November 13, 2019

SVSU Cardinal Singers and Concert Choir to perform, raise awareness about mental health issues

Musicians with Saginaw Valley State University's Cardinal Singers and Concert Choir groups, inspired to shine a light on social issues, will perform a concert this week aimed at raising awareness about mental health challenges. The concert, titled “Threads of Joy,” is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in SVSU's Rhea Miller Recital Hall.

Kevin Simons, SVSU associate professor of music and the performance's director, said this is the first SVSU choir concert to explore such a socially-relevant topic.

“I selected the music for this program to help our singers, university and community better understand some of the problems with how we talk about mental illness, and to celebrate the contributions of artists who experienced mental illness themselves,” Simons said.

The concert will feature selections such as “Threads of Joy” by composer Dale Trumbore; “In meinem garten, op. 29 n. 2” and “Der träumende See, op. 33 n. 1” by 19th century German composer Robert Schumann; and “You Will be Found” from the Tony award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” by American songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

The two SVSU ensembles — with a combined 41 vocalists — will be joined by Amanda Stamper, piano accompanist.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information about the event, contact the SVSU Department of Music at (989) 964-4159 or visit svsu.edu/music.