Church invites singers to join in the annual ‘St. John’s Choir & Friends’ concert

St. John’s Lutheran Church, 355 St. John’s Circle, invites singers to join in the annual “St. John’s Choir & Friends” concert on Sunday, May 5, at 7 p.m.

This year’s program “Be Glad Then America” features the music of William Billings, America’s first native composer, foremost composer of the early American primitive style, and whose works have become an integral part of the American folk tradition. A tanner by trade, he was selftaught in music. Among his friends were many prominent figures of the American Revolution, including Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.

Completing the program are patriotic selections including a George M. Cohan Patriotic Fantasy, God Bless America, A Tribute to the Armed Services, and America the Beautiful.

Following a three-year break due to Covid concerns, last year’s return marked the 30th concert in the series. Past programs have included Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living accompanied by orchestra and harp, Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, W. A. Mozart’s Requiem and Te Deum, Franz Schubert’s Mass in G, Howard Hanson’s Song of Democracy, John Rutter’s Te Deum and Requiem, a concert version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, Glorias by Antonio Vivaldi and Francis Poulenc, J. S. Bach’s Magnificat, Johannes

Brahms’ German Requiem, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs, Luigi Cherubini’s Requiem, Maurice Durufle’s Requiem, parts II and III of G. F. Handel’s Messiah, Patriotic Selections, Broadway Selections and Spirituals, and Christmas in May. In 2023 over 45 singers from 20 area churches presented a program entitled Sing Praise!

Rehearsals are scheduled at St. John’s on Sundays March 24, April 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 7 to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, May 5, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. A light supper will follow the May 5 rehearsal. Music will be provided for the singers and no auditions are necessary.

For additional information contact Tom Snyder, Director of Music at St. John’s, ftsiii@gmail.com.