Founded in November 2019 by Aimee Beckmann-Collier, Professor Emerita of Choral Studies at Drake University, Umeri is an ensemble of Drake Choir alumni. Participants in the alumni choir are Drake graduates from 1992 through 2022.
Umeri is a project-based ensemble that typically rehearses seven times preceding a concert, thus requiring a high level of musical independence and advance preparation on the part of each member. Umeri’s projects have included performances of Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson Of Time and the Seasons, featuring music by a variety of contemporary composers, including the premiere of a commissioned work by William Dougherty; the Durufle Requiem, in collaboration with members of the Des Moines Symphony; and The Lessons, Carols, and Reflections of Christmas, a music and spoken word celebration.
All of Umeri’s concerts are archived and available on the choir’s website.
If you live outside the U.S. please contact Pam Pepper at pam.pepper@drake.edu for more information on how to make an online gift. Thank you.