Caster Singer & Kammerstreicher String Chamber Orchestra – 3pm
Magical strings & beautiful voices combine to perform an eclectic selection of music from Gershwin to spirituals & Toto's 'Africa'
The highly talented Kammerstreicher String Chamber Orchestra and Castle Singers, both from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, have come together as part of a 21-day tour throughout Europe, performing in Eisenach, Prague, Vienna, Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik and London. Performance highlights will include American works by Gershwin, traditional spirituals, classical and contemporary pieces by Toto’s ‘Africa’ and Sam Cook’s ‘What a Wonderful World’.
The name Kammerstreicher is a nod to Wartburg’s rich German heritage—Kammerstreicher means “chamber strings”—and also stems from a desire of the group to reshape expectations for what a chamber orchestra can be and do. Dr. Rebecca Nederhiser is a passionate conductor, scholar, and oboist. In addition to Kammerstreicher, Nederhiser also leads the Wartburg Community Symphony and teaches music theory, oboe, and conducts at Wartburg College.
Under the direction of Dr. Nicki Bakko Toliver, Castle Singers are composed of advanced vocalists who are dedicated to exploring challenging choral literature. The Castle Singers travel extensively and previous international tours include countries throughout Western and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Latin America, Australia and French Polynesia.
The choir and orchestra with piano accompaniment will be joined by guest soloist Dr. Gabriel Forero, on the viola. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Gabriel is an active solo, chamber, orchestral and Baroque performer.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enjoy live music in a stunning venue. See you there!
Ensemble, Director/Assistant/Accompanist Biographies
Nestled in Waverly, Iowa Kammerstreicher is one of four nationally and internationally touring ensembles at Wartburg College. The name is a nod to Wartburg’s rich German heritage—Kammerstreicher means “chamber strings”—and also stems from a desire of the group to
reshape expectations for what a chamber orchestra can be and do.
The mission of Kammerstreicher is to provide meaningful aesthetic experiences for members and audiences alike. This includes performing a wide variety of repertoire and engaging the community
through educational clinics, performances, and outreach. Ensemble members serve as dynamic leaders within the college, often participating within the annual Meistersinger Honor String Festival and Meistersinger Chamber String Camp. Kammerstreicher performs yearly within the Christmas with Wartburg concert and gives concert tours annually, with international travel every three years.
Currently the ensemble is embarking on a 21-day tour throughout Europe, performing in Eisenach, Prague, Vienna, Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik and London. Performance highlights will include American works by Gershwin, Clarke, Still, Price, and Whitacre, with a world premiere commission entitled “Song Without Words” by Midwest composer Krista Vásquez-Connelly.
Dr. Rebecca Nederhiser, conductor
Rebecca Nederhiser is a passionate conductor, scholar, and oboist. In addition to Kammerstreicher, Nederhiser also leads the Wartburg Community Symphony and teaches music theory, oboe, and conducting at Wartburg College. As a conductor, Nederhiser creates community-engaging traditions through innovative concerts, grant writing, and multiple art mediums.
Dr. Gabriel Forero; guest soloist (viola)
Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Gabriel is an active solo, chamber, orchestral and Baroque performer. He has presented concerts and recitals in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Spain. He actively performs with various orchestras and chamber ensembles mainly in the Nebraska and Iowa areas.
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