Master Chorale to present three newly released works in Newtown

The Connecticut Master Chorale, under the direction of Tina Johns Heidrich, will present a concert on Sunday, March 11, at 3pm at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown.

The performance will feature “Te Deum” and“Gloria”, two newly released works by the popular and prolific composer Karl Jenkins and another recent release from one of the founding fathers of film music, Miklós Rósza, the “King of Kings Choral Suite”.

“Te Deum” and “Gloria” are vibrant, passionate and superbly crafted works that reveal his multifaceted talent. “Te Deum” was composed in 2008 to celebrate Liverpool’s year as the European Capital of Culture. His jubilant and celebratory setting of the traditional Latin text perfectly demonstrates Jenkins’ remarkable ability to create unique music that is enjoyed by everyone.

Originally commissioned for performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Jenkins’ setting of the “Gloria” is an uplifting work that opens with dramatic brass fanfare and melodic, expressive choral harmonies. Jenkins’ lyrical music is always emotionally engaging, whether joyful and filled with excitement or reflective and touching.

Classically trained, Jenkins worked successfully in jazz and media advertising for many years and won awards and attention for “Diamond Music”, used by the DeBeers Diamond Merchants, and“Adiemus”, which was used in a Delta Airlines commercial. Since that time he has found international recognition creating gorgeous, vibrant choral music that transcends conventional musical boundaries.

Miklós Rósza’s “King of Kings Choral Suite” is based on his original film score for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s great 1961 movie “King of Kings” and was only released in 2010. Composed in the golden age of motion picture epics, his work is astonishing in its power and majesty, filled with awe inspiring dramatic movements that serve to illuminate and enhance this classic adaptation of the life of Christ for the big screen.

The Hungarian composer is regarded as one of the greatest film score composers of all time. In a career that lasted over fifty years, this movie industry legend won three Oscars and was nominated sixteen times. One of the most respected and popular composers working in Hollywood, his credits include music for almost 100 films from all genres.

The Chorale will be accompanied by the Connecticut Master Chorale orchestra and Joseph Jacovino on organ.
The Connecticut Master Chorale is an ensemble of 55 vocalists in their 13^th year of singing in Western Connecticut. In addition to their regular three-concert season, the Chorale has performed by invitation at the White House, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, West Point Military Academy and three times at Carnegie Hall.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Please call (203) 743-0473 for ticket purchase and visitwww.cmchorale.org for more information.