Choir to pay tribute to Dr. Gary Miller

Cantus Choralis, Southeast Missouri State University's Chamber Choir, will pay tribute to the late Dr. Gary Miller at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Shuck Music Recital Hall.

Miller, who died May 2011, was the associate dean and director of the Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts, now more commonly known as the Southeast River Campus. Miller became director of the campus in 2006, about a year before the facility opened. He was responsible for moving the department into the facility, coordinating the grand opening festivities and serving as associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

In 31 years with the university, he left a lasting impression with many. Steven Hendricks, who directs Cantus Choralis, said he is honored to be a part of Miller's tribute.

"He was our shepherd over here to the River Campus. He got us where we are today," Hendricks said. "It's nice to pay tribute to him in this manner. It will be eclectic."

Cantus Choralis will perform "In Memoriam," which was composed by Robert Fruehwald, Southeast professor of music, specifically to honor Miller. They also will perform music from the Renaissance by John Wilbye and Elway Bevin, along with a few contemporary pieces.

"This is very special to me. Dr. Miller was a close friend and a wonderful colleague," Fruehwald said. "My piece is a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Miller. It's based on excerpts from Shakespeare, but the words express what Dr. Miller meant to me, and perhaps to all of us who worked with him. He was a remarkable man and he is sorely missed."

Guest artists will include the Southeast Missouri Music Academy's Suzuki Strings, directed by Hays Hendricks; soprano Mary Mims; and harpsichordist Sarah Hoffmeister.

"This concert will have something for everyone, and even a surprise or two," said Hendricks, who also serves as music education coordinator and associate professor of music at Southeast. "Part of the tribute to Dr. Miller is to open musical minds and have fun. I don't know if any of us will ever find the words to explain adequately what Gary meant to the music department, and that's why I asked Robert to write something."

Fruehwald says those who haven't seen Cantus Choralis are in for a treat, and is touched to have them perform his tribute to Dr. Miller.

"It's really an honor to have my piece premiered by this choir, lead by Dr. Hendricks," Fruehwald said. "The Cantus Choralis is a select group of singers. They will put on a great performance."

Tickets are $10, $8 for students and may be purchased by contacting the River Campus box office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays by calling 651-2265, or online at www.rivercampusevents.com.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641