The University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club
The University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club will perform in Kenilworth Union’s Sanctuary and Livestream* on Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m. The group which counts church members Hamilton Chang and John Sharp among its alumni, will perform as part of its spring tour To Repair. The concert highlights the world premiere of composer Tesfa Wondemagegnehu’s multi-movement work To Repair, a poignant piece that incorporates elements of African-American spirituals and text from notable Black authors to confront racial inequity and inspire hope for a better future.
Founded in 1859, the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club is the second oldest collegiate chorus in the United States. The ensemble has received international accolades and performed at countless prestigious events and venues such as the Kennedy Center, the World Series, and several American Choral Directors Association conventions.
The concert will also feature works by eight other composers and some rousing renditions of University of Michigan repertoire, making it a great show for all ages and preferences. Come join us in hearing this world-class glee club with strong ties to Kenilworth Union. No tickets necessary and all are welcome.
Conducted by Professor Mark Stover, our program will highlight the world premiere of the titular multi-movement work To Repair, composed by Tesfa Wondemagegnehu. The project was born from Wondemagegnehu’s 60-day pilgrimage across the eastern United States, where he fully immersed himself within Black communities to learn more about the struggles faced by marginalized individuals.
In addition to the premiere of To Repair, our concert also features works composed by Benjamin Britten, Uzee Brown, Michael McGlynn, Connor Koppin, Rosephanye Powell, Robert Schumann, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Timothy C. Takach. Audiences can also expect to hear rousing renditions of classic University of Michigan repertoire. There’s something for everyone in this program, and we look forward to seeing you soon! Go Blue!
Special thanks to the families of Andy and Lisa Bond; Hamilton and Lilly Chang; Bill and Kathy Evertsberg; Scott and Maria Fowkes; John Sharp and Cher Mruczek-Sharp; and Keith and Wendy Yamada.
*The glee club will perform unmasked, Kenilworth Union current COVID protocols: Masks are optional on the Kenilworth Union Church campus. Livestream of this performance can be found on Kenilworth Union’s WATCH page.