Ermey Memorial Concert

Bach Birthday Bash to showcase the Brown University Chorus

The 45 members of the Brown University Chorus will mark the 314th birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach with a concert featuring sacred selections for voice and organ in Sayles Hall Saturday, March 20, at 8 p.m.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Brown University Chorus will mark the 314th birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach by presenting the Seventh Annual William Ermey Memorial Concert. The benefit performance will feature sacred music for voice and organ composed by various members of the Bach family. The birthday bash will take place in Sayles Hall Saturday, March 20, at 8 p.m. Sayles Hall is located on The College Green.

Under the direction of choral conductor Frederick Jodry, the celebration will feature the 45-voice ensemble performing the double-choir motet Furchte dich nicht ("Be Not Afraid") by J.S. Bach.

The choir will then showcase the music of other family members when it performs Johann Christoph's Lieber Herr, Gott ("Dear Lord, God") and Johann Michael's Unser Leben ist ein Schatten ("Our Life is But a Shadow"). The anniversary concert will continue with two madrigals by P.D.Q. Bach (a.k.a., Peter Schickele), the long forgotten black sheep of the family.

In addition, the concert will include selected organ works performed by students Andrew Foreman and Jesse Antin. Completing the program will be the Suite in E-flat Major for solo cello performed by Adam Hurst.

William Ermey, in whose memory the concert is offered, conducted the Brown Chorus from 1974 to 1992 . He began the tradition of performing one of the six Bach motets each year. In recent concerts the ensemble has performed the Magnificat, the B-minor Mass and the St. John Passion. Next year, the group will present the St. Matthew Passion in collaboration with Boston University.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the choir's summer Italian tour. Tickets, which can be purchased in advance at the Orwig Music Building, are $9 for the general public, $6 for senior citizens and University employees, and $3 for students. The Orwig Music Building is on the corner of Hope Street and Orchard Avenue. For additional information, contact the Music Department at (401) 863-3234.