Iowa composer Elaine Hagenberg will be in residence at Cornell College for rehearsals of her masterwork, “Illuminare,” to be performed Oct. 10 by Cornell’s Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Orchestra, together with Mount Vernon High School’s Concert Choir.
Their performance of the five-movement work will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Mount Vernon High School’s Performing Arts Center. Admission is free and open to the public.
“I’m looking forward to students having a real world example of what is possible beyond high school in the field of music,” said Mount Vernon High School director Thad Wilkins. “Having deeper insights into the work and a much richer understanding and appreciation for the choral art.”
Cornell Assistant professor of music and director of choral activities Christopher Nakielski concurred, noting that the opportunity for music majors at Cornell will be beneficial to students at Cornell.
“I think students are really looking forward to having Elaine visit them in their current theory class and talk about her compositional process, drawing comparisons to what they’re currently learning,” Nakielski said.
Nakielski will conduct the work, which is Hagenberg’s first masterwork. She will be in residence that week visiting music classes at Cornell, giving a lunchtime talk, and leading choral rehearsals at Mount Vernon High School and at Cornell.
“Illuminare” is Hagenberg’s first extended work, consisting of five movements for SATB chorus and chamber orchestra. Using lesser-known sacred Latin, Greek, and English texts, the piece takes the listener through a season of beauty and goodness that has been disrupted by darkness and confusion. But as light gradually returns, hope is restored, illuminating the future and guiding in peace.
Mount Vernon High School students preparing All-State auditions will perform their audition pieces after the masterwork is completed, which include “Regina Coeli” by W.A. Mozart, “Ama Vamin” by Fidel Calalong, Jr., “Through Light to Love” by Hagenberg and “I am Loved” by Chris Harris.
Both directors have enjoyed watching their students working with other directors and having the ability to collaborate together on this piece. Nakielski noted that the Music Monday series used to just bring big name acts to the community, and it has evolved to bringing acts here and giving students opportunities to collaborate.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Mr. Thad Wilkins and his singers, and their willingness to host us and share the stage,” Nakielski said. “What an awesome experience.”
The performance will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@GoMVStangs
Composer on campus for masterwork concert
October 5, 2023