Arizona Repertory Singers has named an interim director to take the baton for the 2015-16 season following the death last February of its longtime music director Jeffry Jahn.
Thomas E. Lerew already has begun rehearsing the singers for its trio of “Songs of Sweet Starlight” holiday concerts beginning Dec. 6.
”I am incredibly humbled by ARS’ trust in allowing me to work with their singers,” Lerew said in a written statement. “I become more and more impressed with their musicianship and artistic sensitivity with each rehearsal. This is a wonderful group of people and I am grateful for the opportunity.”
Arizona Repertory Singers will launch a nationwide search for a permanent music director early next year, with the hope of having someone on board for the 2016-17 season, said Jan Sturges, operations manager.
Jahn led the choir from 1990 until his sudden death Feb. 20. He was 55 years old.
Lerew, whose Tucson-area conducting resume includes work with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Green Valley Community Chorus, also serves as the Chancel Choir director at Christ Church United Methodist’s Chancel Choir director and editor of “Antiphon,” the Arizona Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association’s membership publication.
“Songs of Sweet Starlight,” featuring works by Mendelssohn, Bartholdy, Eric Barnum, Rene Clausen and John Rutter, will be performed Dec. 6 at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 5150 N. Valley View Road; and twice on Dec. 13 and once on Dec. 18 at the Benedictine Monastery, 800 N. Country Club Road.
