The forty-six members of UT’s Chamber Singers choir departed on July 18 for a thirteen-day United Kingdom adventure, during which they had a twelve-day residency filled with rehearsals and singing during cathedral Chorale services at several famed venues—historic Canterbury Cathedral and Saint Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey in London. They also performed a benefit concert at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church in Canterbury, with the proceeds going to the cost of restoring church windows damaged by Nazi bombs during World War II.
While in England, the ensemble performed nearly forty pieces of music, including compositions by British and American composers. A special feature was the premiere of “Canticles in C” by UT alumnus David Pegel in Canterbury Cathedral. The canticles were composed specifically for the Chamber Singers and Angela Batey, professor and associate dean for diversity in the College of Arts and Sciences, who coordinated the trip and conducts the group.
Batey said the trip underscores UT’s commitment to provide opportunities for students to broaden their horizons by experiencing the culture of another country. It is also an example of Experience Learning, UT’s new initiative that encourages using classroom learning while engaging in real-world activities.