2010 - 2011 Season: To Be Announced!

Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble's 2009 - 2010 Season:

Sunday, November 15, 2009

"HARVEST HOME: An American Celebration"
Central Presbyterian Church
3829 Grand Avenue, Des Moines

Set in the exceptional acoustic found at Central Presbyterian Church, the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble performs an array of inspired and entertaining American choral works in this “must see” performance featuring Carol Barnett’s, “An American Thanksgiving.” With featured guest guitarist, Aaron Powell, the ensemble will perform the awe-inspiring “A Procession Winding around Me,” by Jeffrey Van and the light-hearted American folk song, “Cindy.” Selections by Copland, Hoiby, Paulus, Bernstein, Thompson and Luboff complete this celebration of American composers writing on American themes!

December 19 & 20, 2009

"A CELEBRATION AT SOLSTICE"
Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory
519 Park Street, Des Moines

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to “don your gay apparel” and celebrate this year as the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble joins forces with the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus and its director, Dr. Rebecca Gruber, in “A Celebration at Solstice!” This festive holiday dazzler will surely be just the thing to add cheer and good will to your season. Reserve your ticket early so you won’t miss this fantastic program of gems ranging from holiday standards like Tormé’s “Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” to sassier selections like “Santa Baby” and comedic wonders like “A Musicological Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas,” and of course, beautiful holiday classics like Benjamin Britten’s “A Hymn to the Virgin” and Handel’s “Hallelujah” from Messiah. The program will also feature HarMENy, numerous instrumental guests from the Des Moines Symphony Academy and the greater Des Moines community.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

"EN ROUTE: A Traveling Celebration"
Grace United Methodist Church
3700 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines

Following a regional tour, the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble is thrilled to “come home” to present a concert in the striking sanctuary of Grace United Methodist Church, host to the Ensemble’s rehearsals. This concert is presented as part of the inaugural season of the Choral Arts Series, established at Grace to celebrate the church’s 125th anniversary, and will feature an exciting array of music focused on the themes of travel and home culminating in the world premiere performance of Des Moines composer, Ben Allaway’s, "Agnus Dei," a movement from A Celtic Mass that VAE commissioned this year. Won’t you please join the choir in this celebration of the Grace Choral Arts Series and Ben Allaway’s stirring work!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

"United, We Celebrate"
St. John Lutheran Church
600 6th Avenue, Des Moines

In a season dedicated to celebrations, the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble is thrilled to laud the next era of music-makers in this intergenerational, collaborative concert featuring guest choir, the Valley Singers and its director, Linda Vanderpool. This gifted and celebrated ensemble from Valley High School in West Des Moines is sure to amaze and inspire you with its choral offering. VAE will share selections on the themes of unity and the passing of time. The ensembles will join forces under the baton of guest conductor, Matthew D. Oltman, Des Moines native and Music Director of the GRAMMY Award-winning Chanticleer in San Francisco, to present works guaranteed to enthuse and energize all in attendance! Not to be missed!