2024 TMEA Conference

SELECTED PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES
Vanderbilt Chorale
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 • 6:00 PM • Tennessee CDE
Dr. Tucker Biddlecombe, Director
Choral music at Vanderbilt University can be traced
back to 1895, when the Vanderbilt Glee Club
toured and performed throughout the country. The
Vanderbilt Chorale was formed in 2012 to create
an ensemble for students in the Blair School of Music (est. 1986) and highly qualified
non-music majors from other disciplines at Vanderbilt University. The Chorale is
dedicated to expressive, authentic performance of a variety of musical styles, with
an emphasis on the music of living composers. Performances have ranged from
Bach’s St. Matthew Passion to David Lang’s Little Match Girl Passion, and the ensemble
has collaborated with groups such as the Clare College Choir (UK) and Roomful of
Teeth. A cohort from the Chorale, called the “Vanderbilt Choral Scholars” travels
to the United Kingdom each summer as part of Immersion Vanderbilt. This unique
experience involves collaboration with various youth choirs throughout northern
England, as well as cathedral choirs in Liverpool and Leeds. The Chorale released
its first full-length recording in February of 2018, entitled “Music in the Listening
Place” (Navona). Gramophone noted that the Chorale “launch into each track with
the earnest passion that only university music students can innocently and genuinely
provide,” while Choir & Organ magazine stated, “eclecticism for its own sake is usually
dull – done as effectively as this, it’s exhilarating . . . a delight from start to finish.”
University of Memphis University Singers
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 • 6:00 PM • Tennessee CDE
Dr. Francis Cathlina, Director
The University of Memphis University Singers
stands as the flagship SATB ensemble in the
Choral Area and is led by Dr. Francis Cathlina,
Director of Choral Activities. Composed primarily
of undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Music, the ensemble
welcomes singers from all majors who share a passion for choral music.
The University Singers presents diverse repertoire through conceptual programming.
Their performances provoke thought. With an unwavering commitment to musical
excellence, the musicians immerse the audience in extra-musical practices that
create a memorable concert experience.
The UofM University Singers maintains a robust performance schedule that
empowers its members to grow as choral artists and individuals. Invitation into this
ensemble is earned through an audition.
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TENNESSEE MUSIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATION