Lehigh University Choir:  Something to Sing About…

History

Since the founding of the University in 1865, singing has been a vital part of the traditions of Lehigh.  Conductor and composer Dr. Steven Sametz, Ronald J. Ulrich Professor of Music, is only the fifth Director of Choral Activities in Lehigh’s long history.  Lehigh’s Mandolin and Singing Club, progressed from all-male ensemble to a co-educational chorus upon the arrival of women on Lehigh’s campus in1971.  Deborah Field joined the choral faculty in 2001 and holds the position of Robert Cutler Professor of Practice.

Musicianship

One distinguishing quality of the Lehigh University Choir is its musical flexibility: In concert, the Choir effortlessly transitions from one genre to another. The Choir has performed  major works of Händel (Messiah), Mozart (Requiem), J.S. Bach (the B-minor Mass, many cantatas, the Magnificat, and a staged version of the Matthäuspassion with Baroque orchestra), premiered many new works written specially for them and been featured in concert with the Grammy-Award winning ensemble Chanticleer in the Monteverdi Vespers of 1610.   The Choir performs at four major concerts each year, including the candlelight Christmas Vespers, and it often adopts new roles, including event entertainer and de facto football game fight-song leader.

Touring

The Choir tours internationally with recent tours to Costa Rica, Portugal,  China; Germany and the Czech Republic, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Berlin; California; the Virgin Islands; Austria and Hungary; France; and East Asia.

Family

Auditioning for the Choir on the first day at Lehigh forges a bond with a close and supportive family that extends far beyond Zoellner Arts Center’s concrete walls. Hailing from all majors and classes, students rehearse together and play together, making ties that last a lifetime (we’ve had several marriages from within the Choir).

For information on auditions or interest in the Lehigh Choral Arts Scholars program, click here.