Cal State East Bay to Host World-Renowned Orphei Drängar Male Chorus

Cal State East Bay’s music department will host a concert featuring the world-renowned Orphei Drängar Male Chorus on Monday, March 6, in Walnut Creek.

The group has only done a handful of concerts in California and attendees are in for a treat, said Buddy James, director of CSUEB’s School of Arts and Media.

“This is an opportunity to hear one of the finest choirs in the world, led by one of the world's foremost conductors,” James said.

The Orphei Drängar Male Chorus originated in Sweden in 1853 and is known for its unique blend of light, young voices and older, more mature ones. They have been invited to perform at the prestigious American Choral Directors Association Conference in Minneapolis and will perform in the East Bay as part of a national tour.

Directed by Robert Sund, the Orphei chorus includes 80 men, and the March 6 performance will feature mezzo-soprano soloist Katija Dragojevic. Music will include pieces from the male choir’s classic and romantic repertoire as well as contemporary music by British composer Bob Chilcot and Jan Sandström and Ingvar Lidholm from Sweden.

The concert will open with songs by local collegiate and high school choirs of more than 100 voices, anchored by the men of Cal State East Bay's vocal program.

The performance will be held at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave., Walnut Creek. General admission is $20. Students and seniors are $10, and tickets are available at www.csueastbaytickets.com. More information about the Orphei Drängar Male Chorus and tour is available on the Orphei website or by calling 510-885-3167.