University Concert Choir welcomes Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon to campus
Kesha Williams
January 08, 2013
It’s January– time to note on the calendar the performances of 2013 you don’t want to miss. One of those performances with exceptional talent will take place at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center at Elizabeth City State University. On Feb. 2 and 3, the Lyceum Series presents "Songs of a Dream" by the ECSU Concert Choir with soprano Alfreda Burke and tenor Rodrick Dixon.
This duo has developed a cabaret show telling of their passion for music and for each other through music. They have performed with some of the nation’s finest symphony orchestras, and will bring to ECSU an array of Broadway favorites, spiritual gems and operatic treasures in "Songs of a Dream."
The Chicago Tribune described Burke’s voice as "voluptuous, creamy and luxuriant," while Dixon’s "voice has a quality like polished steel under tension – flexible and ringingly resonant." The program will commence with the Elizabeth City State University Concert Choir’s renditions of moving spirituals to begin Black History Month. Literature by African American composers will be performed to evoke stirring memories of the strength, pain, and triumphs of those who paved the way for today’s aspiring musicians.
Walter R. Swan, a baritone, will serve in the capacity of choral director and soloist for the evening. He is excited about the opportunity to sing with guest soloists Rod Dixon and Alfreda Burke. "Songs of a Dream" will take place Feb. 2 at 7 p.m., and on Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. Admission is $10, and $5 for children 12 and under and for ECSU students with I.D. Tickets may be purchased at the ECSU Cashier’s Office, 1704 Weeksville Road at Clown’n Around, 209 Charles St., Elizabeth City or online at www.etix.com.
This year, the Elizabeth City State Lyceum Series added another segment to its selection of events– the Chancellor Series. It showcases talented student performing artists. The first of this series featured students who perform with the "University Players," the student theatrical group. Their performance was entitled "The Lively Cabaret." The University Concert Choir and ""Songs of a Dream" marks the second of the Chancellor Series. The third presentation will be the Essence of Praise Fashion and Comedy Show presented by Essence of Praise Gospel Choir. The gospel choir is under the direction of Larry Wilson, a student services specialist in the ECSU Admissions Office and Donna James-Whidbee, director of ECSU’s Office of Human Resources and Payroll. The performance will be held in the Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium on March 23, 2013 show time is at 7 p.m.
For more information on Songs of A Dream, click here, or contact Dr. Swan at (252) 335-3364 or wrswan@mail.ecsu.edu.
For more information on the Lyceum Series, contact Ms. Barbaina Houston Black.