Pittsburgh Camerata to present nature-themed choral works in free Pitt-Greensburg concert

The Pittsburgh Camerata vocal ensemble will present a free concert Tuesday on the Pitt-Greensburg campus.

Set for 7:30 p.m. in the Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center, the program will offer an American musical journey through nature.

A highlight will be a new piece dedicated to the camerata by New York composer Michael Markowski. It “incorporates unusual vocal techniques depicting traffic noises in New York and wind in the trees,” said Mark Anderson, director of the ensemble.

“The outstanding pianist Ellen Fast will be featured in all of the works,” he said of the program, which also includes a suite of pieces by Randall Thompson.

Marimba player Eliseo Rael will join the group in a work by Jocelyn Hagen.

Founded in 1974, the camerata specializes in a varied choral repertory with a focus on Renaissance/Baroque as well as works from the 20th and 21st century works. It presents a subscription concert series each season in Pittsburgh and surrounding suburbs.

A native of Montana, Anderson is director of music at Shadyside Presbyterian Church, artistic director of the Pittsburgh Camerata and executive director of the Music in A Great Space and Music for Midsummer Nights concert series. He has presented recitals and workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Europe and Japan.

An active composer, he has won awards for his choral compositions and hymns.

Tuesday’s performance is part of the Joan Chambers Concert Series at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. The series is possible through the support of George F. Chambers, president emeritus of Pitt-Greensburg.