Voices Across City, Border Prepare Historic April 1 Concert

On Sunday, April 1, 2007 at 4 p.m. approximately 120 men and women of all ages from both sides of the border will join together to celebrate the “generosity of human spirit” through a performance of Lowell Liebermann’s famed Symphony No. 2 at Texas A&M International University’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Recital Hall.

Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director Brendan Townsend said the Symphony attests to music’s power to unify.

“This wonderful choral symphony by Liebermann is a testimony to the way all people can be unified in music,” Townsend said.

Joining the LPO for the historic performance will be the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale, TAMIU Chorale, Laredo Community College Choir, United High School Choir, choristers from the Vidal M. Trevino School for the Fine Arts and Communications, and the Coro Espíritu Santo from Nuevo Laredo, Tamps.

Townsend said he is eager to share the joyful symphony with Los Dos Laredos.

“I have wanted to do this piece for some time because of the joy it exudes,” said Maestro Townsend, “Bringing this many voices together from across the community and our border creates a wonderful buzz at concerts which the audience is sure to feel.”

“Every time I play the recording for people I get the same reaction,” he continued, “People immediately love this music. Laredo is leading the nation in the exploration of new and exciting music. This performance is attracting attention from around the country.”

Paul Foster, United High School Choir Director, concurred.

 “When Brendan asked if we would like to take part in this, I played the CD for my kids and their eyes lit up with excitement, ” he said.

Composer Lowell Liebermann (b. 1961), whose music is regularly performed all over the world, writes music that is immediately accessible and appealing to all audiences. Hailed by the New York Times “as much an innovator as traditionalist,” his music has won the hearts of audiences wherever it is performed.

When the Dallas Symphony Orchestra premiered the Second Symphony, TIME Magazine wrote, “Now brazen and glittering, now radiantly visionary, the Liebermann Second, a resplendent choral symphony, is the work of a composer unafraid of grand gestures and open-hearted lyricism.”

For tickets and information, contact Brendan Townsend at 956.326.3039 or btownsend@tamiu.edu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu