The Nova Singers will join cellist Carolyn Suda and pianist Ian Moschenross for the first performance of the American Genius series.
The performance will be at First Congregational Church in Moline at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Renowned conductor Laura Lane, Ph.D., will direct the ensemble through pieces, such as Jonathan Dove’s “The Passing of the Year” and Eric Whitacre’s “Five Hebrew Love Songs.”
Lane said the audience can expect “to be wowed and entertained. And hear the beautiful Nova Singers sound and clarity and precision in every piece, to feel that each piece is even more beautiful and interesting and exciting than the one before.”
Lane has been a musical leader in the Quad Cities since 1986. Her career as a teacher and conductor has involved several awards and recognitions, including the Phillip Green Wright Prize for Distinguished Teaching and an Exceptional Achievement award.
While working with the Nova Singers, Lane has directed state, regional and national performances. On her own, she has been invited to conduct twice in Carnegie Hall.
Lane has worked with the featured cellist in the upcoming concert, Suda, in the past, and noted her talent. This will be the first Nova Singers concert featuring pianist Moschenross, however.
“It is a privilege to be able to work with Laura Lane and Nova Singers,” Moschenross said. “It is a very skilled group and they produce top-notch performances. It is an honor to be able to share the stage with such good musicians.  Laura is a pleasure to collaborate with; she is a really excellent conductor.”
Moschenross said he is looking forward to providing the added element to the performance that the piano contributes.
“This particular concert has repertoire with lots of piano accompaniment, and some cello parts as well,” Moschenross said. “The piano part is much more independent of the vocal parts, providing its own sort of non-texted commentary on the character of the pieces.  This is true of the Jonathan Dove work, for example.”
Both Lane and Moschenross said the performers’ talents and musical expressiveness will impress the audience.
Tickets will be available at the door. Students are admitted free of charge, but tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors.