Combined Choirs to Perform

The combined choirs of Grace Episcopal Church and the Lutheran Church in the San Juans, Lopez branch, along with some friends from outside those congregations, will present a concert of sacred music at Grace Church on Thursday, September 23. “With a Voice of Singing” begins at 7:00pm and encompasses a great variety of melodies and styles from the 16th through the 20th centuries.

Co-directors Karen Gerarden and Phyllis Nansen have shared duties throughout summer rehearsals. The combined choirs, numbering about 35 voices, will sing the 16th century Adoramus by Palestrina, and contemporary works by Samuel Barber, Laszlo Halmos, Jean Berger, Kenneth Jennings, and more. Instrumental accompaniment will be provided by Marge Stensrud at the keyboard, Celia Rosenberger on the violin, and Ginni Keith and Leta Marshall on flute.

Gerarden said that during rehearsals the choir has enjoyed the opportunity to explore shape-note singing, a style that developed in the late 19th century for teaching hymns to congregations who were unable to read music. She said the weekly rehearsals and the concert were “just a summertime project” for people who love to sing, and that there are no plans to continue as a united choir.

Freewill offerings will be divided between the outreach committees of the Lutheran and Episcopal churches. There will be a reception after the concert in the fellowship hall.

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