Vanguard Voices

For more information: Dr. Gerald Custer

( 248-474-6170, ext. 208

Email: custer@wayne.edu

Vanguard Voices Usher in the Holidays at First Presbyterian Church

(For immediate release) The glorious sounds of voices raised in song will fill the air at First Presbyterian Church of Farmington as the renowned Vanguard Voices and Renaissance Voices under the direction of Kevin Dewey once again welcome the holiday season on Friday December 14, 2012 at 7:30 PM.

Please note that this represents a change from the previously advertised concert date of Sunday December 16, 2012.

Founded in 1992, Vanguard Voices is dedicated to seeking out and performing the best in traditional and contemporary choral music. It took silver honors in the mixed choir competition at the prestigious 2001 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales and was invited to perform Bach’s Mass in B Minor with the Wilmington Symphony (North Carolina) in 2008. The choir has recorded four CDs. It also sponsors Vanguard Premieres, an international program to promote the creation of new choral works by established and aspiring composers. This unique initiative is a combination of commissions and composition contests and has already introduced more than 35 new choral works to the world since the program began in 2003.

Joining the larger ensemble will be the stunning singing of Renaissance Voices, a select treble-only ensemble based at Henry Ford Community College. Much of this choir’s work is performed without accompaniment, highlighting the perfection of their choral blend. The group has sung across the United States and in Canada and Europe as well, and has recorded three CDs.

Both Vanguard Voices and Renaissance Voices are led by artistic director G. Kevin Dewey. Mr. Dewey received a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies and a master’s degree in choral conducting from Wayne State University in Detroit. He has been conducting area choirs for more than three decades and also brings to the podium his experience as a professional vocal and instrumental performer, composer, and arranger. Mr. Dewey is a member of the music faculty and director of choirs at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, where he conducts Concert Choir, Renaissance Voices, and two vocal jazz ensembles—Blue Fusion and Midnight Blue.

First Presbyterian Church is located at 26165 Farmington Road in Farmington Hills at the intersection of Farmington and Eleven Mile roads. Ample free parking is available on-site, and the entire facility is barrier-free and handicap accessible There is no charge for this event, but donations will be collected to fund the musicians (suggested minimum: $10 per person, $25 per family). For more information, visit www.farmington-pres.org or call 248-474-6170, extension 208.