Friday, March 24, 2017
Presenting James Whitbourn's cinematic Son of God Mass and jazz-influenced arrangements of beloved spirituals, the Duke Vespers Ensemble will be joined by acclaimed saxophonist Susan Fancher.
Fancher is an internationally recognized concert saxophonist known for her deep and poetic musical interpretations. A lecturer in Duke's Music Department, she has been featured in hundreds of concerts as a soloist and as a member of chamber music ensembles, including the Red Clay, Amherst, Vienna and Rollin' Phones saxophone quartets. Her discography includes a solo CD entitled Ponder Nothing on the Innova label and a recording on New World Records of Forever Escher by Paul Chihara. At Duke Chapel, she will present original arrangements of spirituals and moments of improvisation.
Whitbourn's Son of God Mass is adapted from music composed as the score for the BBC's documentary series Son of God, which depicted the life of Jesus using expert commentary, reenactments, and computer simulations of biblical locations.
Directed by Duke Chapel Assistant Conductor Dr. Brian A. Schmidt, the Duke Vespers Ensemble provides musical leadership for the Chapel's weekly Vespers worship service. The group has recorded two commercial CDs and performed at the Boston Early Music Festival and Southern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors' Association.
Joining Fancher and the ensemble will be Chapel Organist Christopher Jacobson, FRCO, and on piano the Rev. Joshua Lazard, the Chapel's C. Eric. Lincoln Minister for Student Engagement.
Parking for $5 is in the Bryan Center Parking Garage, located at 125 Science Dr. Vehicles with ADA parking passes may park in the Bryan Center Surface Lot.