Wooster Fragments to Perform in Oxford, England, Next Week

Director Lisa Yozviak and organist Carrie deLapp Culver to be joined by 12 Wooster students

WOOSTER, Ohio — Wooster Fragments, a chamber choir from The College of Wooster, has been invited to present two concerts in England next week: May 31 at the University of Oxford’s Holywell Music Room and June 1 at St. Giles Church of Oxford.

Dedicated to the performance of early and neo-medieval music, the choir has been praised for its high level of artistry, engaging performances, and enthusiastic singing. Its name is a play on “Worcester Fragments,” an English collection of medieval music housed at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, England.

Next week’s program includes Codex Sangallensis’ “Ave Maris Stella,” featuring senior baritone Paul Winchester, and “Salve Regina,” featuring senior soprano Claire Lewis. Also scheduled to be performed are T.L. de Victoria’s “Ave Maria,” Henry Purcell’s “Hear My Prayer,” William Byrd’s “Sing Joyfully,” and a host of other selections.

Directed by Lisa Wong Yozviak and accompanied by organist Carrie deLapp Culver, this talented ensemble consists of 12 Wooster students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including Winchester, Lewis, and fellow senior Eva Hendrix‐Shovlin. Rounding out the group are junior Benjamin Bellamy, sophomores Darius Dixson, Brian Fancher, Cara Haxo, Sarah Mitchell, Thomas Sanchez II, and Kevin Silver, and first-year students Marie Gatien and Trevor Pozderac.

Yozviak is an assistant professor of music at Wooster and director of The Wooster Chorus and two other choirs. She also teaches courses in conducting and music education at Wooster, and serves as assistant director of choruses for The Cleveland Orchestra. Prior to her appointment at Wooster, she served as an associate instructor in the choral department at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. In addition, she directed the Chamber Choir of the Indiana University Children’s Choir. An accomplished clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator, Yozviak earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from West Chester University, and Master of Music and Doctor of Music degrees in Choral Conducting from Indiana University.

deLapp Culver is an associate professor of music at Wooster with more than 20 years of teaching experience. She received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Missouri and the Doctor of Arts in music degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Voice Performance and Pedagogy, where she focused on opera directing, particularly youth opera. Culver has also served as a soloist, organist, and chorus master in the Episcopal Church for 15 years.