Professor Joy Sherman directs theSeattle University Choirs spring concert, Earth, Wind, Fire and Water, at performances on April 27 and 29. The concerts feature works sung in a variety of languages, assisted by piano, harp, cello, flute, bass, and drums.

“Eric Whitacre’s setting of Octavio Paz’s Little Birds features whistling and improvisation on the pentatonic scale,” said Sherman. “We are also singing a beautiful setting of the Emily Dickinson poem ‘The moon is distant from the sea’ by New Zealand composer David N. Childs.”

The Women's Chorale is singing Gustav Holst's Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, accompanied by harpist Ruth Mar. The Men's Chorale performs two pieces about the sea, both set by American composer Nancy Cobb Hill: "Terminus" (text by Ralph Waldo Emerson) and "Sea Fever," a stirring setting of John Masefield’s famous poem.

A tribute to world cultures is offered by the rousing Celtic-inspired "Mouth Music,” Japanese folk songs, "Hotaru koi" (Come, Firefly), and "Mogami River Boat Song.” The musical tour includes stops for Henk Badings’ evocative "La Nuit en Mer,” Claudio Monteverdi’s “Ecco mormorare l’onde” and “Incenerite spoglie.”

The concerts take place on April 27 at 8 p.m. and April 29 at 2 p.m. at Seattle’s St. Joseph Church, 18th E. and E. Aloha. Ticket information here.

The Choral Music program in the Fine Arts Department consists of ensembles that perform alone and in various combinations at public concerts and University events throughout the academic year.

The College of Arts and Sciences, the largest college in Seattle University, offers offers 33 undergraduate and 7 advanced degrees, including an MFA in Arts Leadership.