Hillsdale College Chamber Choir Performs Choral Evensong with New Hillsdale Setting
HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Hillsdale College Chamber Choir performed during the fall Choral Evensong in the Christ Chapel on Oct. 2, featuring the world premiere of a new musical setting by Andrew Maxfield. Hillsdale College faculty, staff, students, and members of the local community attended.
“Evensong is a great way to focus our hearts and minds after the first few hectic weeks of the semester and to give thanks for God’s abundant blessings,” College Chaplain Adam Rick. “The new setting enhances that.”
Choral Evensong is a centuries-old Anglican tradition service that features scripture, choral anthems, and prayers. The musical portions of Evensong are the Introit, Preces and Responses, Psalmody, two Canticles, a Choral Anthem, Hymns, and the Organ Voluntary. Hillsdale College commissioned Maxfield to compose original music for all portions of the service, except for the traditional hymns.
“Maxfield is a skilled composer. He works with numerous professional chamber choirs and is becoming a well-known name in the choral world,” said James Holleman, director of the College’s Chamber Choir. “It was an honor for me and for the choir to debut his good work. Our relationship is continuing, as he is in the process of writing a piece for our symphony orchestra that will premiere during our February 25, 2023 concert.”
Maxfield has been a Composer Fellow of the National Collegiate Choral Organization and Composer-in-Residence for Newburyport Choral Society and Southern Virginia University. In 2017, Tantara Records released his album, “Celebrating Wendell Berry in Music.” He also recently has composed choral works for the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition, the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts in New York City, and a concert-length score for SALT Contemporary Dance, showcased at the Lincoln Center.
Maxfield attended the service and was available to meet guests following the service.
For photos of the performance, click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.