K College Singers to perform Michigan premiere of choral work inspired by eco-poet Wendell Berry

KALAMAZOO, MI — As blossoms open and songbirds sing, the voices of the Kalamazoo College Singers will rise in harmony for the Michigan premiere of Hymnody of Earth — a stirring choral work by Malcolm Dalglish inspired by the pastoral prose and poetry of Wendell Berry.

Conducted by Dr. Chris Ludwa, Kalamazoo College Associate Professor of Music, the performance, which takes place Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Stetson Chapel, will also feature the composer himself on virtuosic hammered dulcimer, joined by prolific percussionist Carolyn Koebel. 

“Dalglish’s songs are instantly accessible to anyone, but somehow speak to the deepest part of our being on a soul level,” says Ludwa, who also serves as musical and executive director of Kalamazoo Choral Arts (formerly Kalamazoo Bach Festival). “I’ve encountered few composers who can move both the skeptic and the most devout in the same way.”

This 70-minute program features 45 singers performing 19 songs, many of which are inspired by Berry.  This is the fourth time Ludwa has directed this piece, the other three in Indiana, noting that the work is an all-time favorite of singers and audience. The hammered dulcimer is an ancient instrument, often considered an ancestor of the piano, says Ludwa, and has been popular in various cultures, including the Middle East and Europe. Dalglish and Koebel are performing it with several other choirs in the Midwest this spring. 

“(Dalglish’s) music is a balm to the weary human as he knits ancient musical traditions, texts that magically describe the magnificence of nature, and melodic and harmonic material that send shivers up the spine and bring tears to the eyes,” says Ludwa.

For anyone who enjoys evocative nature-based poetry, Berry’s words paint an incredible picture for the listener, rich in metaphor and striking imagery. The performance takes place in Stetson Chapel on the campus of Kalamazoo College. Tickets are available at the door for $15 or pay what you can. Details and more information at Kalamazoo College Music Department via Chris Ludwa at 231-225-8877 or email cludwa@kzoo.edu.