UTSA salutes Children's Chorus of San Antonio in Oct. 25 performance

(Oct. 24, 2003)--In July 1983, Marguerite McCormick approached John Silantien, UTSA director of choral activities, with the idea of forming a children's chorus in San Antonio. That fall the UTSA Children's Chorus was formed, and McCormick conducted its first performance in December 1983.

For the first ten years of its existence the group rehearsed at UTSA under the auspices of the Department of Music. Then in 1993, the group became the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio.

Over its twenty-year history, the chorus has performed with UTSA ensembles, the San Antonio Symphony, the Lyric Opera of San Antonio and in concert venues in New York City, Italy and the British Isles.

To celebrate the beginning of its twentieth anniversary season, the children's chorus will perform on a program with the UTSA Concert Choir at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at the UTSA Arts Building Recital Hall.

Also featured will be the Youth Chorale, high school-age alumni of the children's chorus, conducted by Irma Taute.

One of the evening's highlights will be the premiere of a work commissioned for the occasion and composed by James Scott Balentine, a UTSA composition faculty member.

It sets to music a clever, new poem by Tina Lear titled "The Present," and features a nearly wordless accompaniment by the UTSA Concert Choir and Youth Chorale, a highly rhythmic, tongue-twisting part for the Children's Chorus and a jazzy piano accompaniment.

Tickets are $10, $6 for students, military and seniors.

For ticket information, call 210-458-5685.