Shasta High School Choir in Concert with the Camerata Vocale Split

SHASTA HIGH SCHOOL A CAPPELLA CHOIR

The Shasta High School A Cappella Choir is a distinguished ensemble renowned for its exceptional artistry and mastery of diverse and challenging choral repertoire, with a primary focus on a cappella music. Under the direction of Gavin Spencer, the choir has maintained a tradition of excellence, consistently earning superior ratings at festivals for over 22 years. In 2024, they were honored to win the Golden State Choir Competition in the “large choir” category. The ensemble has received invitations to perform in esteemed concert venues and historic cathedrals across Europe, including a performance at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where they had the privilege of singing for a mass.

SHASTA HIGH SCHOOL MADRIGAL SINGERS

The Shasta Madrigals, a select 15-voice ensemble from Shasta High School, represent the school's highest level of choral excellence. They are the featured performers in the school's renowned annual Madrigal Dinner, a beloved tradition set in the English Renaissance. During this immersive experience, guests enjoy a five-course feast while being entertained by the Madrigal Singers and an ensemble of costumed performers. Each December, over 1,500 guests attend this festive event across eight performances, marking the beginning of the holiday season.

Every three years, the Shasta High School Choir Program embarks on an international tour, sharing their passion for music with audiences around the world. Their performances have graced prestigious venues, historic cathedrals, and charming town squares in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Costa Rica, Greece, Italy, and New York. This summer, the ensemble continues its tradition of cultural exchange with a performance tour in Croatia

BIOGRAPHY OF DIRECTOR:

Gavin Spencer has served as the choral director of the Shasta High School Choir since 2002, cultivating a tradition of excellence in choral performance. Under his leadership, his ensembles consistently receive “Superior” ratings at festivals and competitions. Most recently, in April 2024, the Shasta High School A Cappella Choir won the “Large Choir” category at the highly competitive Golden State Choir Competition.

Beyond his rigorous teaching schedule, Mr. Spencer directs two major annual productions that have become hallmarks of the Shasta High School Choir program. Each December, he leads a highly interactive and immersive Madrigal Dinner, an eight-night event that welcomes 1,600 guests and features over 100 students in a vibrant dinner theater setting. In the spring, the choir stages a full-scale Broadway musical with a live orchestra, drawing nearly 6,000 audience members across seven performances. Revenue from these productions funds the choir’s international performance tours, which occur every three years. Under Mr. Spencer’s direction, the choir has performed in renowned venues across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Costa Rica, Italy, and New York.

Shasta High School is excited to be joined by the Camerata Vocale Split performing:

Krešimir Magdić / Marko Marulić text: Zdrava si, Marije

Ivan pl. Zajc: Ave Maria

Alfi Kabiljo / Drago Britvić text / Sara Dodig Baučić arr.:Tvoja zemlja