Fowler Center Series presents acclaimed vocal ensemble Chanticleer Nov. 9

Oct. 22, 2008 -- The Fowler Center Series presents acclaimed men’s chorus Chanticleer in performance Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m., in Riceland Hall, Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, Jonesboro.

The New Yorker magazine dubbed Chanticleer the “world’s reigning male chorus” and the San Francisco-based ensemble began as a nine-member ensemble in 1978. The group’s founder, graduate musicology student Louis Botto, decided to perform some of the medieval and Renaissance choral music repertoire he studied. He chose an all-male group, since male choruses were the norm during the time the repertoire was composed. The group takes its name from Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. One story, the Nun’s Priest’s Tale, introduces the bold rooster Chaunticleer, renowned for his remarkable crowing.

Chanticleer's flawless intonation, diverse repertoire, and brilliant interpretations are unparalleled in the world of vocal music. Chanticleer has earned international fame as "an orchestra of voices," seamlessly blending twelve male voices, ranging from pure countertenor to rich bass. The ensemble’s repertoire ranges from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to new music, and includes spirituals, folk songs, and Christmas music.

Chanticleer has produced thirty-one recordings and frequently commissions and performs new works, introducing seventy new composers to audiences over the course of the group’s history. Although the ensemble usually performs a cappella, they have also performed with period-instrument orchestras and modern orchestras, as well as undertaking opera and dramatic works. They have released one jazz and pop recording.

The group also maintains a commitment to musical education, offering classes, master classes, workshops and choral festivals for youth and for adults alike.

Tickets for all Fowler Center Series events may be purchased by calling 870-972-2781 or 1-888-278-3267, or online at http://tickets.astate.edu. On performance evenings, the box office in Fowler Center opens one hour prior to the event.

Ticket prices are $30 and $20 for adults; $24 and $16 for ASU faculty and staff; $23 and $15 for senior adults and K-12 students; and $10 and $6 for ASU students.

See www.fowlercenter.astate.edu/TicketInfo.html for season ticket information, including prices, or call the Fowler Center at (870) 972-3471 for more information.
          

###