Sisters Chorale presents spring concert

The Sisters Chorale, the community's performing choir, will perform two free public concerts this weekend on Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14.

The selections to be performed will mark a significant departure from the choir's more traditional and classical themes of the past. Two-thirds of the concert bill is evenly divided between gospel and patriotic themes.

Patriotic selections include an unusual and stirring arrangement of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Also to be performed are "This Is My Country," and the "Salute to America" medley, which includes "You're a Grand Old Flag," "Yankee Doodle," "America the Beautiful," and "The Star-Spangled Banner."

As part of this special patriotic salute, the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields" will be set to music in a unique arrangement by Sisters' own Lola Knox. This poem has been adopted by veterans' groups as an enduring symbol of war, conflict, and sacrifice.

The gospel tunes to be performed are "Order My Steps," "Oh Happy Day," "He Never Failed Me Yet," and "The Storm Is Passing Over." Featured soloists for the concert include Greg Young, Janie Buell, and Roger Fairfield.

The choir is directed by Irene Liden.

Additional pieces to be performed include "The Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera. Liden has recast the opening to feature the men of the choir. The ladies, however, have been handed a special Broadway medley, and the men return for their own rendition of "Shenandoah."

At the midpoint of the concert, prior to intermission, the Sisters Bell Choir, under the direction of Lola Knox, will perform patriotic songs and Finlandia, by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

With 47 members returning for the chorale's spring term, this is the chorale's first performance since their appearance before record crowds at last winter's Christmas concerts. More than 600 concert-goers attended those two performances.

Both concerts will be presented at Sisters Community Church, located on the McKenzie Highway, just east of Sisters Middle School. The Friday concert, on May 13, will be held at 7 p.m., and the Saturday concert will be presented at 2 p.m. The concerts are free to all, and cookies and refreshments will be served.

For additional information about the performances or future choir membership, contact Irene Liden, 541-549-1037 or email [email protected]