|
Dr. Arnold Epley, professor of music and director of choral studies at William Jewell, has stepped down as artistic director and conductor of the Kansas City Symphony Chorus and has been named conductor laureate for the ensemble.
Dr. Epley became the artistic director and conductor of the Kansas City Symphony Chorus in 1992. In his 17-year tenure, he prepared the Chorus for over 70 works heard in 200-plus Symphony performances, in addition to the Symphony Chorus’ guest appearances with other orchestras, concert tours and independently produced concerts.
“The chorus is made up of many of Kansas City’s finest singers, including music educators, physicians, attorneys, teachers, homemakers, psychologists, insurance executives and support personnel, college professors and nonprofit workers,” Dr. Epley said. “There are dozens of occupations represented among the 125 members, and many have college music degrees or have completed advanced study. During performance periods, these singers meet for rehearsal and performance seven out of eight days, which gives you an indication of the incredible level of commitment made by these volunteers.”
Kansas City Symphony conductor Michael Stern praised Dr. Epley’s legacy in a recent Kansas City Star interview. “Arnold accomplished extraordinary things. His excellence is unquestioned.”
During his association with the Symphony, Dr. Epley was involved in as many as 15 performances each season. He participated in dozens of major symphonic works in collaboration with the Kansas City Symphony. In addition to Symphony conductors William McGlaughlin, Anne Manson and Michael Stern, Dr. Epley had the opportunity to collaborate with many noted guest conductors, including Raymond Leppard, Klauspeter Seible, Lawrence Leighton Smith, Henry Smith, Jahja Ling, Roberto Minczuk and David Lockinton. The internationally known conductor Nicholas McGegan said of the Kansas City Symphony Chorus after two engagements: “This is a terrific symphony chorus.”
At William Jewell, Dr. Epley conducts the William Jewell Concert Choir, the Chapel Choir, the Chamber Singers and the Grand Chorus. He has led the William Jewell Concert Choir in 26 American tours to 24 states, and to England and Scotland for nine concert tours. International performance venues include the cathedrals of St. Giles, Ely, Lincoln, Durham, Coventry, Southwell and York; concerts in Grantham and Oxford, England; and St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London.
A new choir consisting of alumni and friends of William Jewell College is being launched by Dr. Arnold Epley, professor of music and director of choral studies. Dr. Epley said that he expects the choir to meet for concerts about twice a year for a weekend, preceded by three or four working rehearsals scattered over five or six weeks.
“It will be challenging music, with concerts in Gano Chapel on Sunday afternoon after a weekend of rehearsal,” Dr. Epley said. The new choir offers the opportunity for Jewell alumni and friends to perform in a first-rate ensemble without a long-term commitment to weekly rehearsal schedules. Assistance with overnight housing is possible.
Participants will be expected to prepare the music on their own as much as possible, and regular rehearsal attendance will be expected and encouraged. Dr. Epley will direct the rehearsals and concerts. To receive the initial announcement of dates and other organizational information, please contact Dr. Epley at epleya@william.jewell.edu. Include in your message the part you sing, your mailing address and phone contact information. |
