Concert Choir Plans Winter Tour

Westminster College's Chamber Singers and Concert Choir will sing at several Presbyterian churches in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Pittsburgh on their annual tour Jan. 4-10.

Under the direction of Dr. Samuel Barbara, assistant professor and director of choral activities, the group of 35 students will begin the "Make a Joyful Noise" tour at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, N.C., with a 5 p.m. performance Sunday, Jan. 4.

Additional concerts are scheduled for Trinity Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Monday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m.; Second Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m.; and Southminster Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, Saturday, Jan. 10, at 4 p.m.

In addition to the formal concerts the choir will lead worship at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, hosted by alumna Linda Wright Simpson, a member of Westminster's Board of Trustees; attend clinics with Dr. Jeffrey Ames at Belmont University, Nashville, and Dr. Jerry Ulrich at Georgia Tech, Atlanta; attend an open rehearsal and artist Q&A with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra; attend the Cincinnati Symphony; and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Student accompanists are Jennifer Peet and Aeri Goo.  Senior Emily Martin will blog on the choir's activities here.

Selections on the program include "O Salutaris Hostia" by Eriks Esenvalds, featuring soprano soloists Becca Bly and Lauren Thayer and soprano obbligato by Alexis Musgrove, Emma Schauf and Peet; and Undine Moore's "Daniel, Servant of the Lord" with tenor Matthew Younger and baritone Mark Hockenberry.  A variety of classical, traditional, and contemporary works completes the program.

In addition to Barbara, the Rev. James Mohr, Westminster chaplain, will travel with the group and offer an introduction at each concert.

Contact Barbara at 724-946-7278 or email for additional information.