Concordia’s A Cappella sings Brahms Requiem with the Wichita Grand Opera

On September 27, the A Cappella Choir performed the Brahms Requiem in collaboration with the Wichita Grand Opera symphony and the Wichita Chamber Chorale. The ensembles performed under the direction of Maestro Whitney Reader. Two soloists were featured during this performance – soprano Oriana Geis-Falla and baritone Joel Balzun. The performance was held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas. 

The choir spent four days in Wichita. They left campus in the afternoon on Thursday, September 25. They arrived at Holy Cross that evening in time for the first rehearsal with the orchestra and chamber chorale members. The following day, the choir held an assembly at Holy Cross for students at Holy Cross Lutheran Grade School. That afternoon, the choir participated in a choral exchange with choir members at Wichita Northwest Public High School. 

"To God be the glory!”

After the performance Saturday night, the choir returned to Holy Cross the next morning to sing in the 8 and 11 a.m. worship services. Choir members Matthew Frerking and Deagan Jones played organ for the services. The choir returned to Concordia following the worship services. 

Music Department Chair and A Cappella Director Dr. Kurt von Kampen said, “The Brahms was a huge undertaking, one that the students wholly committed to. If we had been limited only to the daily rehearsals it wouldn’t have happened. Each member put in extra time through private practice and sectionals to make sure they upheld the standard of the A Cappella Choir. I am very proud of their work on this monumental project. To God be the glory!”

Concordia University, Nebraska’s music programs offer rigorous preparation to glorify God in your future vocations through the study and performance of music. Through applied lessons, participation in one or more of the outstanding ensembles or academic music pursuits, hundreds of students of any major can make great music and lifelong friendships at Concordia.