Belmont University School of Music presents
Bel Canto & Chorale Lesley Mann, conductor Jeffery L. Ames, conductor
Democracy for Listeners
Belmont University School of Music
Bel Canto Lesley Mann, conductor Chris Smallwood, piano Our concert today celebrates civic engagement. The vast majority of the singers in Bel Canto have the opportunity to vote in their very first presidential election this November, and our program probes a number of characteristics of democracy. We seek mercy, we celebrate the health of a democracy where two opposing voices strengthen each other through challenge and collaboration, we embrace the idea that our voices have the power to change the world, we celebrate the hope of anticipation, we nourish unity, and we laud our perfectly imperfect nation. In preparation for this performance, members of Bel Canto completed a variety of assignments to dig into the context, imagery, theming, and purpose of the pieces. One particular assignment asked the singers to examine their biases as we head into election season. In response, singer Jagger Kubin wrote, “The pieces we perform are examples of artistic expressions that may carry cultural, religious, or historical connotations. When examining these pieces in the context of identifying bias and its relation to democracy, it's essential to consider how artistic representations can reflect or challenge societal biases. Art has the power to reinforce and question prevailing biases, and in a democratic society, it is essential to recognize and address any biases embedded in cultural expressions. Understanding the cultural and historical contexts from which these pieces emerge can provide insight into the complexities of bias and its impact on democratic values such as inclusivity, diversity, and freedom of expression.” Program notes by Dr. Lesley Mann, School of Music Faculty
Kyrie
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024 5:00 PM
MCAFEE CONCERT HALL
Frode Fjelheim (b. 1959) Grace Shuley, soloist Ella Heasley, soloist Kylie Heltzel, soloist Rebecca Dillon, percussion Madison LaVigne, percussion Henry Crane, percussion