Marshall University's University Chorus will perform a piece written specifically for Marshall at the memorial service for
victims of the 1970 plane crash. Performing with the chorus will be Evan Mack,
who composed the work.
The memorial service, an annual observance to honor the 75 persons who lost their lives in the 1970 plane crash, will take place this year at noon Nov. 14 on the Memorial Student Center plaza on Marshall's Huntington campus.
Mack, a composer, pianist and member of the faculties of Skidmore
College and the College of St. Rose, was an artist-in-residence at Marshall in
2009, giving master classes and concerts.
Mack says he found inspiration for the piece in a poem written by 19th
Century poet James Russell Lowell, also called "The Fountain."
"Musically it was quite freeing to set the text where the music
symbolizes the continuing of life, flowing into each generation," Mack
said."This made it a perfect fit to connect the piece to the Marshall
community, rather than just the fountain. The piece is meant to connect
students past and present, just like the water circulated through the fountain.
This ceremony gives a special connection to students of all generations,
something that most colleges and universities can't claim."
"I was asked to write a new piece, as both the University Chorus and
the Chamber Choir were doing a joint concert featuring my music in spring
2012," Mack said. "Having worked with the choirs before, I knew how well they
could sing. It took a long time to find the right text; then I found the poem
by James Russell Lowell."
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