The MSU University Chorale will premiere a commissioned work that honors the courage and resilience of the survivors of the Larry Nassar crimes and all survivors of sexual violence. Professor of Music and Director of Choral Programs David Rayl will lead the choral ensemble in “Standing at the Beam” in Fairchild Theatre on Saturday, April 2, at 8 p.m. (free event, ticket required).

Philadelphia composer Andrea Clearfield wrote the work with text by poet Charles Anthony Silvestri. The concert program also includes John Corigliano’s setting of “Fern Hill”—a poem by Dylan Thomas that describes the loss of the innocence of youth—and two 18th-century settings of the psalm “De Profundis” (Out of the depths I cry out to you, Lord). 

Audience members are invited to attend a post-performance conversation and panel discussion following the concert. The panel includes Clearfield, Silvestri, and Grace French, founder and president of The Army of Survivors. The discussion will be moderated by MSU Professor of Psychology Rebecca Campbell whose research focuses on violence against women and children, with an emphasis on sexual assault. 

“We’re honored to premiere this beautiful work in the hope that it will foster healing and growth for everyone whose lives have been affected by sexual violence,” said Rayl 

“Standing on the Beam” was commissioned by the Edward D. Anderson Choral Scholars Fund for the University Chorale. Established by MSU Researcher and Consultant Don Anderson in honor of his father—a long-time choral educator and MSU alumnus—the fund enables the College of Music to commission new choral works for on-campus and community performance. 

The event is free and open to the public and requires a general admission ticket to gain entry. Information on this and other concerts, recitals and performances can be found on the MSU College of Music website: www.music.msu.edu. Please note: As of March 6, the university will no longer require patrons to wear masks and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test to attend events hosted by the College of Music.