About the Sandlapper Singers
SANDLAPPER SINGERS TO PERFORM WITH RENOWNED COMPOSER MICHAEL JOHN TROTTA
April 26, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2019
COLUMBIA, SC – The Sandlapper Singers will conclude its 2018-2019 concert season with “Masters Youth Choir ft. Michael John Trotta” on Friday, April 26 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Internationally-acclaimed composer and conductor Michael John Trotta will join Sandlapper Singers Artistic Director, Dustin Ousley, in directing this concert, dedicated exclusively to Trotta’s original compositions. The performance will feature special guest musicians, as well as the Masters Youth Choir, an ensemble of select high-school singers from around the region.
For Ousley, this event is the ideal way for the Sandlapper Singers to achieve its mission. “Our goal as a choir is both to celebrate American choral music and to inspire the next generation of ensemble singers,” he says. “I can think of no better way to achieve this mission.”
Michael John Trotta works as a full-time composer, conductor, and clinician based in New York City. He is one of the most “exciting and prominent new composers of choral music,” a sought-after conductor, and dynamic clinician. He brings an “intimate knowledge of the human voice,” a “rare sensitivity to the capabilities of a choral ensemble,” and years of experience as an inspiring educator to thousands of singers each year. His award-winning commissions are frequently performed at Carnegie Hall, at national choral conventions and his recordings are broadcast worldwide.
“Trotta’s music is brilliantly written with both the choral singer and audience in mind,” said Ousley. “It is as if he has carefully thought out how he wants both performer and listener to experience his musical inspirations.”
The concert program will include a selection of Trotta’s shorter choral works, such his setting of ”Psalm 150” and “Three American Folksongs,” as well as two extended works for string quartet and oboe: “For A Breath of Ecstasy” and “A Light Shines in the Darkness.” The program will conclude with a world premiere of “Set Me As a Seal,” written to commemorate the 60thwedding anniversary Bill and Darrell Brannon, two of the Sandlapper Singers’ treasured board members.
“Masters Youth Choir ft. Michael John Trotta” will be Friday, April 26 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia at 7:30 PM, with doors opening at 7 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students with ID, and may be purchased on online or at the door before the concert. Children 12 and under get in free with a paying adult; no ticket required.
For more information, visit www.sandlappersingers.org.
About the Sandlapper Singers
Comprised of 36 voices, the Sandlapper Singers is an auditioned chamber choir and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Columbia, South Carolina. Under the leadership of artistic director Dustin Ousley, the ensemble is dedicated to presenting choral music of the highest caliber and ensuring the future of choral arts by mentoring young singers and educators. Founded in 1996 by Lillian and Dave Quackenbush, the Sandlapper Singers focuses on the works of American composers of the past and present, both traditional and contemporary. In addition to its annual concert series in the Columbia area, the ensemble regularly performs around the state and beyond.
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SANDLAPPER SINGERS PRESENT LEONARD BERNSTEIN CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
October 26 & 28, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2018
COLUMBIA, SC – In honor of Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday (August 25, 2018), the Sandlapper Singers will commemorate the legendary American composer’s centennial with a presentation of “Bernstein & Broadway,” on October 26 & October 28 in Columbia. This choral concert, accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra, will include a medley of Bernstein’s greatest hits from acclaimed musical, West Side Story. This concert will also feature Broadway hits from The Wizard of Oz, A Chorus Line, Phantom of the Opera, Ragtime, and many more.
The concert, appropriate for all ages, will be presented Friday, October 26 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church at 7:30 PM and Sunday, October 28 at Columbia College Spears Concert Hall at 4:00 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students with ID. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door before the concert. Children 12 and under get in free with a paying adult; no ticket required. Group discounts are also available.
For more information, visit www.sandlappersingers.org
About the Sandlapper Singers
Comprised of 36 voices, the Sandlapper Singers is a professional choir and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Columbia, South Carolina. Under the leadership of artistic director Dustin Ousley, the group is dedicated to presenting choral music of the highest caliber and ensuring the future of choral arts by mentoring young singers and educators. Founded in 1996 by Lillian and Dave Quackenbush, the Sandlapper Singers focuses on the works of American composers of the past and present, both traditional and contemporary. In addition to its annual concert series in the Columbia area, the ensemble regularly performs around the state and beyond.
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SANDLAPPER SINGERS TO COMMEMORATE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF END OF WORLD WAR I
April 26-27, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2018
COLUMBIA, SC – To commemorate the Centenary of the end of the First World War, the Sandlapper Singers will present “1918-2018: A Concert to Remember,” on April 26 & April 27 in Columbia and Irmo.
Through song, music, and readings, the Sandlapper Singers will remember the nearly five million Americans who served and the 116,000 men and women gave their lives in this war that forever changed the world and devastated a generation. The audience will be taken on a journey of peace, hope, and recovery through music that celebrates the virtues of peace in response to the atrocities of war.
“Choral music is unique in its ability to tell a story, and this concert tells the story of peace, hope, and recovery.” said Artistic Director Dustin Ousley. “Often you hear that music is the universal language, and this concert will not only honor those who served, but also inspire and touch us at our very soul.”
The concert, appropriate for all ages, will be presented Thursday, April 26 at Incarnation Lutheran Church and Friday, April 27 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Irmo. Performances begin at 7:30 PM, with doors opening at 7 PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for active duty military & veterans, and $5 for students with ID. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door before the concert. Children 12 and under get in free with a paying adult; no ticket required. Group discounts are also available.
For more information, visit www.sandlappersingers.org
About the Sandlapper Singers
Comprised of 32 voices, the Sandlapper Singers is a professional choir and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Columbia, South Carolina. Under the leadership of artistic director Dustin Ousley, the group is dedicated to presenting choral music of the highest caliber and ensuring the future of choral arts by mentoring young singers and educators. Founded in 1996 by Lillian and Dave Quackenbush, the Sandlapper Singers focuses on the works of American composers of the past and present, both traditional and contemporary. In addition to its annual concert series in the Columbia area, the ensemble regularly performs around the state and beyond.
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RUSHINGBROOK CHILDREN’S CHOIR JOINS SANDLAPPER SINGERS TO PRESENT RUTTER’S “MASS OF THE CHILDREN”
December 14-15, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2017
COLUMBIA, SC – The Rushingbrook Children’s Choir (Greenville, SC) joins the Sandlapper Singers and chamber orchestra to present John Rutter’s “Mass of the Children,” December 14 & 15, 2017 at two Columbia locations.
John Rutter penned the mass following the death of his son, Christopher. First performed in Carnegie Hall in 2003, this uplifting masterwork contains five movements that combine traditional Latin and Greek mass text with English poetry. The mass will be conducted by Sandlapper Singers Artistic Director, Dr. Dustin Ousley.
“We are thrilled to have the talented Rushingbrook Children’s Choir join us for this performance,” said Ousley. “Rutter’s mass presents a unique opportunity for children to perform alongside professional singers and orchestra musicians, creating an intergenerational masterpiece.”
Christmas concerts have been a holiday tradition for the Sandlapper Singers since its founding in 1996. In addition to “Mass of the Children,” this year’s Christmas program will include nostalgic holiday favorites to bring out the child in you once again. The program will feature a medley of John Williams Christmas songs from the movie, Home Alone, “I Believe” from The Polar Express, music from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” among many other holiday hits.
The concerts will be Thursday, December 14 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church and Friday, December 15 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Performances begin at 7:30 PM, with doors opening at 7 PM. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students with ID, and may be purchased online or at the door before the concert. Children 12 and under get in free with a paying adult; no ticket required. Group discounts are also available.
For more information, visit www.sandlappersingers.org
About the Sandlapper Singers
Comprised of 32 voices, the Sandlapper Singers is a professional choir and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Columbia, South Carolina. Under the leadership of artistic director Dustin Ousley, the group is dedicated to presenting choral music of the highest caliber and ensuring the future of choral arts by mentoring young singers and educators. Founded in 1996 by Lillian and Dave Quackenbush, the Sandlapper Singers focuses on the works of American composers of the past and present, both traditional and contemporary. In addition to its annual concert series in the Columbia area, the ensemble regularly performs around the state and beyond.
About the Rushingbrook Children’s Choir
The Rushingbrook Children’s Choir (RCC) was established in Greenville, SC in 2014 with the mission of teaching Christian children to sing with artistry for the glory of God. In addition to acquiring choral singing skills, choristers learn basic music theory and are introduced to serious choral music of various styles. RCC sings Christmas and spring concerts at local Greeenville, SC venues, including area churches and Greenville Happening. Singing for the Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore Estate has become a favorite Christmas tradition of the choristers. In June of 2016, RCC was invited to collaborate with Rivertree Singers, under the direction of Dr. Warren Cook, to present Dan Forrest’s Jubilate Deo for Rivertree’s annual Rivertree and Friends Concert. Membership in RCC is by audition. For more information about RCC, please visit rccvoices.org.
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THE SANDLAPPER SINGERS KICK OFF 22nd SEASON OF SONG
2017-2018 Season: Choral Perspectives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2017
COLUMBIA, SC – Sandlapper Singers will soon kick off its 2017-2018 concert season entitled, “Choral Perspectives.” Under the baton of Artistic Director, Dr. Dustin Ousley, the ensemble will present three concert programs: A Worldly Perspective in early October; A Child’s Perspective in mid-December; and Perspectives on War and Peace in late April.
Music is unique in its ability to have many different sounds, emotions, instruments, beats, genres, and listeners from every walk of life. It transcends every cultural, ethnic, and linguistic boundary, leaving the listener richer for having experienced it.
“Choral music allows us to discover the world through a new lens,” Ousley says. “As we perform music from these three diverse perspectives, you will see there are far more similarities than there are differences.” Audiences are invited to explore the world with the Sandlapper Singers this season, one song at a time.
A Worldly Perspective – October 5-6, 2017
Leave your passport at home and experience the world without leaving the Midlands! The Sandlapper Singers will begin the season with a journey across the history of music in both time and geography. Back at home, the choir will celebrate the African-American spiritual and its profound influence on American choral music. This concert will prove that in all cultures, music is a universal language. Performances of A Worldly Perspective will be Thursday, October 5 at Kathwood Baptist Church and Friday, October 6 at Washington Street United Methodist Church.
A Child’s Perspective – December 14-15, 2017
Experience the joy of music through the eyes of a child at The Sandlapper Singers’ annual Christmas concert. The choir will be joined by the Rushingbrook Children’s Choir (Greenville, SC) and orchestral accompaniment to present John Rutter’s glorious masterwork, “Mass of the Children.” This concert will conclude with nostalgic holiday classics to bring out the child in you once again. Performances of A Child’s Perspective will be Thursday, December 14 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church and Friday, December 15 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church.
Perspectives on War and Peace – April 26-27, 2018
The year 2018 marks 100 years since the end of World War I. The Sandlapper Singers will conclude the season by commemorating centenary of the war’s end. This moving concert will explore themes of war and peace using musical works composed in response to personal loss, settings of war poetry, and music celebrating the virtues of peace in opposition to the atrocities of war. Performances of Perspectives on War and Peace will be Thursday, April 26 at Incarnation Lutheran Church and Friday, April 27 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
All concerts begin at 7:30 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students with ID, and may be purchased online or at the door before the concert. Children 12 and under are admitted for free with a paying adult; no ticket required. Group discounts are also available. For more information, visit www.sandlappersingers.org or contact info@sandlappersingers.org.
About the Sandlapper Singers
Comprised of 36 voices, Sandlapper Singers is a professional choir and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Columbia, South Carolina. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Dustin Ousley, the group is dedicated to presenting choral music of the highest caliber and ensuring the future of choral arts by mentoring young singers and educators. Founded in 1996 by Lillian and Dave Quakenbush, Sandlapper Singers focuses on the works of American composers of the past and present, both traditional and contemporary. In addition to its annual concert series in the Columbia area, the ensemble regularly performs around the state and beyond.
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Previous News
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The Sandlapper Singers Announce 2016-2017 Concert Season
Sandlapper Singers Hint at Ambitious Future with Finale Concert featuring Z. Randall Stroope