Endless Time, Infinite Song: LSU Choirs Represent Louisiana on World Stage
June 24, 2025
The LSU School of Music’s Choirs broke out their passports recently and journeyed abroad to bring their voices—and Louisiana spirit—to some of England’s most historic and sacred spaces.
Over the course of ten remarkable days, students performed in world-renowned cathedrals, presented a groundbreaking choral work, and represented LSU on the global stage. The tour not only showcased LSU’s top-tier vocal ensembles and faculty leadership—it offered students an unforgettable, career-shaping experience rooted in artistry, cultural exchange, and musical excellence.
A Tour Like No Other
The first leg of the tour featured three formal performances at iconic British venues:
LSU Choirs after their performance at St. Alfege’s Church, joined by UK composer Jake Alexander—whose piece was featured in their tour program.
- St. Alfege Church in Greenwich, a Baroque-era London parish where composer Thomas Tallis once served as organist;
- St. Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, known as The Actors’ Church for its historic ties to London’s performing arts scene;
- Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, home to one of England’s most prestigious choral traditions.
Each performance featured music from the choir’s carefully curated tour program, Endless Time [View Tour Program], which reflected on themes of time, transformation, and the shared human experience. Inspired by the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, the repertoire wove together spirituals, folk songs, Renaissance motets, and contemporary choral works into a unified artistic statement—one that stirred the soul and left a lasting resonance with audiences across each venue.
Dr. Alissa Rowe conducting the Vox Anima Choir and Orchestra
– Photo Credit: Ben Tomlin, Vox Anima London
Standout selections included Wanting Memories by Ysäye Barnwell, Hanacpachap Cussicuinin, a Quechuan processional hymn conducted by graduate student Ross Cawthorn, and an arrangement of Total Praise by Richard Smallwood. The performances were led by Galante Chair and Director of Choral Studies Dr. Alissa Rowe who shared the podium with Barineau Associate Director of Choral Studies Dr. Trey Davis and Director of the LSU Gospel Choir Laurence Hebert.
Dr. Rowe remarked about the tour: “This tour marked a unique opportunity for our young singers – not only to explore one of the world’s most iconic cities, but to engage with audiences from all walks of life. The performances were the result of months of dedication, collaboration, and an adventurous spirit. Through our music making, we built bridges across cultures and created moments of shared beauty and understanding. Our performances highlighted a diverse range of repertoire and the talent, heart, excellence, and unity of our students.”
International Premiere at Vox Anima: Da Vinci Comes to Life
The tour culminated in a major festival appearance as the LSU Choirs took part in the Vox Anima London Choral Festival, a multi-day collaborative event uniting choirs from across the United States and United Kingdom.
The full choir and orchestra in performance of The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci
– Photo Credit: Ben Tomlin, Vox Anima London
Dr. Rowe served as a guest conductor for the festival and led the UK premiere of The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci by acclaimed American composer Jocelyn Hagen, who served as one of festival’s resident composers. The large-scale work blends classical choral writing with animated projections of da Vinci’s original sketches and philosophical musings. While the LSU Choirs had previously performed the chamber orchestration of The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci stateside in spring 2025, this UK premiere featured the original full orchestration and provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rehearse and perform the piece under the direct guidance of the composer herself.
Ensembles joining LSU in the festival included:
- Choral Society of Pensacola (Pensacola, FL)
- South Metro Chorale (Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN)
- Ventura College Chamber Singers (Ventura, CA)
- Episcopal School of Baton Rouge Select Choir (Baton Rouge, LA)
- Singers in Accord (St. Paul, MN)
LSU DMA student Erin Dixon with Vox Anima Composer-in-Residence, Jocelyn Hagen who wrote The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci
– Photo Credit: Ben Tomlin, Vox Anima London
The final performance—part of a larger program titled Sounds of Infinity—was held June 8 at Cadogan Hall, a premier London venue known for hosting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and other top-tier ensembles. The concert celebrated both the collaborative spirit and individual artistry of each participating choir.
“An international premiere of this scale is no small undertaking,” said Eric Lau, Dean of the LSU College of Music & Dramatic Arts. “It demands a level of musical and professional readiness that only comes from intentional preparation, meaningful mentorship, and experience in professional settings. Our faculty work closely with students to help them grow not only as performers, but professionals in training who, by the end of their LSU education, know what it means to collaborate, adapt, and deliver at a high level.
More Than Music: Growth Through Global Connection
The LSU Choirs take a moment to take in the sights at Christ Church in Oxford.
Beyond the concert halls, LSU students were immersed in England’s rich cultural landscape. From walking tours in Oxford and along London’s South Bank to exploring major institutions like the British Museum and attending a ballet at the Royal Opera House, the trip offered a uniquely hands-on experience in European history, art, and performance culture. For many students, it was their first time traveling internationally.
By connecting students with real-world performance opportunities and global artistic voices, the tour exemplified the School of Music’s commitment to preparing young artists for lives of impact—both onstage and off.
Showcasing the Excellence of LSU Music
This tour reinforced the LSU School of Music’s reputation as a hub for high-level vocal training and ensemble performance. With renowned faculty, robust ensemble offerings, and a vision grounded in collaboration, history, and innovation, the school continues to open doors for students to share their talents with the world—as performers, collaborators, and cultural ambassadors.
About the LSU School of Music
The LSU School of Music offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive music programs and serves as a cultural arts center for Louisiana. The school boasts an acclaimed faculty and a world-renowned network of visiting artists who are leaders in their fields. For more information on LSU’s Choral Programs, click the button below.