October concerts feature organist David Jenkins, UST Bands, Concert Choir and Chamber Singers

October concerts feature organist David Jenkins, UST Bands, Concert Choir and Chamber Singers

The University of St. Thomas Music Department welcomes the public to the free music performances listed below.  For additional information, call (651) 962-5850.

  • 8 p.m.  Saturday, Oct. 21, in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas: Organist Dr. David Jenkins, director of liturgical music at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity at St. Thomas, will give a recital featuring new music by St. Paul composer Richard Voohaar. Jenkins also will premiere his own transcription of the Finale from Carl Nielsen’s Symphony No. 3 for orchestra. He will also play works by Bach, Messiaen and Titelouze.

About the organist: Jenkins earned his doctorate and performer’s certificate from the Eastman School of Music. He also has degrees from the University of Iowa and Oberlin Conservatory, and studied organ at the Royal Danish Music Conservatory in Copenhagen. In addition to his work for the seminary, he also is an adjunct instructor of organ at St. Thomas.

About the composer: Voohar, a band teacher in St. Paul, was born in Illinois and raised in Arizona, and studied at Arizona State University, Rutgers University and the University of Minnesota. His composition teachers have included Ronald Lo Presti, Robert DaCosta and Dominick Argento. Voohaar was a winner in 1998 of the first “Welcome Christmas!” Carol Contest sponsored by the American Composers Forum and VocalEssence, the organization founded by Philip Brunelle in 1969 as the Plymouth Music Series.

  • 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, in Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, downtown Minneapolis: The UST bands and choirs give a fall concert. Dr. Angela Broeker conducts the St. Thomas Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, Dr. Douglas Orzolek conducts the UST Symphonic Band, and Dr. Matthew George conducts the university’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The concert will feature music by Vaughan Williams, Wasson, Bach, Gillingham, Grainger, Schuman and others.