March 19, 2024

Choir concert series back for fifth year

The Fifth Annual Choir Concert is set for Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church, 220 N. Second Ave. E., as a part of the Sundays at Four concert series. The combined choir concert features the First Presbyterian Chancel Choir, the Newton High School Varsity Chorale and the Central College Chamber Singers.

Each ensemble will perform their own selections before joining forces and singing several numbers together. Those include Gwyneth Walker’s “Crossing,” Haydn’s “Agnus Dei” and “Soon Ah Will Be Done.” The pieces will be accompanied by Sandy Smit and Marlys Grimm.

The First Presbyterian Chancel Choir is directed by Virginia Bennett, and the Newton High School Varsity Choral is directed by Norm Grimm. Newton native Mark Babcock directs the Chamber Singers from Central College.

“It is a great collaboration of three distinct choirs — high school, college and church — bringing together people with a common love of the choral art and a common desire to share its joy and beauty in our world,” Babcock said.

This is the fifth year for the May concert featuring the three choirs. In years past, the groups have performed numbers such as Haydn’s classic “The Heavens Are Telling” from The Creation, Randall Stroope’s moving “Omnia Sol,” Hall Johnson’s timeless spiritual “Ain’ Got Time To Die” and John Rutter’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” It has become an anticipated event for the church since it started in 2011.

“Norm Grimm and I share a connection to Central College as we are alumni. We also have supported each other’s programs in a variety of ways for the past several years. We are great professional colleagues,” Babcock said. “The music is stirring and eclectic. Everyone will enjoy the energy of over 75 singers coming together to share our passion for the choral art.”

The event is free to attend with guests giving what they desire during an offering. Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall following the concert. The program is open to the public and all are invited to join in hearing the music from the three talented choirs.