The music department will sponsor a performance by Jitro, the celebrated girls’ choir from Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. Admired worldwide for its tonal brilliance and distinctive blend of sound and energetic vitality, Jitro will perform March 6 at 7 p.m. in Douwstra Auditorium.
The ensemble will perform a repertoire of 15 songs spanning from the 16th century to the present day. The performance will highlight Czech music, with 11 selections representing the choir’s homeland. Featured Czech composers include Antonin Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana and Otmar Macha. The program also features songs from various Western composers, including the American Irving Berlin and the Englishman Benjamin Britten.
“This is truly an extraordinary opportunity for Central and Pella,” said Mark Babcock, associate professor of music.
Jitro, which translates to “the daybreak,” is renowned as one of the best children’s choirs in the world. It has been repeatedly recognized by international juries. At the 2006 World Choir Games in Xiamen, China, the group won gold medals in the Folklore a cappella, contemporary music and sacred music categories, as well as a silver medal in the Youth Choirs of Equal Voices category.
Performing for 35 years, Jitro is an organization of 500 children split into seven preparatory ensembles. From the large group, a 30-member ensemble is selected for touring. The choir conducts extensive international tours. In addition to touring Europe heavily, it regularly performs in China, Japan and the United States.
The choir performs over 100 shows annually and is regularly featured alongside other notable music ensembles, including the American Boys’ Choir, the Bavarian Symphonic Orchestra and the Pardubice Philharmonic. Jitro’s performance at Central is part of its Iowa tour.
Ticket cost is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens or $5 for students under age 18. Group rates are available, and admission is free with a Central ID. Tickets are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cox-Snow Ticket Office, or by calling 641-628-7520.
