Vance George, one of America’s top choral conductors, joins SF State faculty
Director emeritus of San Francisco Symphony Chorus leads SF State Chamber Singers
SAN FRANCISCO, September 24, 2008 — Visionary conductor Vance George was recently named to the San Francisco State University faculty, to lead the SF State Chamber Singers, the top choir in the University’s School of Music and Dance.
“The students are very bright, eager and experienced,” said George, San Francisco Symphony Chorus director emeritus. “I am delighted when I see them light up, overwhelmed by the beauty of the music.”
George, an SF State lecturer, is one of America’s leading choral conductors. The recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Chorus America, he has conducted throughout the U.S. and in Europe, Australia and Asia. During George’s 23 years with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, the group was hailed as one of the finest in the world. On the chorus’ behalf, he accepted two Grammy Awards for Best Performance of a Choral Work. Under George’s direction, the chorus’ television and film credits include the Emmy Award winning “Sweeney Todd” and soundtracks for “Amadeus,” “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” and “Godfather III.” George was born and raised in Nappanee, Ind., and is a graduate of Goshen College and Indiana University. Visit: www.vancegeorge.com.
“Vance George provides a rare opportunity for our students to study with a superstar,” said Associate Professor Jassen Todorov, director of SF State’s School of Music and Dance. “Mr. George’s broad résumé, repertoire and love for music result in dazzling performances and a world-class education for our students.”
The SF State Chamber Singers have several concerts during the school year. They will perform works by Bernstein, Brahms, Mendelssohn and more.
• Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Harvest Concert, with University Chorus. Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 201 Eucalyptus Drive, San Francisco.
• Nov. 21. American Choral Directors Association regional event, Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 201 Eucalyptus Drive, San Francisco.
• Dec. 5-6, 8 p.m. Candlelight Concert, with University, Men’s and Women’s choruses. Most Holy Redeemer Parish, 100 Diamond St., San Francisco.
• May 16, Masterpieces of Mendelssohn, The Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2900 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland.
• May 17, Masterpieces of Mendelssohn, Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., San Francisco.
Through a series of tours, festival appearances, concerts and CDs, the SF State Chamber Singers have established a record of excellence in choral performance since their founding in 1997 by Joshua Habermann. Comprised of 33 advanced students, the Chamber Singers have been praised for their “supple choralism” and “wonderfully committed performances” of a cappella repertoire, including Renaissance madrigals and works by contemporary composers. In 2006 the Chamber Singers performed throughout France with Orchestre des Jeunes de Provence. Other invited performances include the 2008 American Choral Directors Association Western convention in Anaheim, 2003 Waging Peace Festival in Eugene, Ore., and multiple appearances at the California Association for Music Education State Conference.
The SF State School of Music and Dance, based in the College of Creative Arts, offers professional and liberal arts degrees, with more than 400 students enrolled in major programs. Music students can study jazz, classical, choral, world music, electronic music, composition, music education and more. Dance students are trained in techniques such as ballet, modern, jazz, capoeira, flamenco, kathak, Afro-Haitian and Dunham as well as preparation for K-12 dance education. Alumni include Tony and Grammy winners who conduct Broadway musicals and symphony orchestras and perform in operas. Some work as composers, arrangers, producers, conductors, singers, dancers, choreographers, educators, and leaders of professional arts organizations. The School of Music and Dance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Visit: http://musicdance.sfsu.edu.
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Contact: Matt Itelson, (415) 338-1442, matti@sfsu.edu
