Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The A Cappella Choir and Choral Union of Stephen F. Austin State University will present a joint concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

The Choral Union will open the concert with a lively and rhythmic "Gloria" by Jeffrey Rickard, according to director Tim King, SFA professor of music.

The choir, which is comprised of music and non-music majors, will also perform two other sacred pieces: Giacomo Perti's "Magnificat" or "Song of Mary" and "Ariel Ramírez's "Misa Criolla," a South American folk mass.

The secular portion of the Choral Union's program includes John Clements' "Flower of Beauty" and "Finale" from Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Gondolier."

"The 'Finale' features a rousing four-hand piano accompaniment featuring graduate student Tracy Ward and Ron Petti, SFA's director of accompanying," said King.

When the A Cappella Choir takes the stage, it will perform the program from its winter tour of the Houston area, beginning with Imant Raminsh's "Magnificat."

"This work provides a modern contrast to the Baroque setting sung by the Choral Union," said King, who also directs the A Cappella Choir.

Other pieces include "Three Motets" by Paul Villette and Carol Barnett's "McKay," which is based on an early American hymn tune.

The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.