Southern Miss Chorale Rates in Top Ten of Estonia’s Public Radio Concerts

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 04:48pm | By: Mike Lopinto

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Music’s Southern Chorale’s live performance from their tour of Estonia has reached the No. 9 spot of most listened to concerts on Estonian public radio for 2023.

Under the direction of Dr. Gregory Fuller, the group performed a musical program of celebrated Estonian composer Tõnu Kõrvits in Jaani Kirik (St. John’s Church) in the capital city, Tallinn. The Southern Chorale and the Concert Choir may be heard in a joint concert in Hattiesburg Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Bay St. Presbyterian Church. The event is free and the public is invited.

“This is a thrilling time to be part of Choral Activities at Southern Miss,” said Dr. Fuller. “The Concert Choir will be performing their last concert on their Disney tour, and the Southern Chorale will sing selections from their upcoming performance at the state convention.”

The Estonian concert was reviewed by Luisa Susanna Kütson in “Muusika,” in an article entitled, “Tipptasemel Segakoor” (top-notch mixed choir). An excerpt of that article notes:

“I have heard many high-profile concerts in Tallinn's St. John's Church. However, The Southern Chorale, from America, will probably be remembered for a long time…From the start of the concert, I got the feeling that this choir was meant to perform the music of Kõrvits.  Complex harmonies sounded crystal clear and in all their glory. The dynamic contrasts were effective, and every musical thought was conveyed in complete unity. The new work, "St. Michael Songs," … earned a standing ovation from the audience and has certainly deserved a place among the best of Tõnu Kõrvits.

“In Estonia, it's rare to hear gospel music with an authentic sound, so ‘Death Came A-Knockin,’ ‘Georgia on My Mind,’ (H. Charmichael) and ‘Ezekiel’ felt like a breath of fresh air, still maintaining its purity and quality. In each song, a capable soloist stood out, which also vividly illustrated the singers' ability to shape their timbre according to the situation…As the applause didn't want to die down at all, another good song ‘Get Away Jordan’.

“I can safely say that The Southern Chorale is probably one of the best mixed choirs I have ever heard. Their stage presence, dedication and purity of sound is definitely something that any musical group could hope to aspire.”

A concert from the Choral Estonian tour is available on YouTube.