Exeter, NH (March 20, 2006)—On Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m., Phillips Exeter Academy’s Gilbert Concert Series will present the vocal ensemble, Counterpoint, under the direction of Robert DeCormier. The Phillips Exeter Academy Concert Choir will also perform. The performance will be held inside Phillips Church, located on the corner of Tan Lane and Front Street in Exeter. The concert is free and open to the public.

Founded by DeCormier in 2000, the 11-member Counterpoint chorus has become well-known for their excellence and for their unique and diverse repertoire. They have performed such classics as a mass by Byrd to choruses by Bernstein, as well as folk songs, spirituals and a range of Latin-American choral music from the 16th to the 19th century.

After many years as conductor and arranger for Harry Belafonte, DeCormier became music director for the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary in 1980. He also served as music director of the New York Choral Society for 17 years, and helped found the Vermont Symphony Orchestra in 1993. His written works range from choral to Broadway to ballet scores, and his arrangements of folk songs and African-American spirituals are known internationally. DeCormier’s recordings on labels (including Columbia Masterworks and Deutche Grammaphon) have included his own compositions “Legacy” and “Sonnets to Orpheus.” His television credits include a variety of specials for the BBC and PBS.

For further information, please call the music department at (603) 777-3453. A complete list of upcoming events is available on the Phillips Exeter Academy public events line at (603) 777-4309 and on our website at www.exeter.edu. For directions to Phillips Exeter Academy, call (603) 777-4330.

Phillips Exeter Academy is a coeducational, independent preparatory school that was founded in 1781 and originated the system of instruction known as Harkness teaching in 1931. In the spirit of its charter to foster both goodness and knowledge, students come from a wide variety of geographic, economic, racial and religious backgrounds. The diverse student body comes from approximately 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 25 foreign countries.

View the Spring 2006 Concert Series...

Contact: Julie Quinn   Johanna Maranto
  (603) 777-3450      (603) 777-3450
  jquinn@exeter.edu  jmaranto@exeter.edu