News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu summer 05 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 11/8/05   SOUTHEASTERN CONCERT CHOIR TO PREMIERE NEW WORK BY STEPHEN SUBER AT NOV. 16 CONCERT        HAMMOND – The Southeastern Louisiana University’s premier vocal ensemble, the 35-voice Concert Choir, will present an eclectic concert of sacred and classical works, including pieces that evoke the tragedy and resilient spirit of hurricane-ravished Louisiana.        The free concert, which will be presented Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Hammond, will also feature the world premiere of a new vocal work, “His Rhythm,” by Southeastern composer and music theory professor Stephen Suber.        The Concert Choir will be conducted by Alissa Mercurio Rowe and Roger Henry of the Southeastern Department of Music and Dramatic Arts and accompanied by pianist Charles Effler. Rowe said the program’s selections will encompass a wide variety of styles, languages and genres, including Latin and Russian sacred pieces and French, Italian and German songs.        "The Concert Choir is very excited to be the first ever to perform a new work by Dr. Suber," Rowe said.         Suber, a member of the Southeastern faculty since 1982, said “His Rhythm” is “an anthem to creativity and spirituality.” The work, written for standard chorus, is set to a poem by Walter Alvin Cochrane II of Chalmette, a former Southeastern student. Suber said his composition was inspired by the Ayn Rand novel, “The Fountain Head,” which Cochrane had encouraged Suber to read.        Rowe said the concert will close with a number of selections performed as a remembrance of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. "The music," Rowe said, "will include spirituals and intimate songs dealing with death, remembrance and renewed spirit.”        Soloists include Sarah Osterberger and Christopher Griffin of Baton Rouge; Jane Rownd, Simon Pfeil and Betty Turner of Hammond; Kristin Glass of Walker; Brandon Wear, Scott McDonough, and Steven Palmisano of Slidell; Matthew Packard of Arabi; Emily Stokes of Covington; Brian Martinez of Montz; and Ken Goode of Metairie.        The Concert Choir also includes Blair Abene, Laura Freeney, and Stephanie Robertson of Hammond; Jessica Davis and Cassie Arnold of Ponchatoula; Margaret Davis, Amber Whitfield, and Faustin Wascom of Walker; Marshall Dean of Denham Springs; Kimberly Hilliard of Covington; Ryan Thomas of Slidell; Maria Burkett of Chalmette; MaryAnn Phillips of Baton Rouge; Cali McQueen and Katie Morgan of Gonzales; Christina Babin and Erin Perdue of Prairieville; Charlene Robinson of Destrehan; Nathan Constant of Mereaux; Orlando Johnson of St. Amant; and Joe Johnson III of New Orleans.