Music
Vocal Ensembles
Students at Simpson have many vocal and instrumental performing opportunities. Music performance majors, music education majors and students majoring in other disciplines are eligible for all of the performing groups.
Simpson was cited by the National Association of Teachers of Singing as the recipient of an award for a program of vocal excellence.
View a calendar of all music department concerts and events.Madrigal Singers - Dr. Robert L. Larsen and Dr. Kimberly Roberts
The Madrigal Singers have a long and proud tradition of performing Renaissance secular literature in all languages. They also perform sacred literature and contemporary works designed for small ensemble. This group of 18 to 20 tours widely and has been heard on such prestigious stages as Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City and Tyrone Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis. Founded and directed by Dr. Robert L. Larsen, the ensemble has earned plaudits from critics throughout the United States and Europe. They tour annually and perform regularly in Europe during May term, including trips to Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Scandanavia, Russia, Spain, Scotland and England. Their Madrigal Dinners, among the first in the country, are well known throughout the Midwest for their ambiance and sumptuous musical fare. Emphasis is placed on students' individual vocal skills and the ability to utilize those skills in a small ensemble. The Madrigal Singers is open to all Simpson students by audition.
Corran di puro latte - Simpson Madrigal SingersA special event for the Madrigal Singers was the presentation of Menotti's The Unicorn, The Gorgon and the Manticore with dancers and orchestra in the spring of 2008.
Simpson College Chamber Singers - Dr. Timothy A. McMillin
The SIMPSON COLLEGE CHAMBER SINGERS is the newest choral ensemble at Simpson College. Its membership is mixed (SATB) and limited to between 28 and 32 singers. The ensemble sings advanced repertoire from throughout history in all styles and genres, but specializes in a cappella and accompanied chamber music. Performance opportunities on campus include All College Convocation, concerts in Smith Chapel, masterworks concerts with professional orchestra, the beloved Service of Lessons and Carols at Christmas and numerous other events. Off campus, the Chamber Singers is an ambassador for Simpson College and its music program, singing in numerous churches and schools, and embarking on a national tour biennially.
Simpson College Women's Chorale - Dr. Timothy A. McMillin
The SIMPSON COLLEGE WOMEN’S CHORALE provides a unique opportunity for singers to enjoy the art of singing in a choral ensemble made up of only treble voices (SSAA) while exploring literature created especially for women’s voices. Literature ranges from the simplicity of a melody sung in canon to the complexity of contemporary music in eight parts. The Women’s Chorale regularly performs a cappella selections and works accompanied by piano, organ, strings and a variety of instrumental combinations. The Simpson College Women’s Chorale is heard in performance at prospective music student weekends, concerts in Smith Chapel, the beloved Service of Lessons and Carols at Christmas and a variety of civic engagements in greater Des Moines.
Simpson College Women's Chorale performs:
El Grito (from Suite de Lorca) by Einojuhani Rautavaara
Nigra Sum by Pablo Casals
Simpson College Choir - Dr. Timothy A. McMillin
The SIMPSON COLLEGE CHOIR experiences high-energy rehearsals that explore a great variety of choral music from various styles and genres including gospel, spirituals, vocal jazz, modern works, world music, as well as the classics. This mixed (SATB) ensemble specializes in a cappella singing, but also regularly performs accompanied works and larger works with orchestra. Performance opportunities on campus include concerts in Smith Chapel, masterworks concerts with professional orchestra, the beloved Service of Lessons and Carols at Christmas and numerous other events. Off campus, the College Choir is an ambassador for Simpson College and its music program, singing in numerous churches and schools.
Simpson College Choir performs:
Opera and Musical Theatre - Bernard McDonald, Musical Director
The Marriage of Figaro, 2009
Opera at Simpson is known throughout America and has been cited as an exceptional college program by U.S. News and World Report. Two productions of either opera or musical theatre each year, as well as an opera workshop every other year give students an in-depth experience combining music and the stage. Recent productions have included: Britten's Albert Herring, Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado, Puccini's Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi, Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffman, Mozart's The Magic Flute, Wright and Forrest's Kismet, Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, Britten's Midsummer Nights Dream, The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart, The Merry Widow by Franz Lehar, Carousel and the contemporary Americal opera The Crucible. Upcoming productions include Strauss' Die Fledermaus.
To learn more about OPERA AT SIMPSON, please click here.
Contact Simpson College
800-362-2454 (toll-free)
or
515-961-6251 (locally)
Admissions:
800-362-2454 (toll-free)
or
515-961-1624 (locally)
Admissions office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon through Fri
