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“Works of unearthly beauty and imagination, (with) electric, chilling harmonies"
– The Los Angeles Times
"What hits you straight between the eyes is the honesty,
optimism and sheer belief that passes any pretension.
This is music that can actually make you smile.” – BBC
New York, NY - 06/10/09 - Hundreds of singers from around the country will be gathering in New York City this summer to work with classical rock star and choral master, Eric Whitacre, including the Washington State University Concert Choir of Pullman, WA (director Dr. Lori Wiest). They will conclude rehearsals with a special concert event at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 8:00 PM.
Distinguished Concerts International New York presents an unforgettable concert event on Sunday, June 28, 2009, 8:00 PM at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. The evening will showcase the incredible talent of American choral idol, Eric Whitacre, and hiselectrifying work. Distinguished Concert Singers International New York, comprised of hundreds of auditioned singers from throughout the country, including the Washington State University Concert Choir of Pullman, WA (director Dr. Lori Wiest), will flock to New York City this summer for the chance to work with Whitacre, one of the most performed choral music composers of his generation, in an unprecedented “Whitacre fest.”
The evening will feature two new Whitacre World Premieres, as well as his most popular repertoire, including Lux Aurumque, A Boy and A Girl, Five Hebrew Love Songs, Cloudburst and Animal Crackers I and II, which was commissioned by DCINY and premiered in New York this past March 2009. Celebrated poet and Whitacre lyricist, Dr. Charles Anthony Silvestri will also be in attendance for this unique event, and will share the microphone with Whitacre during the performance.
Eric Whitacre is an LA-based composer of choral, wind band, and electronic music whose loyal fans and supporters span the globe. Whitacre’s rock star status with young musicians has brought him significant recognition within the contemporary music world, and he maintains a prominent online following. To date, Whitacre's published works have received thousands of performances andhave sold well over 750,000 copies worldwide. He has received composition awards from the Barlow International Composition Competition, the American Choral Directors Association, and the American Composers Forum. In 2001, he became the youngest recipient ever awarded the coveted Raymond C. Brock commission by ACDA.
Acclaimed poet Charles Anthony Silvestri has provided lyrics for numerous composers for a variety of prestigious commissions. His collaborations with Whitacre have sold hundreds of thousands of copies of sheet music, been sung by thousands of choirs around the world, and heard on television and radio, and in magnificent spaces such as the Sydney Opera House, Disney Hall, the NationalCathedral, York Minster, and Westminster Abbey.
In just two short years, DCINY has joined the ranks of major classical music production companies in America, nearly doubling its roster of participating ensembles and attracting high qualitytalent domestically and internationally. In less than two shortconcert seasons, DCINY has presented 21 concerts ranging from solo and chamber music recitals in Weill Recital Hall and Zankel Hall, at Carnegie Hall, to North American and World Premieres by internationally recognized composers Karl Jenkins and Eric Whitacre in Isaac Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center. DCINY has produced concerts in many of New York’s famous venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Town Hall, as well as other NYC concert halls. Please visit www.DCINY.org for details regarding other highlights of DCINY’s 2009/2010 Season.
Tickets may be purchased through the DCINY Box Office, 212.707.8566, ext 307 or from Lincoln Center Box Office. Interviews and press tickets may be arranged by contacting Julie Kostrey 212.707.8566, ext 306 or Julie@DCINY.org.
About the Washington State University Concert Choir
 The Washington State University Concert Choir, conducted by Dr. Lori Wiest, consists of 45 singers, from freshmen to graduate students majoring in various degrees across the campus such as Cell Biology, Political Science, and Music. They perform music of all periods, specializing in music by contemporary composers. In February of 2008, Concert Choir performed works by Eric Whitacre conducted by the composer in a series of concerts for the American Choral Music Festival sponsored by NEA. The Concert Choir performed Carmina Burana with the Spokane Symphony in 2007and has performed on international tours to Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Russia.
Dr. Lori Wiest is the Director of Choral Activities and Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Washington State University. She conducts the WSU Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers, teaches courses in choral conducting and choral literature, and serves as conductor of the Spokane Symphony Chorale. Dr. Wiest received a Doctor of Musical Arts from University of Arizona, Master of Music from Arizona State University, and Bachelor of Science from North Dakota State University. She has sung for and worked with conductors Robert Shaw, Maurice Skones, Douglas McEwen, and Edwin Fissinger.
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Contact:
Julie Kostrey, Project Associate
Distinguished Concerts International, New York
"The Art of Performance-The Power of Education"
Tel. 212.707.8566 x306 or 877.MYDCINY
Fax: 646.736.0437
E-Mail: Julie@DCINY.org
Website: www.DCINY.org
250 West 57th Street, Suite 831
New York, NY 10107
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