The Eugene Concert Choir, led by Artistic Director Diane Retallack, will present "Latin American Mosaic," a concert featuring the rich choral music from the Mexican Renaissance and Baroque to the inventive twentieth century composers of Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Chile, and Cuba. The concert will be held on Saturday, March 6, at 7:30 pm in the Hult Center's Soreng Theatre.

The Eugene Vocal Arts Ensemble, joined by members of the Oregon Mozart Players, will perform Ignacio de Jerusalem's Dixit Dominus. This composer's work was recently featured on CD by the professional chamber choir Chanticleer. In addition to this outstanding piece from the Mexican Baroque period, the Ensemble will perform the soaring Mexican Renaissance Salve Regina which bridges the two worlds from the Italy of Palestrina to the Cathedral of Mexico City, the beautiful Ave Maria written by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, and the upbeat Salseo by Venezuelan Oscar Galian. According to Retallack, "the variety of these choral pieces promises an evening of power, excitement, heartfelt passion, and rhythmic intensity."

The evening's centerpiece, Alboradas by Chilean composer Juan Orrego-Salas, features the women of the Eugene Concert Choir accompanied by piano, harp, and an array of percussion. "I had the privilege of conducting Alboradas at Indiana University with the composer present. His music displays incredible sensuality and vitality," relates Retallack. Orrego-Salas, who celebrates his 80th birthday this year, studied with Aaron Copland, and the influence of both Americas is evident in his work.

There will be a reception immediately following the concert in Studio 1, located downstairs in the Hult Center. This "Fiesta Magnifica" will feature music by the hot Latin salsa band Caliente and hors d'oeuvres provided by local restaurants including Cafe Navarro, Chapala Mexican Restaurant, Tres Hermanas, and Tu Casa.

Ticket prices range from $11 to $21 for adults, $8 to $18 for students and seniors. There is an additional $5 charge for the post-concert reception, which is open only to those who have purchased tickets to the concert. For ticket information call the Hult Center at 682-5000.