WSU Concert Chorale to present 'Exaudi' with cellist Omsky

The Wichita State University Concert Chorale with cellist Jakub Jerzy Omsky will perform “Exaudi” by celebrated Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in Wiedemann Recital Hall.

Also on the program are works by Viadana, Chapentier, Sweelinck, Schubert and Vaughan Williams. WSU students Julie Barker and Joey Yates will be featured pianists in several pieces.

Concert Chorale is directed by Robert Glasmann, associate professor of choral music and opera at WSU.

Omsky, assistant professor of cello for WSU and principal cellist for the Wichita Symphony, said it is an honor to present “Exaudi,” which is written specifically for cello and choir.

The event, he said, will also serve as the official opening concert for the annual WSU Cello Days, two days of interesting workshops, concerts and masterclasses held in Duerksen Fine Arts Center and Wiedemann Recital Hall.

Morlock, born in 1969 in Manitoba, composed “Exaudi” as a commissioned piece by Vancouver’s Musica Intima vocal ensemble. It premiered in 2004 with famous cellist Steven Isserlis, Omsky said. The commission was funded by the Canada Council for the Arts.

“ ‘Exaudi’ is a deeply spiritual piece and beautiful, touching composition for an unusual combination of cello and chorus,” said Omsky. “Cello’s majestic tone represents the voice of the soul and counterpoint of the prayerful choir line to the Latin text.”

For more information about Cello Days, contact Omsky at (316) 978-6597 or jakub.omsky@wichita.edu.

The WSU Concert Chorale, recognized as one of the finest choral-art ensembles at the collegiate level, has been conducted by Glasmann for 22 years. Glasmann also serves as artistic director and conductor of the Wichita Chamber Chorale and is conductor of the adult choir at St. James Episcopal Church in Wichita.