Glen-Wheaton Chorale to premiere new work

The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale will premiere a new work, "The Cloths of Heaven" by René Clausen, in its spring concert "Of Night and Light."

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at College Church, 335 Seminary, Wheaton.

The chorale, under the direction of music director Greg Wheatley, commissioned Clausen to write the piece in honor of the chorale's 30th anniversary.

Clausen is a prolific composer, whose works are published by several major publishers. A collection of his works has been recorded by the Kansas City Chorale on its CD "Life and Breath: Choral Works by René Clausen," which received three Grammy awards in 2013.

In addition to his work as a composer, Clausen is also conductor of the Concordia Choir in Moorhead, Minnesota, one of the country's premier collegiate ensembles.

"The Cloths of Heaven" is a setting of a text by William Butler Yeats. In describing it, Clausen says, "The piece is quite sweeping and panoramic, rather neo-Romantic in style. The text kind of brought me to that place."

Wheatley agrees.

"The chorale is really enjoying learning this piece. René has given us a wonderful gift in the shimmering harmonies and singable lines of this work. We're excited about singing 'The Cloths of Heaven,' and consider it a great privilege to present its world premiere this spring."

Clausen also will give a preconcert talk at 2 p.m. May 7, which is free with the purchase of a concert ticket. Tickets through May 5 are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 62 and older and students; $17/$14 at the door.

For more information, visit www.gewchorale.org.