Lied invites vocalists to apply for 'Nebraska Sings' statewide choral event

            Singers from across Nebraska will unite in song March 21 as part of Nebraska Sings at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The event celebrates the Lied Center for Performing Arts' 25th anniversary and the world premiere of "Let There Be Music," a newly commissioned choral work by nationally recognized composer and Nebraskan, Kurt Knecht.

            All Nebraska vocalists, ages 16 and up, can apply to be part of the statewide choral celebration. Applications for individuals to participate in Nebraska Sings are being accepted through Feb. 13.

            "Nebraska Sings is the perfect way to commemorate the Lied Center's 25th year," said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied Center. "It's a celebration of our robust statewide arts community and a tribute to the Lied Center's establishment 25 years ago as 'Nebraska's Home for the Arts.' We invite all eligible vocalists to apply to be a part of this historic celebration."

            Interested parties can apply to be part of the Nebraska Sings community choir by downloading an application at http://www.liedcenter.org/nesings or contacting Petra Wahlqvist, education and community engagement director for the Lied Center by email or at 402-472-3215.

            The call for artists is open to all interested parties over the age of 16. Participants under the age of 19 must provide parent or guardian consent.

            The community choir will perform the final numbers of Nebraska Sings, including "Let There Be Music." The choir will be directed by Tom Trenney and selected singers will join the Abendmusik Chorus, Abendmusik Festival Children's Chorus, Community Gospel Choir, Lincoln Boys Cantare Choir, UNL Chamber Singers and Nebraska Organization of Vocal Artists on the Lied Center stage for the event, with special guests, The String Beans. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

            "Let There Be Music" was commissioned as part of the Lied Center's "Grow-a-Show New Works Development Program," which aligns with the Lied Center's mission to not only present great art, but to be a place where fresh and innovative work is born. Since opening its doors in 1990, the Lied Center has commissioned dozens of Grow-a-Show projects, including "Requiem" by the Joffrey Ballet (1990), "Piano Concerto No. 2 (After Lewis and Clark)" by Philip Glass (2004) and "Hayseed" (full album), commissioned in partnership with UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Nature Resources by singer-songwriter Susan Werner (2013).

Writer: Carrie Christensen, Lied Center for Performing Arts