Classically Russian

Saturday, March 7

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Igor Stravinsky, now regarded as one the 20th century’s greatest composers, spent most of his life chasing the ghosts of past success. The Russian composer’s three greatest works — the ballets “The Firebird,” “Petrushka” and “The Rite of Spring” — were penned between 1909 and 1913, before Stravinsky had reached his 32nd birthday. Political unrest in Russia (and eventually the USSR), however, made it difficult for Stravinsky to collect royalties on his music, and medical difficulties followed his family like a proverbial curse.

The composer continued to write music well into his 70s, but nothing reached the level of financial or critical success of his early ballets. Enduring financial difficulties forced Stravinsky into conducting on international tours long after his failing health should have ruled it out. He died in New York in 1971 at 88.

That is not to say his later output is without gems. Stravinsky’s 1930 composition, “Symphony of Psalms,” is considered one of the greatest choral works of the 20th century. Written during the composer’s neo-classical period, the piece reveals his interest in forms and styles of classical music from the 1700s. This symphony is unconventional, however, in that it combines an orchestra with a chorus. This rarely performed work will be heard Saturday as the Steiner Chorale presents “Symphony of Psalms.”

Corb Felgenhour, 42, has taken up this ambitious piece in his first year as conductor of the chorale. The South Lansing resident has dreamed of presenting this piece for decades.

“ ‘Symphony of Psalms’ is a piece I’ve always been attracted to,” Felgenhour said. “When I was in my 20s, I would fall asleep listening to it.”

The text of the symphony, sung entirely in Latin, is pulled from three passages of the biblical Book of Psalms: 38:13-14, 40:2- 4, and 150.

“The text really drew me in,” said Felgenhour, who also serves as pastor of worship ministries at Lansing’s South Church.

A classically trained singer, conductor and composer, Felgenhour also appreciates the musical depth of the piece.

“Compositionally, I love the way Stravinsky wrote it,” he said. “The drama between the chorus and the orchestra is incredible.”

Indeed, the third movement of the symphony juxtaposes a song of praise — “Alleluia. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the firmament of His power” — against stark string chords and stabbing trumpets.

“At first it’s jarring,” Felgenhour said. “It seems almost ironic.”

At the time he was writing “Symphony of Psalms,” Stravinsky was living in France, effectively exiled from his homeland, and was depending on friends and benefactors for financial sustenance. He was also leading a double life, maintaining an unhappy marriage to his wife, Katya, while carrying on an extended affair with the dancer Vera de Bosset. Given the circumstances, it’s not surprising that even Stravinsky’s songs of praise are seasoned with bitterness.

This contrast of text and sound has been a challenge for the chorale in preparation of the piece.

“To our modern ears, it’s difficult to understand the message in the musical language of Stravinsky,” Felgenhour said.

The Steiner Chorale is a volunteer ensemble, with singers ranging in age from 20 to 70. Adult singers audition for the group and pay an annual membership fee, which goes toward administrative and promotional expenses. The chorale was founded in 1968 by William Steiner, a former choral director at East Lansing High School.

Part of the chorale’s mission is to invest in the next generation of musicians: Last year the chorale established an annual scholarship competition, which awards $1,750 to young singers. This mission also spills over into this concert, with local students joining the ranks of the orchestra.

“We have some very high-quality high school students in the orchestra,” Felgenhour said. “It’s a great way to see the talent that the Lansing area has to offer.”

—TY FORQUER

“Symphony of Psalms”

The Steiner Chorale 8 p.m. Saturday, March 7 $14 St. Thomas Aquinas Parish 955 Alton St., East Lansing steinerchorale.org


FRIDAY MARCH 6 >> APPAREL AND TEXTILE DESIGN FASHION SHOW

Watch models strut their stuff as they showcase student-designed garments at the annual Apparel and Textile Design Student Fashion Show. MSU’s Department of Art, Art History and Design will host the juried event that explores designs ranging from classic to avant-garde. An understanding of global issues, including sustainability and cultural dress, will be reflected in the students’ original work. 7 p.m. $15. Pasant Theatre, Wharton Center, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. (517) 432-2000, whartoncenter.com.

MONDAY MARCH 9 >> ALCOA AT MAC’S BAR

Hailing from Portsmouth, N.H., Alcoa is touring to promote its sophomore album, “Parlour Tricks.” Alcoa started as a solo project created by Derek Archambault, vocalist for the hardcore band Defeater, but eventually evolved into a six-piece “alt-country” band with Archambault on lead guitar and vocals. Opening acts are Choir Vandals from St. Louis, Mo., the Tiny Ugly Germs from Port Huron and the Fever Haze from Holland. 5:30 p.m. $10 advance/$12 at the door. All ages. Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. fusionshows.com.

TUESDAY MARCH 10 >> AN EVENING OF IRISH POETRY, STORYTELLING AND SONG

Celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Ireland with local actors, poets and musicians at Dublin Square Irish Restaurant & Pub. Sing along to traditional Irish tunes with Sally Potter, founder of East Lansing’s Mid-Winter Singing Festival, and hear poets recite the poems of Ireland’s greatest authors. Many other local artists are scheduled to perform and Dublin Square will be serving up fresh pints and their Irish-influenced pub fare. 7:30 p.m. FREE. Dublin Square Irish Restaurant & Pub, 327 Abbot Road, East Lansing. ruestokes@gmail.com.

THURSDAY MARCH 12 >> MUSIC AT THE MANSION

The Music at the Mansion concert series presents its inaugural event Thursday, featuring music by Liudmila Bondar and Ed Fedewa. Bondar earned a master’s in fine arts in her native Russia and a master’s in piano performance and pedagogy from MSU. Fedawa holds a master’s degree from MSU as well, and is principal bass in the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. Their performance will feature pieces from baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary composers. Future performances will be on the second Thursday of each month, featuring various genres including jazz, chamber music and more. Proceeds from the event will go toward the continuing restoration of the Turner-Dodge House. 7 p.m. $10. Turner-Dodge House, 100 E. North St., Lansing. beebe.michael@yahoo.com.

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