VOCES8 to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Special Performance at Iowa State University
Iowa State University is set to host an extraordinary event on Tuesday at Stephens Auditorium as part of the Performing Arts Series, marking the 20th anniversary of the renowned vocal ensemble, VOCES8. This milestone celebration will feature a collaboration between four local high school choirs, the Iowa State singers, and the Grammy-nominated ensemble, offering a diverse music program that spans centuries.
Tammy Koolbeck, the executive director at Stephens Auditorium, expressed her excitement about the upcoming performance, highlighting the eclectic repertoire that VOCES8 will present. “They are performing music from the 16th century all the way up to Paul Simon,” Koolbeck shared, underscoring the group’s versatility and range.
The inception of this special event dates back to January 2024, culminating in a unique opportunity for high school students and Iowa State singers to share the stage with VOCES8. Koolbeck emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “It’s a marvelous experience for our audience members to witness the Iowa State singers performing alongside a Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble, experiencing the interaction and joy it brings to all involved.”
Unforgettable Experience for High School Students
The program aims to engage around 200 to 250 high school students, offering them a day filled with enriching experiences with VOCES8. These students will have the chance to participate in various training sessions, including a talkback session with VOCES8 and a choir rehearsal, followed by clinics led by Paul Smith, the co-founder of VOCES8. This immersive opportunity not only showcases the talent of these young singers but also provides valuable insights and mentorship from seasoned professionals in the industry.
James Rodde, the director of choral activities at Iowa State, played a pivotal role in orchestrating this event, emphasizing the importance of welcoming students to the campus and exposing them to the world of music. Koolbeck reiterated Rodde’s sentiments, stating, “It’s a great way to showcase to students the opportunities that the ISU program can offer them that they may not find elsewhere.”
A Community Celebration of Music
The VOCES8 20th anniversary performance is open to the public, offering a unique cultural experience for music enthusiasts in the community. Ticket prices range from $30 to $50 for adults, $15 for youth, and a special rate of $10 for ISU students, thanks to the support of Student Government funding. Koolbeck emphasized the significance of bringing such world-class talent to Ames, highlighting the town’s rich musical culture and the accessibility of this performance to local audiences.
“Ames is a very music-friendly town, and we have so many choirs, but this also gives them a chance to come and see, without having to travel anywhere, a vocal ensemble that is very vocal-driven,” Koolbeck remarked. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the diversity and richness of musical offerings available in our series.”
Furthermore, Koolbeck emphasized that the focus of the Performing Arts Series is not solely on commercial appeal but on providing a well-rounded programming that offers a variety of opportunities for audiences to engage with different forms of artistic expression. This commitment to diversity and enrichment underscores the mission of the series to foster a vibrant cultural community at Iowa State University.
Tickets for the VOCES8 20th anniversary performance can be purchased at the Stephens Auditorium Ticket Office or online through Ticketmaster. Iowa State students are encouraged to secure their tickets promptly to ensure they don’t miss out on this unforgettable musical experience.
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