University choirs join forces to put on diverse concert

The CSU Choruses will show off their talent and a rich music selection in an April 10 spring performance.

The Colorado State University’s Men’s Chorus, conducted by Ryan Olsen, and University Chorus, conducted by Stuart Dameron, will hold a concert featuring individual pieces performed by each choir as weChiorll as a combined finale on Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. in Griffin Concert Hall at the UCA, 1400 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80524.

The concert demonstrates the outstanding vocal quality and talent present in both ensembles that is highlighted in each group’s wide range of repertoire. The selections come from a diverse background of styles, languages, and eras.

“We’re very excited to show what we have been working on this spring semester,” Dameron said, adding that he looks forward to the audience enjoying the various styles and discovering something new.

Tickets are $7 for CSU students, $1 for youth (under 18), and $12 for the public. Tickets are available at the University Center for the Arts (UCA) ticket office in the UCA lobby Monday through Friday, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. and 60 minutes prior to performances, by phone at 970-491-ARTS (2787), or online at www.CSUArtsTickets.com. Youth tickets must be purchased in person at the Ticket Office. All tickets are subject to a $1 ticket fee for both online and at-the-door purchases. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended to avoid lines and further at-the-door fees.

Ryan Olsen

Olsen is assistant professor of choral music education and director of the CSU Concert Choir. Olsen has been active in all levels of music education in Kansas, Missouri, Arizona, Texas and Colorado. A native of Kansas City, Olsen received his bachelor of music education and master of arts in music with an emphasis in choral music education from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Olsen taught middle school and high school choral music, music appreciation and music theory courses in the Kansas City metropolitan area and served as music director in various musical theater productions.

Stuart Dameron

Dameron graduated with his bachelor’s degree in music education from Colorado State University in 2009 and went on to earn a master’s in choral conducting at CSU in 2011, studying under Dr. James Kim. During his time at CSU, Dameron was actively involved in the CSU Chamber Choir. Stuart also participated in CSU Opera Theatre, performing more than 10 lead roles in over a dozen operas and music theatre performances. Dameron also earned his Performance Certificate in Voice from CSU and was inducted as an honorary member into the Pi Kappa Lambda alumni music fraternity.

The University Center for the Arts at Colorado State University provides an enriched venue in which the study and practice of Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre are nurtured and sustained by building the skills and knowledge needed by future generations of arts professionals to become contributors to the essential vitality of our culture and society.

For more information, visit UCA.Colostate.edu.