•November 18, 2015•

Two of the major performing ensembles at Millikin University will combine forces in a unique performance, free and open to the public, on Thursday, Nov. 19, in Kirkland Fine Arts Center beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Millikin’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the University Men’s Choir, along with faculty soloist Dr. William Gorton, Millikin assistant professor of voice and opera, will perform a variety of musical selections including: Bernstein’s “Suite from Candide,” and Copland’s “Old American Songs,” “Variations on a Shaker Melody and Hoe-Down,” and “Zions Walls.”

Together, the University Men’s Choir and William Gorton will perform Stanhope’s “The Bold Benjamin” and Gorton will also perform Steve Rhodes’ “O Danny Boy.” The concert will conclude with the Wind Ensemble performing Holst’s “Suite No. 2.”

Dr. William Gorton has had a diverse career as a singer, voice teacher, conductor, and composer. Dr. Gorton teaches studio voice, serves as coach and conductor for the opera program, and directs Tudor Voices, a select chamber choir specializing in early music. As a professional tenor, he has performed numerous opera roles and oratorios with organizations such as the Sacramento Opera, Opera Pacific, Pacific Repertory Opera, the National Messiah Festival at Bethany College, Orchestra X of Houston, and the San Francisco Opera Guild.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.