Choral Arts highlights its musical heritage

Season-opening concert will include reception honoring founder

Choral Arts of Chattanooga will open its 2017-2018 season with “Our Musical Heritage,” which will include an appreciation reception for its founder, Dr. John Hamm, and accompanist David Friberg, who has played for the ensemble for 30 of its 32 years.

Darrin Hassevoort, artistic director, will conduct the performance on Friday, Oct. 13, at Second Presbyterian Church, 700 Pine St. Pianist Jason DuRoy will accompany the choir.

The program will include music by retired University of Tennessee at Chattanooga faculty member Roland Carter as well as work by Aaron Copland, Jackson Berkey, Peter Wilhousky, Randall Thompson, Alice Parker, Robert Shaw and Moses Hogan.

The choir will perform folk songs, parlor tunes, songs of the heartland, songs of battle, American hymns, spiri- tuals and gospel music.

Kim Thompson, Choral Arts president, said the program will conclude with a special benediction. All former Choral Arts singers are invited to join the current choir in singing the benediction, Peter Lutkin’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” There will be a run-through at 7 p.m. before the 7:30 concert.

The audience is invited to the reception immediately following the concert.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Choral Arts members rehearse for Friday’s concert.