The Moores School of Music kicks off its season at 7:30 p.m. today with the annual Collage concert, held inside the Moores Opera House.
The award-winning Concert Chorale will perform an a cappella rendition of Gioachino Rossini’s ‘The Barber of Seville.’ The song promises to amuse the audience, according to members of the Concert Chorale.
‘You may recognize the title as an orchestral piece and be confused. (Our version) is full of hilarious gimmicks,’ music sophomore Elizabeth Sharanov said. ‘I have to keep from laughing in rehearsals.’
The show lineup includes the premiere of Jeremy Beck’s ‘Review: A Satire, an Opera, a Party,’ which takes a comedic look at a cocktail party in hell.
The UH Spirit of Houston Marching Band and the Moores Jazz ensemble are also expected to perform. The Moores Symphony Orchestra will join the festivities, playing selections from ‘Don Juan.’
Many involved believe Collage highlights the music school’s top talent.
‘It’s a great start for the year and really reminds everyone how much fun we’ll be having over the year,’ Sharanov said.
Last year marked the concert’s 10th anniversary, but the performance was cancelled due to Hurricane Ike.
Concert Chorale Director Betsy Weber said she and her students did not want a cancellation, but realized it was the only option.
‘We’d never cancelled before,’ Weber said. ‘It was significant not only for that reason, but also because students and faculty had worked hard to get the show ready. It was very disappointing, although completely reasonable, to have to cancel.’
The mood is much brighter in 2009, as anticipation accompanies the return of the tradition.
‘It’s going to be filled with fantastic performances no one should miss,’ music junior Caitlyn Grygier said.
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