René Clausen
The Chorale is excited to be preparing for our upcoming concert OF NIGHT AND LIGHT. We're especially thrilled that this concert will feature the world premiere THE CLOTHS OF HEAVEN by renowned composer René Clausen.
The story begins a year or so ago when the chorale decided to commission a new work in honor of our 30th anniversary. A short list of composers was soon narrowed to one—René Clausen. In addition to being a prolific composer, René is also the conductor of the acclaimed Concordia Choir (Moorhead, MN), one of this country's top collegiate choirs. When we contacted René about this project, he graciously agreed to take it on. A text was soon agreed upon—one from poet William Butler Yeats:
Had I the heaven's embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet:
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
René's setting of this evocative text is a wonderful painting in sound! As you listen to the shimmering harmonices, I think you'll agree that René has captured the essence of this poem beautifully!
We hope to see you at one of our concerts—Friday, May 6 at 7:30, or Saturday, May 7 at 3:00. Both concerts are at College Church. More information about tickets can be found here on our website.
And here is some exciting news! René Clausen will be in attendance at both concerts, and will also present a pre-concert talk at 2:00 on Saturday, just prior to the concert. Admission to this talk is free with your concert ticket.
Please join us! And would you help us spread the word by liking us on Facebook? And tell your friends about this upcoming concert!
Thanks!
Greg Wheatley
Music Director, Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale