Published: April 17, 2008 10:04 pm            

ISU to present ‘An Evening of Rodgers & Hammerstein’

TERRE HAUTE — The Indiana State University Masterworks Chorale, under the direction of Scott Buchanan, will present the classic tunes from the most beloved musicals written by legendary duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II at 3 p.m. Sunday in Tilson Auditorium.

For decades, the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein has been a mainstay on stages all over the world.

Known as one of the finest songwriting teams in the history of musical theater, the two collaborated on many projects during the mid-20th century.

Included on the program in Sunday’s concert will be selections from “Oklahoma,” “The Sound the Music,” “Carousel,” “The King and I,” “State Fair” and “South Pacific.”

“This program is a little out of the ordinary for this group,” Buchanan said. “We usually perform larger works that are more classical in nature.”

In recent semesters, Masterworks members have performed some extremely difficult repertoire — Haydn’s “The Seasons,” “Carmina Burana” and “King David.” “I thought it was time to lighten things up a little,” Buchanan said.

“I have a great passion for musical theater, especially the classics. I find it interesting that even though the storylines and characters are somewhat dated, the songs from these musicals are still so well-known,” he added.

Sunday’s performance will feature ISU music faculty members Peggy Balensuela, mezzo-soprano; Colleen Davis, soprano; Lisa Lowry, soprano; and tenor David Mannell. Also featured will be baritone Mark Gilgallon, a voice instructor at Butler University.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students (K-12). ISU students will be admitted free with a valid student ID.

For more information, call the ISU choral music office at (812) 237-4590.

        

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