Nation: Jocelyn Hagen and Tim Takach
Friday, November 8, 2024 at 7:30PM EST
We are thrilled to welcome to our campus composers Jocelyn Hagen and Tim Takach for a three-day residency at Pitt-Greensburg. They will work with our choir on Tim’s new composition for the Chorale, as well as our budding singers, conductors, and composers in class sessions.
Join us Friday night for their performance as Nation, with guests Pitt-Greensburg Chorale also on the program. And, come to witness their voice masterclass Wednesday 11/6 at 6:45PM EST. All events are in Campana Chapel.
About our artists: Founders of the a cappella band Nation, and expanding on their composing successes, Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy C. Takach are quickly becoming known for reshaping the choral experience with singers around the globe. Pioneers in their field of composing, entrepreneurship, coaching youth and adults, and leading ensembles in the spirit of collaboration, Takach and Hagen bring to the table a uniquely special partnership of lifelong learning. They can guide participants through a collective and creative journey, modeling healthy, accessible and honest pedagogy for developing singers. Choral educators will be inspired to stretch out of the box with rehearsal strategies, programming, improvisation, co-teaching, and crafting experiences to honor and balance tradition and innovation in these fast-paced times.
Heinz Chapel Choir
Spring Concert
Friday, April 11 2025 at 8:00PM EST
The Heinz Chapel Choir, founded in 1938, is a well-noted and internationally recognized mixed a cappella choir from the University of Pittsburgh. Membership is drawn by audition from Pitt's student body and campus performances are sung in the historic Heinz Memorial Chapel. HCC is currently under the direction of its 10th conductor, Dr. Susan Rice.
HCC rehearses in the Bellefield Hall Auditorium every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m. Members are expected to sing in the Choir for both semesters of the academic year, although exceptions are generally made for those studying abroad and planning to return. In addition to the four hours of rehearsal each week, the Heinz Chapel Choir members also attend two choir camps, one in the fall and one in the winter. During these times, HCC members get to know each other and become closer as a group, all while rehearsing the music to be performed at concerts throughout the year. Additionally, once every three years, the Choir tours internationally.
About the Series
The Joan Chambers Concert Series is possible through the generous support of President Emeritus George F. Chambers. It brings local, national, and international artists to our campus for performances of the highest professional caliber. It has featured international opera star Andrew Zimmerman, cello/piano duo Antonio Lysy and Patricia Hoy, soprano Julie Wyma, pianist Pablo Amorós, the Swara Sonora Trio, Shana Mashego, North Sea Gas, the Tucson Girls Chorus, thingNY, tenor Chris Carr, contralto Emily Marvosh, and it has proudly presented some of Pennsylvania's finest ensembles and artists, including the Pittsburgh Camerata, Voces Solis, Kassia Ensemble, Heinz Chapel Choir, Pittsburgh Trombone Project, Elizabeth Lins Shonfelt, Skip Napier & Tim Heavner, Blue Mile Jazz, PM Woodwind Project, Zach Rohlwing, and the Penn State Chamber Singers.
The series is named in honor of Joan Chambers, late wife of President Chambers, who was an ardent supporter and representative of Pitt‐Greensburg in the community for many years. While her interests were widespread, she especially enjoyed participating in book‐discussion groups, attending cultural events, hosting themed luncheons at her home, and spending winters in southwest Florida. The Children’s Literature Collection in Millstein Library, another of her passions, was developed and named in her honor.
Contact Chris Bartley to join our email list.
Recent Performance
Voces Solis
Make Peace
Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 PM EST
Re-watch the Livestream here
The Joan Chambers Concert Series returns! Come join us in Campana Chapel for Voces Solis (Voices of the Sun), Pittsburgh's premiere chamber ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Ryan Keeling.
Make Peace is a musical reflection on inner and outer peace, peace for ourselves and peace for others, and the places in which we should be making peace: "if you can make peace, make peace." - David Lang
Program Highlights
- Adolphus Hailstork, "Motherless Child"
- David Lang, "Make Peace"
- Ysaye Barnwell, "Nearly Insane"
- J.S. Bach, BWV 230, "Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden"
- Caroline Shaw, "And the Swallow"
See Complete Program
Voces Solis performs a diverse repertoire of challenging and innovative choral works. Composed of professional musicians, music educators, and experienced choristers, we are committed to providing an educational experience for our members and our audiences alike. In addition to public performances, private events, recordings, and symposiums, Voces Solis also collaborates with other arts organizations to bring the highest quality choral chamber music to the Pittsburgh area.