Upcoming Alumni Gala Concert at the Howard Center

On Saturday, Sept. 28

On Saturday, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m., the Andrews University Department of Music will present an Alumni Gala Concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center.

The Andrews University Singers conducted by Stephen Zork, the Wind Symphony conducted by Bryon Graves, and the Symphony Orchestra conducted by Chris Wild will perform at this special gala concert in honor of Paul Hamel, emeritus professor of music. Hamel is former chair of the Department of Music and long-time supporter of Andrews. He recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

The Wind Symphony will begin the gala with a performance of three pieces: “Liberty Fanfare” by John Williams (arranged by James Curnow), “American Civil War Fantasy” by Jerry Bilik and “A Hymn for the Lost and the Living” by Erik Ewazen.

Following these pieces, the Andrews University Singers will perform a piece sung in the Tagalog language titled “Umwawit Kayo Sa Panginoon (Sing a New Song to the Lord),” by Filipino composer Joy. T. Nilo. They will also perform “Blessed Are the Pure in Heart” by English composer Patrick Hawes, “When Memory Fades” by Eric Nelson and “Until I Reach My Home,” a traditional African American folk tune arranged by Brandon A. Boyd.

The Symphony Orchestra will perform “Selections from ‘Peer Gynt’” by Edvard Greig and “Carnival Overture” by Antonin Dvorak. To conclude the concert, the University Chorale and Symphony Orchestra will collaborate on Dan Forrest’s “Jubilate Deo.”

This event is part of the Andrews University Homecoming 2019 schedule and is open to all. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. For additional information, contact the Howard box office at 269-471-3560. For a full season schedule of events at the Howard Performing Arts Center, visit howard.andrews.edu.