2012-2013 Season

Christmas with the Choral Society

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Singing From the Heartland

The Des Moines Choral Society, together with the Heartland Youth Choir, welcomed Minneapolis guest artist Kim Sueoka for an evening of Hawaiian music. A native Hawaiian, Ms. Sueoka led the choirs in exploring Hawaiian traditions through music. In commemoration of Benjamin Britten's 100th birthday, the Choral Society also presented his Rejoice in the Lamb along with portions of the Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes. In keeping with its commitment to education and community outreach, the Choral Society also sponsored a day with Ms. Sueoka assisted by percussionist David Burk at Monroe Elementary School in Des Moines and Johnston Timber Ridge Elementary School. [top]

Masterworks: Movements from African Sanctus & All-Night Vigil

The Des Moines Choral Society and The Ames Chamber Artists joined in singing movements from this unorthodox Latin Mass harmonized with traditional African music — recorded by the composer on the River Nile forty years ago. Native music from Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya was in counterpoint with live chorus, soprano soloist and instrumental ensemble. In addition, the choirs also presented movements from Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil. [top]

A Society Celebration

Our second annual Society Celebration was held at the HyVee Conference Center, West Des Moines, on May 5, 2013. [top]