Roll tours with CMU Singers

[ From Clinton County News ]

MOUNT PLEASANT — Marcus Roll of St. Johns, a member of Central Michigan University's Chamber Singers, recently entertained audiences in Ireland and France during the choir's 10-day concert tour.

Under the direction of CMU professor of music Nina Nash-Robertson, the singers performed at venues throughout the two nations during a May 10-20 tour that marked "the culmination of a year of academic study and rehearsal" for the auditioned, 24-member ensemble, Nash-Robertson said.

Roll, a junior at CMU, is the son of Bill and Judy Roll of St. Johns. He has a music major.

The choir's stops included a May 12 performance during Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Galway, Ireland, and a joint concert with Cois Cladagh Choir at Mervue Catholic Church, also in Galway; a May 13 performance during noon Mass at Knock Pilgrimage Site in Sligo, Ireland, and a performance during Mass at the Basilica in Dublin, Ireland; a May 14 concert at the Moat Theatre in Naas, Ireland; a May 15 lunchtime performance at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin; a May 17 concert at H'pital Charles Foix, a geriatric hospital, in Paris, France; a May 18 concert at La Madeleine in Paris; and a May 19 performance during Mass at Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France, and a post-Mass concert at the cathedral.

"The students received many standing ovations from warmly enthusiastic audiences, who were impressed by the quality of literature, as well as the vocal maturity, beauty and discipline of the ensemble," said Nash-Robertson.

In addition to performing, the Chamber Singers visited local attractions in both countries, including museums, historic sites, natural landmarks andchurches.

School of Music faculty member Mary Stewart Kiesgen, who is CMU's coordinator of vocal studies, and history faculty member John Robertson, who taught a medieval history course during the tour, also accompanied the group.

— From Central Michigan University