The 62-member Heidelberg University-Community Chorus will perform its annual fall concert, titled “A Marriage of Music and Lyrics: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at First Lutheran Church, 300 Melmore St.
“A Marriage of Music & Lyrics” will explore the close relationship – akin to a marriage – that exists between those two most critical elements of choral art. Director Dr. Greg Ramsdell, director of choral activities and associate professor of music education, is the chorus conductor. His wife, Cynthia Ramsdell, is the accompanist.
The concert opens with Brian Tate’s “We Are One,” adapted from Deuteronomy in a gospel blues style. Allen Pote’s “Break Forth into Song” is a joyful setting of Psalm 98 that features percussion solos. Haydn’s “Gloria” will be followed by “Song for the Unsung Hero” in gratitude for all of our veterans and first responders, concluding with Joseph Martin’s stirring arrangement of “America.” The chorus will the perform an arrangement of traditional African-American spirituals in “Swing Down, Chariot!” which combines favorites “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel.” Finally, the concert concludes with “The Golden Age of Broadway,” a medley of five favorite show tunes.
The fall concert is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be received.
If you have any questions about the University-Community Chorus or are interested in singing with the chorus in the future, please e-mail Ramsdell at gramsdel [at] heidelberg.edu or call (419) 448-2154.