The Fond du Lac Symphonic Band will present its 46th annual Cathedral Concert at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3:00 p.m. The event will mark the end of Dale Shipe’s tenure as Music Director. Previously named Assistant Conductor in 2002 and Associate Conductor in 2007, Shipe was appointed to the post in December, 2016 and announced his intention to retire a year ago.
The South Shore Chamber Singers will be featured guests in their premiere performance. Under the direction of Cory Schneider, the Chamber Singers is an auditioned ensemble of 27 singers from the 160 voice South Shore Chorale. They will be joining with the band in performing In Circles by prominent Midwestern composer Timothy Mahr.
In Circles was commissioned by local music teachers Bob and Jane Shirek and their daughter Ann, in memory of their daughter/sister, Susan, and first performed for the dedication of the new Fond du Lac High School in 2002. The poem “In Circles,” was written by Gary J. Boelhower in 2001. At that time Dr. Boelhower was Professor of Spirituality and Leadership at Marian University and has since moved to Duluth MN.
Classical composers will be represented in the concert opener: the brilliant Festive Overture by Dmitri Shostakovich, and Pas Redoublé, a concert march by Camille Saint-Saëns.
The band will perform two works based on Christian hymns: On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss (It Is Well With My Soul) by David Holsinger, and Eternal Father Strong to Save (the Navy Hymn) by Claude T. Smith.
From the Jewish tradition, the band will perform Kaddish, based on the Jewish Prayer for the Dead, by W. Francis McBeth; and The Eighth Candle by Steve Reisteter.
As a prelude to the Christmas season, the program will include A Holst Christmas featuring three carols by Gustav Holst: In the Bleak Midwinter, Lullay My Liking and On Christmas Day; and Mary’s Little Boy Child, a gentle calypso-style carol made famous by Harry Belafonte in 1957.
In keeping with long-standing tradition, the concert will close with the band and the South Shore Chamber Singers singing John Rutter’s The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
The concert will be preceded with a 30-minute organ recital by David Hein. Formerly on the music faculty at Marian University and Artistic Director of the Fond du Lac Children’s Choral, Hein is currently instructor of music at Alverno College in Milwaukee, where he directs the choir and teaches music courses in the Music Therapy Program. He is also the principal organist at The United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay.
There is no admission charge for the concert. A free-will offering will be received.
