Free Military Personnel Admission Announced for Special Concert Presentation
Nov 11, 2016
DUBUQUE, Iowa – University of Dubuque’s Heritage Center and Radio Dubuque are pleased to announce today – Veterans Day – that free admission will be offered to military active duty, veterans, and reserve personnel for a performance featuring Cantus Vocal Ensemble on Friday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Heritage Center’s John and Alice Butler Hall. Free admission was made possible by partnership support of Radio Dubuque and its affiliate stations (KDTH, KAT-FM, 97.3 The Rock, and 101.1 The River).
Appearing in 30 cities nationwide, Cantus Vocal Ensemble: “No Greater Love Than This” addresses the camaraderie, bravery, honor, elation, loss, and longing common to all soldiers in times of both peace and war as well as emotions shared between loved ones at home and across entire nations.
WHAT: Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series – Cantus Vocal Ensemble
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center
TICKETS: $24-$29 adult, $20-$24 UD alum, $10 child/student
Note: Military active duty, retired/veterans, and reserve components eligible for free admission, though a ticket is still required.
Cantus, a nine-member men’s vocal ensemble, is known worldwide for its trademark warmth and blend and its engaging performances. The Washington Post hailed Cantus’ sound as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power.” In “No Greater Love Than This,” Cantus delves into the bonds that have defined those willing to lay down their lives for others. From George M. Cohan's “Over There” to Lee Hoiby’s “Last Letter Home,” we’re reminded that soldiers everywhere experience a new family in others who have chosen to heed the same call. The strength of the human spirit will be rediscovered with additional repertoire by Bob Chilcott, William Whiting, John Lennon, rarely performed songs for men’s voices by Dvořák and Janáček, and a new commission by Jeff Beal (House of Cards).
As one of the nation’s few full-time professional vocal ensembles, Cantus has been the subject of worldwide accolades. Special concert guests will include the University of Dubuque Concert Choir and select high school singers.
Prior to the concert, there will be a special Quilts of Valor® (QOV) presentation and recognition ceremony from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. in Babka Theatre. Cyndy Billmeyer, Northeast Iowa QOV coordinator, will speak about the QOV mission – to thank and honor service members and veterans by awarding them a wartime quilt – and select UD-affiliated veterans will be honored. The QOV Foundation® was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, a Blue Star mother and quilt maker. Complimentary refreshments will be served at a reception following the ceremony from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bisignano Art Gallery where the quilts will remain on display until the conclusion of the evening concert.
Tickets for Cantus Vocal Ensemble can be purchased now at the Farber Box Office Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Heritage Center, University of Dubuque, 2255 Bennett Street; by phone at 563.585.SHOW; or online at www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter.
Telegraph Herald serves as the Heritage Center 2016-2017 season presenting media partner.
