Encore Vocal Arts

2011-2012 Season 

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 16, 2011) – Celebrating 40 years of collaborative choral concerts, innovative programming, and an ever-expanding list of partner organizations, Encore Vocal Arts announces a season that starts with a celebration of the ensemble’s own roots and ends with a celebration of the roots of the show choir movement and the Glee phenomenon. With a venue schedule that takes the ensemble around the city, this season’s eclectic mix of classical, contemporary, folk, sacred, and show choir music focuses on the earth and elements, from water to fire.

Join us for more than one show and get a price break with the Encore Flexible Season Ticket!

"CELEBRATING OUR ROOTS" with Founder Elise Marshall and Alumni
Sun. Sep. 18, 4pm
Friedens United Church of Christ, 8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis

“Celebrating Our Roots,” features an afternoon of beautiful a cappella music from Encore’s four decades with a special piece conducted by Elise Marshall, who founded the group in 1972, then as the Indianapolis Arts Chorale at the University of Indianapolis. Special invited guests are all former singers and board members who will join the group onstage for a final tribute to Ms. Marshall. The show is followed by a reception and memorabilia display. This concert is free with gratefully accepted donations.

"HYMNODY OF EARTH"
Sun. Oct. 2, 4pm  
St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 3106 E. Carmel Drive, Carmel

The return of an Encore audience and singer favorite: Malcolm Dalglish’s sublime tribute to the glory of nature and our human connection to it, with a special twist…the Bloomington-based Dalglish himself joins Encore for the performance. Wendell Berry’s descriptive words combine with hammered dulcimer accompaniment and sensitive, nuance-touched choral singing for a beautiful afternoon of serenity and peacefulness. The performance will be accompanied by an evocative photographic display and sung in the cylindrical altar area of this north side church just off of Keystone Avenue.

"FROM FLOODS TO DROUGHTS: Mendelssohn’s Elijah in Today’s Context"
Sat. Nov. 19, 8pm
Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 418 E. 34th St., Indianapolis

This masterwork known to many will be performed in a new context with a unique relevance…. Mendelssohn’s Elijah, interspersing the great work with the environmental challenges that pit humankind as a modern-day Elijah, and what sort of approach we might take that brings reconciliation in the future. The concert features a new arrangement for organ and string orchestra, guest choir from Arsenal Tech High School, and several rising stars from Indiana University as the soloists.

Encore reprises its performance of this most popular choral piece ever written next to Messiah, this time with flame artist, Molly Wyldfyre, on stage and on fire! Encore is joined again by Zionsville High School Chamber Choir, five percussionists, 2 pianos, and soloists from the ensemble itself for the hottest piece of the season.

This concert brings to new life the story of holy week as told in the Christian tradition through thousands of years of choral music. The repertoire includes unaccompanied choral music from over two hundred years, performed in the beautiful acoustic of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Audience members of any faith tradition will find this program to be a compelling re-telling of the tale of Jesus of Nazareth, highlighting common human frailties as well as the power of love.

"THE MAGIC OF FRED WARING: Father of the Glee Phenomenon"
Sat. May 19, 8pm
Lawrence Central High School, 7300 E. 56th St., Indianapolis

. Show choir singers will connect with their roots and broaden and deepen their understanding of this unique genre. This program is the culmination of Artistic Director Chris Ludwa’s quest to study Waring’s technique and repertoire, and has been carefully constructed to reflect the nuance of the original ensemble. The concert will benefit the choir programs of Arsenal Technical and Manual High Schools.

. Season support is provided by Arts Council of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate, Barnes and Thornburg, and Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation.

Encore Vocal Arts is an innovative and socially conscious choral organization that brings together professional-caliber vocalists from all walks of life who perform both for the love of the art and for the greater good.

Celebrating Our Roots September 18 • 04:00 PM

The Hymnody of Earth October 02 • 04:00 PM

elijah November 19 • 08:00 PM From Floods to Drought: A Masterpiece in Today's Context Mendelssohn's Elijah! Saturday, November 19, 8pm Tabernacle Presbyterian Church 418 E. 34th Street, Indianapolis Floods…droughts…famine…ever wonder what’s happening?  So did one man 3000 years ago.  Elijah!  This masterwork known to many is a story of hope against all odds. Performed in today’s context with a unique relevance, Encore presents a tale of faith told in timeless song with powerful and thrilling choruses and a message transcending religion or politics.  The concert features a new arrangement for organ and string orchestra, the Arsenal Tech High School Chamber Choir, an auditioned octet, and soloists Leah Crane, Soprano, Damien Geter, Baritone, Charles Metzger, Tenor.  Also featuring Matt Kauffman, Tabernacle Presbyterian, on the organ. An evening to focus on the good, not the bad and raising awareness for Heifer International.  Tickets starting at just $14 plus kids under 18 are free with paid adult!