SFA orchestra, combined choirs to present Williams’ ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - A collaboration between the choral and orchestral departments in the School of Music at Stephen F. Austin State University will bring together the SFA Symphony Orchestra, A Cappella Choir and combined choirs of Kantorei and Singin' Axes performing Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Dona Nobis Pacem" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

"Dona Nobis Pacem," or "Grant Us Peace," features as vocal soloists music faculty members Dr. Scott LaGraff, baritone, and Debbie Berry, soprano.

"'Dona Nobis Pacem' was composed in 1936 and is a plea for peace after recent wars and growing fears of the coming second world war," said Dr. Gregory Grabowski, director of orchestral activities at SFA and the Symphony Orchestra's conductor. "This is especially relevant to us today considering all that is happening in the Ukraine and in Israel."

The concert will also feature the A Capella Choir on Johannes Brahms' "Schickslaslied," conducted by Dr. Michael Murphy, director of choral activities, and the SFA Symphony Orchestra on Aaron Copland's "Our Town."

Concert tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. To purchase tickets, visit the SFA Fine Arts Box Office website or call (936) 468-6407. For additional information, contact the SFA School of Music at (936) 468-4602.