Shasberger, Dimaggio Play Benefit Recital

Michael Shasberger, Adams professor of music and worship, and Neil Dimaggio will present “Songs for the Amusement of All” at Christ Lutheran Church, 6595 Covington Way in Goleta, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. There will be a goodwill offering to benefit Domestic Violence Solutions. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has agreed to match the donation.The duo will perform the same program Friday, Oct. 12, at 8 p.m. in Westmont’s Deane Chapel.
Shasberger, baritone, and Dimaggio, piano, will perform three song cycles by 20th and 21st century composers, all based on the works of Christian poets. Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Five Mystical Songs,” based on the poems of 17th century English pastor/poet George Herbert, explore themes from the joy of the resurrection to the mystery of communion.

San Francisco composer Conrad Susa’s “Hymns for the Amusement of Children” give fresh musical insights into the beautifully crafted devotional prayers of 18th century English poet Christopher Smart.
“The music has influences of jazz and popular styles infused throughout, but carries Susa’s own very unique musical language,” says Shasberger.

A third set of songs, “A Cycle of Light” by Texas composer Joel Martinson, is based on the writing of several women poets. Traditional texts such as Eleanor Farjeon’s “Morning Has Broken,” Christina Rossetti’s carol “In the Bleak Midwinter” and Caroline Sandell Berg’s hymn “Children of the Heavenly Father” complement pieces by contemporary poets Delores Duffner and Susan Palo Cherwien. Collectively they tell the story of the church year from Pentecost through Easter. Shasberger and Dimaggio will also perform two settings of early camp meeting revival songs by well-loved American composer Aaron Copland.

Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County works to end the intergenerational cycle of domestic violence by providing prevention and intervention services and by challenging society’s attitudes, beliefs and behaviors to effect social change.

The program will be available for performances in churches, schools, homes or concert settings following these dates. Interested sponsors should contact the Westmont College music department at (805) 565-6040.