Singing their praises: Cantamus Camerata places first in international choir competition
Monday, July 22, 2024
Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University Greenwood School of Music choral group Cantamus Camerata competed in the invitation-only International Musical Eisteddfod — or the Choir of the World Competition — in Llangollen, Wales, on July 5 and 6.
The group placed first in both the Chamber Choir category and the Female Voice SSAA category.
These first-place wins earned the group a chance to perform in the world finals.
“I could not be prouder of how the group performed and represented OSU and the GSM,” said Dr. Christopher Haygood, GSM associate professor and interim director of choral and vocal studies. “Cantamus Camerata is the first all-women’s choral ensemble to represent OSU and the GSM internationally and was invited to compete in each category they submitted to the jury.”
Beyond the group’s first-place awards, Haygood received the Jayne Davies Award for the Most Inspirational Conductor of the Choir of the World Competition. He was presented the award by Davies’s daughter, Dr. Rhian Davies.
“I am elated and humbled; the moment was admittedly a bit emotional,” Haygood said. “The award belongs to my students. They are my joy and inspiration.”
GSM director Dr. Lucia Unrau said that Haygood’s commitment to his students is what sets him apart.
“Dr. Haygood approaches his teaching and conducting from a holistic perspective,” Unrau said. “He creates a safe place where the students are accepted and valued. Concurrently with that, he expects their full commitment to being responsible and giving their absolute best in rehearsal, performance and in any social interactions.
“His approach to programming and creating a supportive environment in the group results in young adults who are open-minded, respectful and supportive, and committed to excellence in everything they do. He is developing not only excellent musicians, but also excellent citizens who will make the world a better place.”
Before competing on the international stage in Wales, the ensemble performed in the Canterbury Cathedral in England and was in residence with Vox Anima of London, both solo and alongside 10 choirs from seven countries.
“Getting to perform in iconic venues like Canterbury Cathedral and Cadogan Hall is an enormous honor,” said vocal education senior Alyssa Warren. “It is a dream to be able to say I have sung in Canterbury. We were incredibly honored to represent Oklahoma State University at an international competition.”
The GSM promotes experiential learning for students through programs like the Cowboy Marching Band, Battle of the Bands and various ensembles — both choral and instrumental.
“Experiential learning incapsulates the very essence of a performing art, particularly when the process reaches culminative maturation,” Haygood said. “Experiences like this, both through preparation and performance, provide our students the opportunity to engage in problem-solving and collaboration through the creative process.
“The process and product benefit from the different contributions each person adds to the composite. These are life lessons regardless of academic discipline, and I am proud that OSU encourages and facilitates these opportunities for our students.”
The choral group is open to students of all majors and classifications. Warren described Cantamus Camerata as a “sisterhood” that is a safe space to prepare for her future.
“The Greenwood School of Music is a second home to many of us, and we are lucky to have such an amazing facility and incredible music faculty in Stillwater,” Warren said. “Our mission is to spread light to the world through music, and the Greenwood School of Music enables us to do just that. My dream is to become a choir director, and Dr. Haygood has always been a huge inspiration of mine. I hope that I can be a guiding light for my future students as he has been for me.”
As the group returns from their travels and prepares for classes to resume in August, Haygood emphasized the importance of the program in preparing the ideal graduate.
“Traveling internationally, exploring the beauty of difference and uplifting others through the arts offer opportunities for growth that leave an indelible positive impact,” Haygood said. “I hope that our students carry each memory with them, allow those memories and lessons to shape their interactions with others and their global perspective and always choose to be a light in the world. This speaks to a person’s character, which is integral both to our Cowboy Code and the journey towards seeing beyond ourselves and helping others.”
Story By: Erin Weaver, CAS Communications Coordinator | erin.weaver@okstate.edu