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.
Upcoming Events
Mozart’s Da Ponte Operas: Reinventing the Operatic Voice 11:00 – 13:00
The astounding partnership between Mozart and Da Ponte produced Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte, featuring many of opera's most complex and memorable roles. Experience the music and meet the characters in this enthralling recital series.
21 Oct The Art of Becoming
Mezzo- soprano, Nancy Holt, unpacks how Mozart uses this voice type to capture growing up, falling apart, and coming back together — often all in one aria! Meet Cherubino who can't control his hormones; Dorabella who can't control her heart; and Marcellina who reinvents herself entirely. With live piano accompaniment by Lucy Colquhoun.
Mozart’s Da Ponte Operas: Reinventing the Operatic Voice 11:00 – 13:00
The astounding partnership between Mozart and Da Ponte produced Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte, featuring many of opera's most complex and memorable roles. Experience the music and meet the characters in this enthralling recital series.
28 Oct Sincerity on Trial
Dropped into comic operas with seria voices, Mozart's tenors don't get the straightforward luxury of being either comic or serious — Don Ottavio and Ferrando can be both noble and laughed at in the same breath. This recital explores the gorgeous, soaring music sung by men the drama refuses to let you trust. What happens when Mozart puts his heartfelt heroes on trial? With tenor, Robert Forrest, and pianist, Lucy Colquhoun.
A Taste of Heaven – 6pm
The Holy Trinity Consort presents a French-Swiss celebration - written in secret and hidden in a drawer for forty years, Frank Martin's Mass for Double Choir is now treasured as one of the twentieth century's great choral discoveries. After the interval, Fauré's sublime Requiem: music of consolation, from the radiant Pie Jesu to the whispered farewell of In Paradisum. We are delighted to welcome Läderach as our partner for the evening, and premium-ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive tasting of their exquisite Swiss chocolate. Candlelight, chocolate and glorious music - an evening to savour at Holy Trinity.