Heukeshoven composition wins Iowa competition

“Preghiera Semplice” (Simple Prayer) by SMU music instructor A. Eric Heukeshoven has been chosen as one of three winning compositions at the first annual Morningside College Choral Competition in Sioux City, Iowa. The work, written by Heukeshoven for the SMU Chamber Singers’ recent tour in Italy, is based on an Italian translation of “The Prayer of Saint Francis.” The world-premiere performances took place last month in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. (Founder’s Day attendees also heard the piece at this week’s annual convocation.)

Choirs from Sioux City area high schools and Morningside College will perform the three winning original compositions during the Morningside College Choral Composition Festival Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 10, in Eppley Auditorium.

Heukeshoven will also have the opportunity to work with the choirs as guest clinician prior to the performance.

More information is available on the Morningside College website: http://webs.morningside.edu/music/ChoralCompositionWinners.htm.