Henderson State University choirs will perform a concert entitled “Praise and Peace” featuring British composer John Rutter’s latest large-scale choral work, Mass of the Children. The concert will be Tuesday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Arkadelphia. The event is free and open to the public.
The Chamber Chorale will open the concert with Bach’s motet Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden, BWV230. The text is taken from Psalms 117 and is a vigorous, but florid example of Bach’s best motet writing. Earth Song by Frank Ticheli, which serves as a contrast to the Bach motet, will also be performed.
“Mass of the Children will be the centerpiece of our concert and explores a variety of sacred text with the finale centering on the text, Dona nobis pacem – ‘grant us peace,’” said Dr. Stephen Eaves, director of choral activities at Henderson. “Our performance will feature the HSU Concert Choir, Women’s Choir and a chamber ensemble with organ. A number of Henderson’s music faculty members along with organist Dr. Kay McAfee and soloists Dr. Laura Storm and Dr. William Higgins will join the choirs.” Eaves will conduct.
The Concert Choir will perform Mass of the Children May 31 with composer John Rutter as conductor in New York’s Carnegie Hall for a special Memorial Day peace concert. A free-will offering will be taken during the March 2 concert to support the students’ trip to New York.
