Jax State A Cappella Choir to Make Historic European Debut at CantaRode Festival
01/17/2025
By Brett Buckner
The Jax State A Cappella Choir has been invited to compete at the CantaRode International Choral Festival in The Netherlands from May 29 to June 1. It will mark the group's first time touring Europe since it was founded in 1960. "The competitive element in the CantaRode Festival will, more than anything else, help our students become a stronger musical ensemble., said Dr. Eliezer Yanson Jr., Director of Choral Activities for Jax State. "Through travel, JSU students will gain a new perspective about the world and their place in it."
The 40-member choir is working to raise $132,000 to make this dream a reality. "Given that many of our students rely on scholarships to attend Jax State, we are reaching out to alumni, friends of the university, and generous supporters to help us meet this goal," Yanson said. "If we can raise at least $40,000, it would significantly reduce the cost for our students, bringing their individual expenses down from $3,300 to $2,300." Yanson said the group has $76,628 to raise before reaching its goal.
CantaRode features choirs from around the world. "International exposure expands your horizons as a human, said Ethan Nessler, a Jax State graduate student majoring in music education. "It is an opportunity to learn and grow as you see new life and culture outside of America. As a musician, you also get the chance to share and make music with others across the world. Music is universal." Yanson added, “this cultural exchange is in line with the JSU mission of preparing “students to be competent, ethical professionals and engaged, responsible, global citizens.”
The festival provides an opportunity for choir members to share their passion for music with a global audience, foster cultural understanding and exchange, and develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
"As a student, I think this international travel will benefit me by broadening my perspective and exposure to different cultures, languages, and customs, which will enhance my academic and personal growth," said Alayna Endicott, a junior vocal music education major. "Additionally, performing in front of diverse audiences will help me build confidence and stage presence while also allowing me to develop a deeper appreciation for the art of music-making."
For Tierra-Mishael Harmon, a junior majoring in vocal performance, the trip gives each student insight into what it takes to be an outstanding performer. "International travel will allow students to understand how musicians all over the world perfect their craft and showcase their talents," she said.
CantaRode is held every two years in Kerkrade, a Dutch town near the German and Belgian borders. Prior to the competition, the A Cappella Choir will also tour Belgium and perform concerts in Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent from May 23 – 28. The competition has two rounds. The first round requires that all the songs be sung unaccompanied or a cappella. Total singing time must be between 17 and 20 minutes, and selections must include music from the Renaissance or Baroque, Romantic period, and 20th or 21st Century. Additionally, a song from the choir's country of origin is required in this round. Round two is open. Singing time must be between 17 and 20 minutes and may include music with accompaniment.
Among the songs the A Cappella Choir will be performing are Revenge moy pren la querelle by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Jagdlied by Felix Mendelssohn, We Beheld Once Again the Stars (Riveder le stelle) by Z. Randall Stroope, Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine by Eric Whitacre, and Moses Hogan’s arrangement of My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord. World music will also be part of the choir’s repertoire such as Cum Sancto Spiritu by Korean composer, Hyo-won Woo and Kaisa-isa Nyan by Filipino composer, Nilo Alcala.
Or mail a check (payable to “JSU Choirs) to
JSU Foundation
700 Pelham Rd N
Jacksonville, AL 36265