Oct 5, 2023

Dordt to host three ensemble concerts during Defender Days

Dordt to host three student concerts during Defender Days, including jazz, choral, and instrumental ensembles.

A musician smiles at fellow musicians

Dordt University will be hosting three student concerts during Defender Days alumni and parent weekend.

The 4th Avenue Jazz concert will take place on October 27 at 3 p.m. in the B.J. Haan Auditorium. Featured in the performance will be the 16-voice 4th Avenue Singers and the 4th Avenue Band. Come for a relaxed afternoon of big band standards, fresh jazz perspectives, featured solos, and a variety of collaborations between singers and instruments. The 4th Avenue Singers are directed by Ryan Smit, and the 4th Avenue Band is directed by Kevin Linder.

On October 27 at 7 p.m. the Fall Music Festival will kick off with the instrumental ensembles in the B.J. Haan Auditorium. Music will include composers such as Tchaikovsky, Grainger, Perrine, and a world premiere by Dordt undergraduate music major Aaron Galloway of his newest work “Galop Védö.” Also, the Dordt Wind Symphony will perform Kimberly Archer’s work “Fanfare Politeia,” commissioned by “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band for the most recent presidential inauguration.

The second half of the Fall Music Festival will begin at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, October 27 in the B.J. Haan Auditorium and will feature four of the Dordt Choral Ensembles: Bella Voce women’s chorus, Canons of Dordt men’s chorus, Chorale, and Concert Choir. Repertoire will draw from a wide range of styles from the Renaissance to 21st-century works, and explore themes of love, redemption, and the beauty of God’s creation. Bella Voce is conducted by Dr. Carrie Groenewold, Canons of Dordt by Tim Van Voorst, and Chorale and Concert Choir by Ryan Smit.

The concerts and a PDF programs will also be available on livestream.

To learn more about the Music Department at Dordt visit dordt.edu/music.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.


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