The St. Louis Chamber Chorus' will explore the human condition at a performance commemorating Valentine’s Day. The concert is highlighted by the world premiere of "Ardor Amis," a work the chorus commissioned from British composer Francis Pott.
Pott joined St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh alongside Philip Barnes, artistic director of the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, for Friday’s segment to talk about the concert.
Listen to the full discussion:
Pott said he’s excited for the premiere since it will be different than his usual compositions where secular poetry is used as his text.
“It’s a departure for me in some ways because I think it’s fair to say I’ve become known for writing sacred choral music,” Pott said.
He said that writing love music is not more difficult than writing sacred music, but it does bring about a different set of challenges. He approaches writing music to love poetry by trying to individualize the human condition.
Barnes said Pott was chosen to do the commission because of his vision and experience with choirs and piano playing.
“We were asking for a piece to be written by somebody who really understands the human voice and choirs and Francis does that,” Barnes said.
Pott said he is apprehensive about hearing "Ardor Amoris” for the first time.
“I’m just hoping that the result realizes my own intention in the sense that the composition is what I meant,” he said.
The concert will also include works by Johannes Brahms, Missouri-born Emma Lou Diemer and Morten Lauridsen.
Related Event:
What: “Love Dances” St. Louis Chamber Chorus, Concert 4
When: Sun., Feb. 11, 3:00 p.m.
Where: 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Avenue, University City, Missouri 63130
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Lara Hamdan give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
