Pepperdine University Hosts Grammy Nominated Artists and Unique Festival Devoted to Christian A Cappella Music from Around the World

MALIBU, Calif., May 9, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 600 singers and advocates of a cappella music will converge on Malibu, California this week for a distinctive and eclectic festival dedicated exclusively to a cappella music. Participants from Singapore to Santa Barbara will attend the festival hosted by Pepperdine University May 9^th – 11^th.

"The timeless practice of a cappella singing has never been more relevant or appealing," notes event co-founder and Pepperdine University Provost Darryl Tippens. "A cappella music has an enduring power to stir the human heart.  We are honored to have Sweet Honey In the Rock, The Los Angeles Master Chorale, and Dr. Allen R. Hightower, artists who employ this power to elevate the human spirit."

The Ascending Voice III daily concert lineup includes sold out evening performances by Grammy-nominated artists Sweet Honey In The Rock® and The Los Angeles Master Chorale.   Sweet Honey in the Rock is a vital and innovative presence in the music scene of Washington D.C. and in communities of conscience around the world.  L.A.'s premier vocal ensemble, The Los Angeles Master Chorale, will perform the opening evening concert.  The Ascending Voice festival chorus will be directed by renowned choral conductor and clinician Dr. Allen R. Hightower of Luther College.

Programs include a mix of workshops, lectures and chorale concerts featuring top collegiate groups from around the United States.  Daytime programs are free and open to the public with registration. 

In addition to the chorale programs, two special attractions associated with sacred a cappella music will be on display.  Pepperdine University's Saint John's Bible Heritage Edition, the first illuminated, handwritten Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in more than 500 years, will be on view in the university library.  An exhibit telling the story of The Wode Psalter, an important collection of manuscript musical part books based on the Psalms, on loan from the University of Edinburgh, will also be on display.

For more information on the Ascending Voice III and tickets to the Choral Concert Series performances, please visit the Ascending Voice Web site, or the Center for the Arts Web site, or call (310) 506-4261.