IF YOU GOWhat: Scenic City Chorale concert.When: 6 p.m. Sunday.Where: Brainerd United Methodist Church, 4315 Brainerd Road.Admission: Free, but donations accepted.Phone: 755-6100.
The Scenic City Chorale is planning "A Grand Night for Singing" Sunday evening at Brainerd United Methodist Church.
The free concert by the 61-voice chorus will feature a lighthearted program of popular Irish and American folk songs, Broadway hits, sacred music and spirituals.
"In keeping with our theme, 'It's a Grand Night for Singing,' we'll be singing oratorical pieces, such as 'The Heavens Are Telling' from Haydn's Creation; great anthems, like 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God;' and a medley of Broadway hits by Rodgers and Hammerstein," said director Ron Starnes.
"We've got a couple of Irish songs. One of them, 'Down by the Salley Gardens,' is for men's voices that will be accompanied by Irish whistle, played by Nora Kile," he said.
The program will mark Starnes' debut as the chorale's new director. The concert is dedicated to the memory of Bill Long, its former director who recently passed away after a lengthy illness, and to the late David Cadwell, a former member.
The singers will be accompanied by Jim Martin and Jerry DeSabla. Musical guests will be clarinetist Jay Craven, Lee University harpist Tiffany Envid and flute players Ronda Ford and Kile.
"Jay Craven is going to do a set of themes from old movies," said Starnes, adding the clarinetist will also add the New Orleans jazz to the singers' performance of "When the Saints Go Marching In."
Kile, Ford and Envid will accompany the men's chorus on a setting of Psalm 23, "The King of Love My Shepherd Is."
The Scenic City Chorale is sponsored by Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors."These are folks who are mostly retired, who love music, love to sing and come together once a week to rehearse and just enjoy singing together," said Starnes. Any singer wishing to audition should call 877-8339 or 755-6100.