University Park, IL –(ENEWSPF)—January 9, 2015. The 130-voice Governors State University Concert Chorale, under the direction of Albert M. Jackson, has announced their 2014-2015 season Gala Concert performance to be held in the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University. The group, which operated for the past 16 seasons under the name South Suburban Chorale, recently moved to GSU. “We are very glad and excited to be at GSU,” said Jackson. “We look forward to continuing and expanding our musical activities through the University, and want to reach out to the entire Chicago Southland area with our singing.” The Chorale has previously performed throughout the Chicago south suburban and Northwest Indiana region, and toured Europe.
Marking the “official” debut of the Governors State University Chorale under the direction of Albert M. Jackson, the GSU Center for Performing Arts and the School of Extended Learning present a gala concerton January 18 at 4 p.m. featuring works heard in the fall concerts, new materials prepared for the occasion and works celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program highlights include Stomp Your Foot from “The Tender Land”, Sally Gardens, Shenandoah, Lift Every Voice And Sing, The Road Home, Aura Lee, Battle Hymn of the Republic and My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord.
Serving as a fundraiser to benefit future seasons of the Chorale, reserved seating is only $20.00, all of which will be used for the overall support of the Chorale. GSU’s Center for Performing Arts is located on the main campus.
Tickets may be purchased early online at www.CenterTickets.net, by phone at 708.235.2222 or visit the Center for Performing Arts Box Office.
The Chorale’s 2014-15 season is funded through a grant from the Retirement Research Foundation, a private, Chicago-based foundation which has awarded more than $200 million in grants since its inception in 1978. The Foundation is devoted exclusively to improving the quality of life for our nation’s older adults, especially those who are vulnerable due to advanced age, economic disadvantage, or disparity related to race and ethnicity. RRF fulfills its mission through grant-making programs which support innovative advocacy, direct service, professional education and training, and research projects that benefit older Americans.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Director Albert M. Jackson has been an active musical force in the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana region for a number of years, after having lived and worked previously in the Los Angeles area. He has earned degrees in voice, German literature, and sacred music, and has studied with such noted conductors as Margaret Hillis, Fiora Contino, and William Hall. As a Fulbright Scholar, he spent two years in Germany writing on the relationship of theology and music in the chorales of J.S. Bach.
Mr. Jackson has sung professionally with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Ravinia Festival Chorus and Grant Park Festival Chorus. His text translations and program notes have been used by the Aspen Music Festival, the American Kantorei, and several academic institutions in California, Illinois and Indiana.
Mr. Jackson recently retired after teaching 16 years at South Suburban College in South Holland, IL, where he served as Music Department Chair and Director of Choral Activities, as well as coordinator of the International Studies Program. He is the recipient of the South Suburban College Outstanding Faculty Award, the South Suburban College Foundation Cornerstone Award, and the South Suburban Small Business Association Pinnacle Award.
Source: www.govst.edu
