Westminster Chapel Choir: Seek Ye First Program

Seek Ye First Westminster Chapel Choir

Tyrone Clinton, Jr., conductor Akiko Hosaki, collaborative keyboardist Tyler Miller, graduate assistant Ricky Sazon Salazar graduate assistant

Friday, April 24th at 7:30 p.m.

Gill Memorial Chapel Rider University 2083 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville, N.J. Please note the unauthorized use of any recording device, either audio or video is prohibited by law. Out of courtesy to the performers and everyone in the audience, please refrain from using cell phones and electronic devices.

Rider University gratefully acknowledges the generous support of: Michael T. '89 and Susana Santaguida '89 Gummel and Kasey & Billy Ziff for their support of our Rider Friend of the Arts patron program.

Program Ubi Caritas Et Amor

Ēriks Ešenvalds (b 1977)

Miserere

Eva Ugalde (b.1973) Tyler Miller, conductor

I Thank You God Abendlied Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Op. 26 Hymn to the Dawn Hymn to the Waters Hymn to Vena Hymn to the Travellers

Gwyneth Walker (b. 1947) Josef Rheinberger (1839-1901) arr. Nadezhda Averina Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

Kerensa Briggs (b.1991)

Hold On

Stacey V. Gibbs (b. 1962)

Program Notes, Text & Translations Ubi Caritas Et Amor Ēriks Ešenvalds Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977) one of the most distinctive voices of the contemporary Baltic tradition, writes with a deeply intuitive sense of harmony, seeking, in his own words, “sounds that I truly feel” rather than formulas to be repeated. His Ubi Caritas (2008), commissioned and premiered by the Latvian female ensemble Anima Sola, sets the ancient Maundy Thursday antiphon that proclaims God’s presence wherever charity and love are found. Scored for SSSAAA a cappella, the work unfolds in a simple, luminous strophic design, allowing the text’s call to unity, reconciliation, and sincere love to shine with clarity. Ešenvalds’ characteristic harmonic warmth shapes the music’s gentle exhortation to live Christ’s love in community, culminating in a quietly radiant Amen. The piece was published in 2009 by Musica Baltica.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.

Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur.

Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.

Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.

Where charity and love are, there God is.

The love of Christ has gathered us into one.

Let us exult, and in Him be joyful.

Let us fear and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love each other (and Him).

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur: Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus.

Cessent iurgia meligna, cessent lites.

Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus.

Where charity and love are, there God is.

Therefore, whensoever we are gathered as one: Lest we in mind be divided, let us beware.

Let cease malicious quarrels, let strife give way.

And in the midst of us be Christ our God.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Simul quoque cum beatis videamus, Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus: Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum, Saecula per infinita saeculorum.

Amen.

Where charity and love are, there God is.

Together also with the blessed may we see, Gloriously, Thy countenance, O Christ our God: A joy which is immense, and also approved: Through infinite ages of ages.

Amen.

Miserere

Eva Ugalde Psalm 51 Basque composer Eva Ugalde is closely connected to the choir world as a chorister, composer, and conductor. For many years a singer in Javier Busto’s Kanta Cantemus Korua, a groundbreaking women’s choir in her homeland, in 2023 she took on the role as director of the choir under its new name, Aquam Lauda. Among Eva’s published choral works is this dark and expressive Miserere for SSA choir a capella. She dedicated it “to the victims of war.”

Miserere mihi Domine, quoniam ad te clamavi tota die: quia tu Domine Suavis ac mitis es, et copiosus in misericordia onibus invocantibus te.

Have mercy on me, o Lord, for to you I will pray all the day long.

For you are forgiving and mild, and abundant in mercy to all who call upon you.

Inclina, Domine, aurem tuam, et exaudi me: quoniam inops, et pauper sum ego.

Incline your ear, o Lord, and answer me for I am helpless and infirm

I Thank You God Gwyneth Walker The text is adapted from the E. E. Cummings poem “i thank you God for most this amazing day.” This is a song of praise. A piano introduction marked “slowly unfolding, with wonderment,” spans the broad range of the keyboard, as if expressing the breadth of space and life. The chorus enters, offering thanks to God for “the leaping, greenly spirit of trees,” “a blue true dream of sky” and “everything which is infinite.” A central phrase of “I who have died am alive again today” returns frequently. This is an expression of the rebirth of the soul with each “amazing day.”

– Notes by the composer i thank You God for most this amazing Day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes (i who have died am alive again today, And this is the sun’s birthday; this is the birth Day of life and of love and wings: and of the gay Great happening illimitably earth) how should tasting touching hearing seeing Breathing any-lifted from the no Of all nothing-human merely being doubt unimaginable You? (now the ears of my ears awake and Now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

Abendlied

Josef Rheinberger Arr. Nadezhda Averina Text from Luke 24:29 Born in Liechtenstein, Josef Rheinberger was a composer, pianist and teacher in Germany in the 19th Century. He became the organist for his local church at the age of seven and composed his first work the following year. Abendlied is a sacred motet composed in 1855 when Rheinberger was only 15 years of age.

Bleib’ bei uns, denn es will Abend werden, Und der Tag hat sich geneiget, sich geneiget, O bleib’ bei uns, denn es will Abend werden.

Bide with us, for evening shadows darken, And the day will soon be over, soon be over, O bide with us, for evening shadows darken

Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Op. 26 Gustav Holst Gustav von Holst’s Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda Op. 26 draw on his own Sanskrit translations of the ancient Hindu text, resulting in four groups of works for women’s chorus and harp that explore themes of nature and spirituality. Among the most performed are the hymns to Dawn, Waters, Vena, and the Travellers, poems invoking divine forces such as the dawn goddess Ushas, the purifying waters of Varuna, the mystical rising sun, and prayers for safe passage. Holst’s music mirrors the imagery with luminous harmonies, flowing textures, and a ritualistic sense of stillness and reverence.

Hymn to the Dawn Hear our hymn, O Goddess, Rich in wealth and wisdom, Ever young yet ancient, True to Law Eternal.

Wak’ner of the songbirds, Ensign of the Eternal, Draw thou near, O Fair One In thy radiant Chariot.

Bring to her your off’ring; Humbly bow before her: Raise your songs of welcome As she comes in splendour.

Hymn to the Waters Flowing from the firmament forth to the ocean, Healing all in earth and air, never halting.

Indra, Lord of Heav’n formed their courses, Indra’s mighty laws can never be broken.

Cleansing waters flow ye on, hasten and help us.

Lo, in the waters, dwelleth One, Knower of all on earth and sea, Whose dread command no man may shun, Varuna, sovran Lord is He. Onward, ye waters, onward hie, Dance in the bright beams of the sun, Obey the ruler of the sky Who dug the path for you to run.

Flowing from the firmament…

Hymn to Vena (Sun rising through the mist) Vena comes, born of light; He drives the many-colour’d clouds onward.

Here, where the sunlight and the waters mingle, Our songs float up and caress the new-born infant.

The child of cloud and mist appeareth on the ridge of the sky.

He shines on the summit of creation.

The hosts proclaim the glory of our common Father.

He hath come to the bosom of his beloved.

Smiling on him She beareth him to highest heav’n.

With yearning heart On thee we gaze, O gold-wing’d messenger of mighty gids.

Wise men see him in their libations As the sacrifice mounts to the eternal heights, mingling with our solemn chant; He stands erect in the highest heav’n.

Clad in noble raiment, arm’d with shining weapons, Hurling light to the farthest region, Rejoicing in his radiant splendour.

Hymn of the Travellers Go thou on before us, Guide us on our way, Mighty One. Make our journey pleasant, Never let us stray.

Wonder-worker, hearken.

Come in thy splendour; come in thy mighty pow’r.

Trample on the wicked, All who would oppose, Mighty One. Drive away the robber; Drive away our foes.

Wonder-worker, Hearken.

Come in thy splendour; come in thy mighty pow’r As we journey onward, Songs to thee we raise, Mighty One. Thou didst aid our fathers.

Guard us all our days.

Wonder-worker, Hearken.

Come in thy splendour; come in thy mighty pow’r Feed us and inspire us; Keep us in thy care,

Mighty One. Lead us past pursuers Unto meadows fair.

Wonder-worker, Hearken.

Come in thy splendour; come in thy mighty pow’r Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God Kerensa Briggs Kerensa Briggs (b. 1991) is an award-winning British composer known for her expressive, finely crafted choral music, performed internationally and featured widely on major broadcasters. A former choral scholar at King’s College London, she draws deeply on her background as a singer, and her works including her acclaimed 2023 portrait album Requiem, have been praised for their clarity, emotional resonance, and spiritual depth. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, written in 2019 during her residency at Godolphin & Latymer School, sets verses from Matthew 6:33–34 in a gentle, contemplative style that reflects the text’s message of trust, groundedness, and freedom from anxiety.

Seek ye, seek ye first the kingdom of God. Seek ye, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: For the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

Hold On Stacey V. Gibbs Stacey V. Gibbs (b. 1962), one of today’s most sought-after arrangers of spirituals, is known for bringing new life to this tradition with vibrant rhythms, rich harmonies, and an unfailing respect for authenticity. His setting of Hold On embodies that gift, building from energetic choral writing to a rousing, uplifting finish. At the heart of the piece is the spiritual’s powerful refrain (keep your hand on the plow, hold on), a metaphor for perseverance, faith, and steadfastness in the face of hardship. Through images of steady labor, climbing higher, and refusing to look back, the text urges listeners to stay focused on the path toward freedom and hope. Gibbs’ arrangement amplifies this message, transforming the spiritual into a compelling call to resilience for the concert stage.

Oh yes, keep yo’ han’ on de plow an’ hold on, jus’ hold on.

Nora, Nora, let me come in, de doors all fastened an’ de winders pinned.

Keep yo’ han’ on de plow, hold on.

Nora said, “You done los’ yo’ track, well, you can’ plow straigh’ and keep a-lookin’ back” Keep yo’ han’ on de plow, hold on.

Oh brotha, hold on, Sistah hold on.

Keep yo’ han’ on de plow, hold on.

If you wanna get to heaven, let me tell you how.i Jus’ keep yo’ han’ on de gospel plow.

Keep yo’ han’ on de plow, hold on.

If dat plow stats in-a yo’ han’ lan’ you straigh’ into de Promise lan’.

Keep yo’ han’ on de plow, hold on.

Mary had a golden chain an’ ev’ry link spelled mah Jesus’ name.

Keep yo’ han’ on de plow, hold on.

Keep on climbin’ an’ don’ you tire ‘cause every rung goes high’r an’ high’r.

Keep yo’ han’ on de plow, hold on.

About the Artists WESTMINSTER CHAPEL CHOIR Founded in 1949, the Westminster Chapel Choir takes its name from Westminster’s rich history of leadership in the field of sacred music. The ensemble has evolved over the years, and today its repertoire includes both sacred and secular works. Composed of students in their first years of study at Westminster Choir College, this ensemble is a defining choral experience that remains with Westminster alumni throughout their lives.

In addition to on-campus performances throughout the year, the Westminster Chapel Choir has toured extensively along the eastern United States.

The Westminster Chapel Choir has also performed with many symphony orchestras, including the Trenton Symphony Orchestra (N.J.), the York Symphony (P.A.), the Princeton Youth Orchestra (N.J.), and the Queens Symphony (N.Y.). At the request of Leopold Stokowski, the ensemble premiered Universal Prayer by Polish composer Adrezej Panufnik. It was heard by millions when it sang for the annual televised Lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The ensemble has been honored to give several world premiere performances of works by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lewis Spratlan and Westminster faculty members Stefan Young, Ronald Hemmel and Philip Orr.

••• Tyrone Clinton, Jr., conductor Tyler Miller and Ricky Sazon Salazar, graduate assistant conductors Akiko Hosaki, accompanist Abby J. Abello, Hackettstown, NJ Sarah J. Adams, Cherry Hill, NJ Allison Alexis-Goulbourne, Bloomfield, NJ Kaitlyn P. Baird, Phoenix, AZ Reese A. Bennett, Frederick, MD Natalie Cook, Hackettstown, NJ Natalie Cunningham, Fairfield, CT Mikayla Filetto, Manorville, NY Lucy S. Grath, Long Island, NY Peyton A. Karycinski, Matawan, NJ Ana Klarmann, Waldorf, MD

Katherine Kovács, Rochester, NY Amy Charlotte Majewski, Glen Ridge, NJ Caressa R. Meglino, Marlton, NJ Franziska C. Meyer, Wilmington, DE Sophia Morrone, Haddon Township, NJ Jordyn Navata, Hamilton, NJ Mary S. Page-Hoffmann, Boca Raton, FL Natalie Paitchel, Budd Lake, NJ Cendny Pierre, East Orange, NJ Octevia G. Pierre, Newark, NJ Try Y. Quain, Jersey City, NJ Nadia Rego, Westfield, NJ Crystal Saar, Bayville, NJ Lena Santore, Buena, NJ Noley T. Schenck, Upper Township, NJ Olivia Trumper, Bayville, NJ

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Senior Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Chair, Department of Performance Studies Director of Choir Studies Associate Director of Performance Management

Jason Vodicka Margaret Cusack Donald Nally Leandra Acosta

About Rider University & Westminster Choir College Located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Rider University is a private co-educational, student-centered university that emphasizes purposeful connections between academic study and real-world learning experience. Rider prepares graduates to thrive professionally, to be lifelong independent learners, and to be responsible citizens who embrace diversity, support the common good, and contribute meaningfully to the changing world in which they live and work.

The College of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to educating students for engaged citizenship, career success, and personal growth in a diverse and complex world. The college cultivates intellectual reflection, artistic creativity, and academic maturity by promoting both broad academic inquiry and in-depth disciplinary study, while nurturing effective and ethical applications of transferable critical skills. The College consists of four schools: the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Communication, Media, and Performing Arts, the School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics, and Westminster Choir College.

Culturally vibrant and historically rich, Westminster Choir College has a legacy of preparing students for thriving careers as well-rounded performers and musical leaders on concert stages, in schools, universities, and churches, and in professional and community organizations worldwide. Renowned for its tradition of choral excellence, the college is home to internationally recognized ensembles, including the Westminster Symphonic Choir, which has performed and recorded with virtually all of the major orchestras and conductors of our time. In addition to its choral legacy, Westminster is known as a center for excellence in musical pedagogy and performance.

Upcoming Performances WESTMINSTER CONCERT BELL CHOIRS: LEGACY CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF WESTMINSTER CHOIR COLLEGE Saturday, April 25, 4 p.m.

Gill Chapel WESTMINSTER FACULTY RECITAL SERIES: SONNET Sunday, April 26, 2 p.m.

Gill Chapel WESTMINSTER JUBILEE SINGERS: A JUBILEE 30TH ANNIVERSARY HOMECOMING Sunday, April 26, 7:30 p.m.

Gill Chapel ARTBEAST Friday, May 1, 3 p.m.

Rider University GRADUATE CONDUCTING RECITAL SERIES Westminster Choir Graduate Conductors: Claire Fritz and Lucas Heredia Friday, May 1, 7:30 p.m.

Gill Chapel 9 TO 5 Friday, May 1, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m.

Yvonne Theater LINDSEY CHRISTIANSEN ART SONG FESTIVAL Sunday, May 3, 3 p.m.

Gill Chapel FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING PERFORMANCES, SUBSCRIPTION AND PATRON PROGRAM OPTIONS, VISIT RIDER.EDU/ARTS.