Posted by Mary Wimberley on 2009-01-16

The Swingle Singers will perform at Samford University Tuesday, Jan. 27, in a benefit concert for the Birmingham Boys Choir. The 7:30 p.m. performance by the eight-voice a cappella group is presented in partnership with the Samford School of the Arts.

Since their debut album, Jazz Sebastien Bach in 1963, the group has performed on every continent and on the world's most famous stages. During four decades, the Swingle Singers have released 50 recordings, many of which have been re-released in recent years.

The ensemble's varied repertoire includes renaissance motets, electrifying vocal jazz, Beetles pop hits, Bach preludes and fugues, symphonic scores and folk songs, all performed in their singular Swingle style. Their concerts are enhanced with dazzling choreography and lighting.

The popular Birmingham Boys Choir, conducted by Ken Berg, will open the Samford concert with a 20-minute program of works from its upcoming June tour of Japan. The 50 senior choirsters in grades five through 12 will sing folk songs and pieces from American and international music literature.

Although proceeds from the concert will help support the choir, Berg notes that the benefits will extend beyond financial assistance.

"The boys get to hear this amazing group, and know what singers can do for a living," said Berg, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees in music from Samford.

Admission is $20 adult, $15 senior adult (55-plus) and $10 student/child. Tickets are available through the Samford Box Office at (205) 726-2853 or www.samfordartstickets.com or www.birminghamboyschoir.com.

The Swingle Singers will lead a master class for Samford music students at 2 p.m. the day of the concert.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.