Lee University Hosts Japan Benefit Concert
Lee University’s School of Music presented a spring choral concert to benefit the relief effort in Japan. Lee University Chorale and the Ladies of Lee presented the joint choral concert on Monday, March 21 on the Lee campus.
The concert was in response to the recent tragedies in Japan. Dr. William Green, dean of the School of Music, asked Dr. Austin Patty, assistant professor of music, to reflect and present information on a recent missions trip to Japan by Lee students and faculty. He also reported on the current conditions in the areas they visited.
Lee’s School of Music is partnering with Operation Compassion to receive monetary contributions from the community to be sent to assist in the relief effort. Those in attendance were given the opportunity to contribute toward this critical cause.
Music featured great composers including Z. Randall Stroope, Eric Whitacre, and Moses Hogan. “Prayer” by American composer René Clausen was presented. Green expounded upon the theme of the occasion by explaining that “the text of this piece is created from a prayer by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and sums up the focus for this event. ‘Help me spread your fragrance wherever I go … shine through me and be so in me that every soul will feel your presence.’ ”
Ladies of Lee, one of the two groups performing at the benefit concert, is currently celebrating its 45th anniversary. Under the direction of Dr. Loralee Songer, assistant professor of music at Lee, this exceptional ensemble has a wonderful tradition of music making and continues to be a vibrant part of the musical life at the university. Ladies of Lee has ministered around the world in churches, schools, and concert halls.
Lee University Chorale, conducted by Green, serves the School of Music as the premier ensemble for standard choral music. Chorale has been featured in performances at Carnegie Hall and has traveled as a part of the “Celebration of American Music” in Italy. While traveling, the ensemble was privileged to perform in many of Italy’s great cathedrals including performances at the Vatican and St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice. This summer they will participate in a choral residency at major cathedrals in Ireland including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Waterford Cathedral.
