by Krista Pino
Daily Lobo
Members of Las Cantantes will kick off their shoes tonight to celebrate an annual tradition at Keller Hall.
Las Cantantes, the UNM women's choir, began the barefoot tradition about six years ago. Brad Ellingboe said it began when the entire choir decided to take off their high heels and hose because it was extremely hot in the auditorium.
"I like traditions like this," Ellingboe said. "The barefoot concert is a mini tradition."
The annual spring concert will have three sets of music with an intermission. Ellingboe said after the intermission, the choir returns barefoot.
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The first set of music is by baroque composer Parpora from Italy. Ellingboe said it is the most formal piece in the concert. It is titled "Magnificat," and includes accompaniment by organ and string instruments.
The next set is a group of pieces that celebrate music. Ellingboe said all the titles represent the celebration of music.
"We like to sing pieces we've sung before, and we've brought them back," Ellingboe said.
Las Cantantes has been working on this concert since March 1. The barefoot concert is its second concert this spring. Ellingboe said there is also a new selection of music different than the choir's last concert.
Ellingboe said this is not a dramatic show. All the women dress up and present a formal concert to their audience.
Las Cantantes is made of a diverse array of students who perform, he said. In addition to music majors, there are students studying elementary education, anthropology and English. Ellingboe said anyone on campus can audition for Las Cantantes.
"This choir has been in existence at UNM for the last 10 years," Ellingboe said.
Ellingboe said there is no question that Las Cantantes is better than when he first began directing the chior.
"There's a lot more carry-over and they bring more skills and traditions," Ellingboe said. "It gets better every year."
What: Las Cantantes Annual Barefoot Concert
When: Tonight at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Keller Hall
Price: $3 students, $7 general admission
