Island Chamber Singers Spring Concert

The Island Chamber Singers will create a bridge across Europe for its Spring concerts on April 5 and 7. East Meets West will feature two major works: Antonin Dvořák’s Te Deum and John Rutter’s Gloria. Rutter’s festive Gloria will usher in the Easter Season in grand style with brass, percussion and organ accompanying the singers. Rutter, a living composer whose works are performed all around the world, is loved by both singers and audiences. Over the centuries, many important composers have written pieces called Gloria, and Te Deum has been a popular theme too. A Te Deum is a joyful prayer of praise to God. It begins with the words, “Te Deum laudamus,” which means, “We praise Thee, O God.” It is typically sung at matins or on special occasions such as a thanksgiving. This Te Deum marks the first time ICS, under the direction of Dr. Jane Lindberg, will perform a Dvořák work. Dvořák was a Czech composer, violinist, organist, singer, and pianist whose love for his Bohemian roots can be sensed in his music. He often performed at restaurants and balls.