Concert: 7:30 p.m. Wed. Nov. 7, Sebring-Lewis Hall
When Schola Cantorum Coralina visits Grinnell this week, the members of the award-winning Cuban choir will offer more than just their voices to the community; they’ll be acting as ambassadors of Cuban culture. Schola Cantorum Coralina is a part of the Catalogue of Artists of the National Center of Concert Music of Cuba, signifying its selection as one of the most prestigious Cuban choirs.
The celebrated mixed choir is visiting Grinnell Nov. 6–7. Sponsored by the College and community and hosted by local families, the members of the choir will participate in a series of activities on both days.
On Tuesday, the Grinnell Singers will join Schola Cantorum Coralina in an open rehearsal at 4:30 p.m. in Sebring-Lewis Hall.
In addition, the group will conduct workshops in the high school and middle school. Committed to both its art and to service to the greater community, the choir is designed to attract children to music and awake their sensibility and appreciation of art. Some of the members conduct children’s choirs of boys and girls from the Havana community with the only admission requirement being an interest in singing.
On Wednesday, members of the choir will participate in an open forum titled “Cultural Diplomacy: An Open Discussion with Cuban Musicians” at 4:15 p.m. in Rosenfield Center Room 101.
That evening, Schola Cantorum Coralina performs at 7:30 p.m. in Sebring-Lewis Hall with the choir’s founder, Alina Orraca, conducting. The choir is renowned for the versatility of its style and its ability to authentically perform in the most diverse of musical forms, from Renaissance fare to contemporary music. Schola Cantorum Coralina’s performances are full of virtuosity, dynamism, humor, emotion and “Cubaness,” providing enjoyment to audiences of varied tastes wherever its music is heard.
John Rommereim, Blanche Johnson Professor of Music, arranged for the group’s visit after hearing them perform in Cuba in May. “During my recent visit to Cuba as part of a delegation from the American Choral Conductors Association, I had the opportunity to hear one of the country's most outstanding choirs, Schola Cantorum Coralina, and become acquainted with Ms. Orraca, one of Cuba's most highly regarded conductors,” Rommereim says.
“This visit by Schola Cantorum Coralina is a valuable opportunity for the students to engage in a cultural and artistic encounter through their interactions with the choir and with Ms. Orraca. … We are fortunate that Grinnell College is included in the choir's American debut concert tour.”
Wednesday’s events are free and open to the public; tickets are not required.
Grinnell welcomes the participation of people with disabilities. Information on parking and accessibility is available on the Campus Accessibility Map. Requests for accommodations may be made to conference operations at 641-269-3235 or calendar@grinnell.edu.
