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This Week on Performance Oklahoma: Anton Armstrong and the St. Olaf Choir

Kemp Concert Series

The St. Olaf Choir and conductor Anton Armstrong embarked on a national winter tour this past January, offering seventeen concerts in ten heartland states and appeared in Oklahoma City on the Kemp Concert Series at First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, February 3rd.  Founded 104 years ago at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, the St. Olaf Choir is internationally recognized as the creative force behind America's a cappella choral tradition, and for setting a high standard for choral performance, particularly its artistry and beauty of sound.  On the fourth conductor in the history of the ensemble, Anton Armstrong leads the ensemble in a diverse program of music which includes sacred and secular masterworks for a cappella choir as well as pieces for chorus and grand pipe organ featuring James E Bobb, Assistant Professor of Organ and Church Music at St. Olaf College, works honoring the memory of the Choir's third conductor, Kenneth Jennings, premiere performances of André Thomas’ Credo, Kurt Weill's Kiddush, O Vos Omnes (The Lamentations of Jeremiah) by Alberto Ginastera marking the 100th anniversary of the Latin American composer's birth, spirituals, and a setting by St. Olaf choir member Philip Biedenbender.  The program also features commentary from Dr. Armstrong as well as two members of the Choir, soprano Alexandra Mauney and tenor Jocque Warner.   

The Kemp Concert Series is named in honor of John & Helen Kemp, icons in the world of church music and long-time members of First Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City from 1949-1968 and 1983-86, both serving in the Church’s Ministry of Music.  An indelible part of the history of First Presbyterian, the series honors both John and Helen as gifted musicians and as friends. Concerts take place at the Church located at 1001 NW 25th Street in Oklahoma City.  More information about the Series guided by First Presbyterian's Director of Music and Arts, Warren Puffer Jones, can be found at http://www.kempconcerts.org

This Program airs Saturday, March 26, 8pm, on Classical 88.7 HD-1.