BOONE—The Appalachian Chorale will continue to accept new members on Monday, Jan. 26, in preparation for its April 28 concert of Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” and John Rutter’s folksong cycle “The Sprig of Thyme.”

The chorale is an 80- to 90-voice choir comprised of community members and students. It is open to all who would like to sing choral masterworks and feel that they can hold their own on a part. No auditions are required. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from, 7-9 p.m., in room 214 Broyhill Music Center whenever university classes are in session.

Bernstein was commissioned to write “Chichester Psalms” in 1965, 50 years ago this spring. “This is a gorgeous and exciting 20-minute setting in Hebrew of portions of Psalms 108, 100, 23, 2, 131 and 133,” said Dr. Linda Larson who directs the choral. Larson is a member of the Hayes School of Music faculty. “The commission suggested that a hint of ‘West Side Story’ in the new piece would be welcomed, and those hints can be heard in the dance-like rhythms, the fresh harmonies and the dramatic elements in the piece.”

The chorale also will perform a group of British Isles folksongs, “The Sprig of Thyme,” set by composer John Rutter. Rutter is perhaps best known for his pieces written for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, Larson said.

The concert, which is free and open to all, will be on Tuesday, April 28, at 8 p.m. in Rosen Concert Hall. Directed Larson, it will feature faculty organ professor and chorale accompanist Dr. Joby Bell.

For additional information, contact director Larson at [email protected].

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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