PRINCETON DEBUT: The vocal ensemble Chanticleer performs for the first time at Princeton University Concerts’ series in Richardson Auditorium on October 12. Additional events are planned as part of the visit. (Photo by Stephen K. Mack)

Princeton University Concerts (PUC) launches its 130th Concert Classics series with multi–Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer, making their Princeton debut on Thursday, October 12 at Richardson Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

The festivities begin on Wednesday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m., when Chanticleer invites amateur community members of all ages to sing alongside them in the Princeton University Chapel as part of PUC’s free annual Chamber Jam. The following day, a second free event features Chanticleer performing as part of a Live Music Meditation at 12:30 p.m., followed by the ticketed appearance at Richardson Auditorium.

“We are thrilled that the extraordinary Chanticleer ensemble is engaging with our programming and our audiences in such a robust way,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “Community is clearly at the fore for their approach to chamber music. Now, they are bringing that collaborative spirit to us. They also bring with them unique ties to the Princeton and the University community, which makes their involvement feel even more intimate and meaningful.”

Directed by Tim Keeler, a 2011 graduate of the Princeton University Music Department, Chanticleer has curated a program for their evening concert called “Music for a Silent World.” Student members of the Princeton University Glee Club will perform alongside Chanticleer during the concert. The program includes works by Heinrich Isaac, Max Reger, Kurt Weill, and Joni Mitchell, along with two new works: a piece written specially for the occasion by the group’s composer-in-residence Ayanna Woods, and a new arrangement of Princeton alumna Majel Connery’s (Class of 2001) song cycle The Rivers are our Brothers.

“The goal is to give nature a voice,” said Connery. “I wanted to allow these vibrant things to speak on their own behalf. The title of the cycle is based on a quote from the Native American leader, Chief Seattle, who believed we must relate to our environment the way we relate to our closest kin.”

Prior to the performance at 6:30 p.m., all event ticketholders are invited to join composer Connery, Princeton University Glee Club director Gabriel Crouch, English Professor Jeff Dolven, and Chanticleer director Keeler for “The Art of Choral Arrangement,” a pre-concert discussion in Richardson Auditorium.

At the Live Music Meditation, instruction will be provided by Matthew Weiner, associate dean in the Princeton University Office of Religious Life. This is a free, unticketed opportunity to indulge in attentive, focused, and mindful listening.

At the event in the Chapel, amateur vocalists of all ages and levels are invited to join Chanticleer in singing All Night, the third movement from The Lotus Lovers by Stephen Paulus. No advanced preparation is required, but all registrants will receive scores prior to the event should they want to prepare. Keeler will conduct. This event is free, but registration is required.

Visit puc.princeton.edu for ticket information and registration.