Thank you for joining us for a new experience from the Virginia Wesleyan Choirs. The ensemble you will hear tonight, Wesleyan Vox Vera, is an elite auditioned group of twelve singers and is in its first year at Virginia Wesleyan University. The mission of the group is to sing music from a variety of styles and genres, and to rehearse and sing without a conductor.
Tonight's concert is the culimination of the development of this new concept. You will hear a variety of music: from gems from the standard choral repertoire to contemporary music, as well as songs from the Broadway Stage. The style of each arrangment is unique: some like standard contemporary a capella music, others closer to a vocal jazz ballad, and still others arranged in a completely new way.
Perhaps most importantly, we believed that it was important tonight perform songs that are (for the most part) meaningful and thoughtful songs from the past decades. Staying true to the name of our group, "Vox Vera" or "true voice," tonight's concert highlights the human voice, with very little accompaniment. When there is some instrumental accompaniment, it is always performed by the singers themselves.
In the spirit of the title of the concert, we hope that tonight will feel a little bit like the music you would discover on a jukebox in your favorite diner. A few familiar favorites, a few pieces you've never heard of, and some that you'll feel like you've known all your life.
For me, the most challenging part of this adventure has been the shift from "conductor" to "music director." While we continue to work hard in each rehearsal to prepare for each performance, I am not on stage at all tonight. In the end, these students have taken on the ownership of each song and the overall performance. With that in mind, these notes are the only time you will hear from me. Students will be introducing each song, telling you about what makes each song special, and ultimately be the leaders in tonight's concert.
We hope you will enjoy the experience as much as we have enjoyed creating it!
Bryson Mortensen
Music Director, Vox Vera
