The Roueché Chorale will present its 10th performance of “Colors of Grace” on Tuesday, but it will be the first performance in Cleveland, Tenn.
The 50-voice interdenominational Christian chorale, based in Chattanooga, will present the Holy Week drama with a 23-piece chamber orchestra and drama team at North Cleveland Church of God.
“A visitor from North Cleveland came to our Christmas program, loved it and wanted to bring the choir to his church,” said director Jeff Roueché. “So the Cleveland church is going to host ‘Colors of Grace.’ We’re changing locations to get out into the area more; it’s an outreach for us.”
Roueché said the cantata by Joseph Barton is based on following Christ’s examples of obedience and service.
“There is a recurring theme, ‘Take my yoke upon you,’ from the Gospel of Matthew,” said Roueché.
The program describes the final days of Christ’s life from the Last Supper through Crucifixion. The performance does not include the Resurrection because that is yet to be celebrated on Easter Sunday, explained the director.
The music and drama are divided by four colors, each with its own symbolism and music.
“The four colors of grace are red, white, purple and black. Their corresponding symbols are red: the cup at the Last Supper; white: the basin used by Jesus to wash the feet of his disciples; purple: the crown of thorns; and black: the cross,” he said.
Barton’s music reflects each color’s theme. Roueché named as examples “What Wondrous Love Is This,” white; “A Shadow Fell on Sharon’s Rose,” red; “O Gentle Jesus,” purple; and “Come to the Cross,” black.
Stephanie Randall and Jason Canter will be the featured soloists. George Taylor will narrate the performance.
Roueché said a new twist on this performance is that the choir and orchestra will perform from the church’s balcony.
“The focus wll be down front, where the narrator and drama team will be,” he said.
If You Go
What: “Colors of Grace” by the Roueché Chorale.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Where: North Cleveland Church of God, 335 S. 11th St., Cleveland, Tenn., on the Lee University campus.
Admission: Free.