices," Chanticleer is a Grammy award-winning all male vocal ensemble featuring 12 singers ranging from countertenor to bass. Over the years, Chanticleer has developed a remarkable reputation for its vivid interpretations of vocal literature from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to new music. The Los Angeles Times raves that, "Chanticleer fascinates and enthralls for much the same reason a fine chocolate or a Rolls Royce does: through luxurious perfection."
The Hamilton College performance will include musical selections that span the ages from Renaissance to contemporary classical to folksongs and spirituals. Featured on the program are a cappella works by Henry Purcell, Claude Debussy, and John Musto as well as a number of contemporary composers who have recently commissioned work for Chanticleer.
Chanticleer is the recipient of major grants from The National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, The Florence Gould Foundation, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, The L.J. Skaggs and Mary C. Skaggs Foundation, and the Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund. With the help of foundation and corporate support, the group brings the gift of singing to young people by conducting artist-in-the-schools residencies both on tour and in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for students. All seating is general admission and group rates are available. For more information, call the performing arts box office at 859-4331 and leave a message.
