CWU Chamber Choir by Candlelight at First United Methodist Church

Dr. Nicole Lamartine will lead the CWU Chamber Choir in a concert experience exploring universal questions of the universe, “The Silence of Stars.” The concert is ticketed and takes place on Friday, December 6 at 7pm at the Ellensburg United Methodist Church.

This concert experience explores themes of the season, but is not a traditional holiday concert. Contemporary choral works, as well as music from a diversity of cultures and spiritual traditions, will highlight themes of sharing, giving, healing, peace, and strengthening community. Guest Artist Tim Ribner from Portland, Oregon is the featured collaborator, bringing to life the journey on piano.

“Through the music, we remember that only when it is dark enough can we see the light that can inspire. By noticing the sunlight, the stars, and the moon, we explore life’s universal questions of life and being. It is through the ever-cyclic renewal of light that we can depend on the peace and hope in our world,” says Lamartine.

The choirs create the audience experience through a continuous collage program interwoven with prose, improvisation, chamber groups, and solos. The program features a premiere commissioned work from Kansas composer Forrest Pierce, “Fire on the Mountain,” as well as the uplifting “Plaudite, psallite” by Kestutis Daurgirdas. Interwoven throughout the experience are moments of familiar music that surprise and connect. The concert concludes with candlelight illuminating the church as everyone sings “Silent Night.”

Connecting each part of the concert are poems and prose largely written by members of the choir, and the choir will premiere the poem “The Most Important Thing” written for the experience by Ellensburg poet Marie Marchand. Special Guest Jeff Selden will perform with the choir on guitar.

Pre-concert music will begin at 6:40. This is a ticketed event, and will sell out very quickly. Purchase tickets through Wildcat Tickets.