The American Choral Directors Association selected the Brigham Young University Singers directed by Ronald J. Staheli to open its national convention this week (Jan. 31-Feb. 5) in Los Angeles.
Even though the BYU Singers have attended this event in the past, this year's convention will be a unique experience for the Singers since it is the largest ACDA convention ever.
"There are approximately 100 choirs from throughout the country performing at this year's convention," said Sandefur Schmidt, promotions manager with the BYU Singers. "Out of those 100, about 22 or so are college, junior college or university choirs."
"Being selected to sing is a tremendous honor. The choir is recognized as being among the very top university choirs in the nation," she said.
"This is the second time BYU Singers have performed in an ACDA National Convention," said Schmidt. "The first was in 1985 in Salt Lake City. The choir has also performed twice at the ACDA Western Division Conventions in 1992 and 2002. All three prior appearances were met with great appreciation and acclaim."
The BYU Singers will perform three times during the convention, once at the new Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles and twice at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church.
BYU Singers is a small, select choir of flexible singer-musicians. As a touring ensemble, the Singers have traveled throughout the United States, Russia, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and most recently to West Africa and Hawaii. The choir has attained the reputation of a captivating, versatile ensemble with an impressive range of repertoire and style.
This year the choir will tour the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada for four weeks.
For more information contact Ronald Staheli at (801) 422-3169.
Writer: Rebekah Hanson
