End of Season, 1971: highlights

This post is dedicated to Dave Pope: March 8, 1950 - April 8, 2022.

This End of Season (link to performance) has a few interesting points. Hall of Fame performers Ken Knowles (4 solos), Mike Chung, and Dave Pope give their last official campus performances. Al Stewart’s story about performing “Mamie” for President Eisenhower (and the First Lady) in 1953 is definitely worth a listen.

The 1971 European tour itinerary is described in detail, particularly the emphasis on the sacred numbers for such as Bruckner’s Ave Maria, for which the PVGC won 3rd place in a world competition a few years prior. Don’t miss the introduction to Dominique.

Al dedicates “It’s A Small World” to his grandsons, and mentions how that song was used to close Christmas Shows at the time.

The Chung Brothers get a heartfelt introduction and tribute from Al, and he also mentions the spontaneity of the songs chosen for Glee Club performances. Ken Knowles has a 4 minute introduction to his 4 solos.

Absent was Bob Ford, who was out trying out for the Olympic basketball team.

Mike Chung closes with I Am The Nation. Finally, Al invites the Glee Club manager Bruce Parkhurst to conduct Hail Purdue to close End of Season, a tradition I wasn’t aware of.

Enjoy!

P.S. Thanks to Mark Pope for filling in the gaps and helping with song and soloist identification.