The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
A list of events in Lorain County that will mark 9/11 can be found on
The TrueNorth Chorale and Chamber Orchestra will have a free concert at Lorain County Community College’s Stocker Center at 7 p.m., Sept. 11, 2021.
The concert entitled, “We Remember,” commemorates the 20th anniversary of the tragic events of terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“Join us on this important day to reflect, renew and remember through the arts,” said Rick Fortney, conductor and founder and executive director of TrueNorth Cultural Arts.
The concert begins with “In Paradisum,” written by Z.R. Stroope, a beautiful piece in honor of those who lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a news release.
This will be followed by René Clausen’s “Memorial,” featuring nationally acclaimed baritone soloist Timothy LeFebvre, associate professor of voice chair at Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
“Memorial” reflects the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City.
Though presented as one continuous movement, the composition follows a program that comprises four sub-sections: September Morning, The Attack, Prayers and Petitions.
The first two sections reflect the actual chain of events leading up to and including the attacks upon the World Trade Center Towers.
The music of destruction, however, is kept to a minimum in favor of a musical emphasis upon a possible spiritual response to these events, the release said.
Healing, cleansing and hope are the main themes of this work, whose primary text of the final section is one verse from Psalm 80: “O God, shine Your light on us, and we shall be saved.”
Actors Maryann Nagel and Greg Violand, who have directed many of TrueNorth’s theatrical productions over the years, will join the 60 musicians on stage providing narrations throughout the evening, the release said.
The second half of the concert will feature songs of hope and peace including Mack Wilberg’s “Four American Hymns;” John Rutter’s “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “When the Saints Go Marching In;” Jack Halloran’s “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” with soprano soloist Janine Porter.
The Chamber Orchestra will perform Morton Gould’s “American Salute” and close with John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
The free concert will take place in the Hoke Theatre of the Stocker Arts Center, 1005 N. Abbe Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Masks are required indoors.