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Jacksonville State A Cappella Choir to Compete in Prestigious CantaRode International Choral Festival

Jax State A Cappella Choir to Make Historic European Debut at CantaRode Festival
Photo Courtesy of JSU

Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner of JSU’s Media Department, the Jacksonville State University (JSU) A Cappella Choir is preparing for a historic journey as it has been invited to compete at the CantaRode International Choral Festival in Kerkrade, The Netherlands, from May 29 to June 1. This marks the choir’s first European tour since its founding in 1960, representing a major milestone for the 40-member ensemble.

“The competitive element in the CantaRode Festival will, more than anything else, help our students become a stronger musical ensemble,” said Dr. Eliezer Yanson Jr., Director of Choral Activities for Jax State. “Through travel, JSU students will gain a new perspective about the world and their place in it.”

To make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity a reality, the choir is working to raise $132,000. Dr. Yanson emphasized the financial challenge many students face, sharing, “Given that many of our students rely on scholarships to attend Jax State, we are reaching out to alumni, friends of the university, and generous supporters to help us meet this goal. If we can raise at least $40,000, it would significantly reduce the cost for our students, bringing their individual expenses down from $3,300 to $2,300.” Currently, the choir has $76,628 left to raise.

CantaRode, held every two years in Kerkrade, features choirs from around the globe. The festival offers participants an opportunity to showcase their musical talents, share their culture, and engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas and traditions.

“International exposure expands your horizons as a human,” said Ethan Nessler, a graduate student in music education. “It’s an opportunity to learn and grow as you see new life and culture outside of America. As a musician, you also get the chance to share and make music with others across the world. Music is universal.”

Junior vocal music education major Alayna Endicott echoed this sentiment, adding, “Performing in front of diverse audiences will help me build confidence and stage presence while also allowing me to develop a deeper appreciation for the art of music-making.”

The competition includes two rounds:

  • Round One: Choirs perform unaccompanied pieces with a total singing time of 17–20 minutes, featuring music from the Renaissance or Baroque, Romantic, and 20th/21st centuries, along with a selection from the choir’s country of origin.
  • Round Two: Open repertoire with accompaniment permitted, also within 17–20 minutes.

The JSU A Cappella Choir will perform a diverse and challenging repertoire, including Renaissance works like Revenge moy pren la querelle by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, contemporary pieces such as Eric Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine, and Moses Hogan’s arrangement of My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord. Their program also features world music, including Hyo-won Woo’s Cum Sancto Spiritu and Nilo Alcala’s Kaisa-isa Nyan.

Before arriving in Kerkrade, the choir will tour Belgium, performing in Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent from May 23 to May 28. This leg of the trip will allow students to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and musical traditions of Europe while representing JSU on an international stage.

Junior vocal performance major Tierra-Mishael Harmon shared her perspective on the significance of the trip: “International travel will allow students to understand how musicians all over the world perfect their craft and showcase their talents.”

Dr. Yanson highlighted the broader impact of this experience, aligning it with JSU’s mission to prepare students as “competent, ethical professionals and engaged, responsible, global citizens.”

To help the choir achieve its fundraising goal, supporters can donate online or send checks payable to “JSU Choirs” to:

JSU Foundation
700 Pelham Rd N
Jacksonville, AL 36265

The JSU A Cappella Choir’s participation in the CantaRode International Choral Festival represents a transformative opportunity to showcase their talent, broaden their horizons, and foster meaningful connections through music.

 

Jax State A Cappella Choir to Make Historic European Debut at CantaRode Festival

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