D.C.-Based Vocal Ensemble to Perform in UT’s Sykes Chapel on Feb. 12

The Countertop Ensemble, a distinguished small vocal ensemble based in Washington, D.C., will perform in the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values at The University of Tampa on Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.

The program, titled “From Darkness to Light,” embraces music spanning 500 years. It includes works by Thomas Tallis, Giovanni Gabrieli, William Byrd, Anton Bruckner, Sir Charles Hubert Parry, Pablo Casals, Charles Wood, Kenneth Leighton, Bob Chilcott and William H. Monk.

The concert is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Doors will open 30 minutes before the concert. Parking is available on campus.

The eight-member Countertop Ensemble takes its name from its original interest in three-part repertoire with an alto line, sung by male countertenors, as the top voice. Hence, the “countertop” ensemble. The ensemble continues to explore literature composed for unusual groupings of voices, often upper voices with two soprano and two male alto parts. The Washington Post praised the ensemble for its "fine singers who blend and balance...”.

The ensemble’s performance is part of the 2011-2012 Concert Artist Series, which is sponsored by the UT College of Arts and Letters and the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values. For more information, contact caldean@ut.edu or go to www.ut.edu/sykeschapel.