Published: May 02, 2008 10:45 am            

Chorus chooses two sites for concerts | Will perform in Johnstown, Windber

BY TED POTTS

TPOTTS@TRIBDEM.COM

Greater Johnstown Community Chorus will hold its annual spring concert Friday in Johnstown and Saturday in Windber.

The Johnstown concert will be held at 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 415 Vine St. The Windber concert will be held at 7 p.m. at Arcadia Theater, 1418 Graham Avenue.

The theme, “On This Shining Night,” is a tribute to one of the pieces the chorus will sing titled “Sure On This Shining Night” with music by Morten Lauridsen and lyrics by James Agee.

Josh Covert is in his seventh year as chorus director. During his time, the group has increased to 50 members from 15, noted chorus member and spokeswoman Pat Freidhoff.

Because of the variety of music the chorus has sung under Covert’s watch, members have had to learn to sing in Spanish, French, Croatian and Serbian.

This year’s concert includes a Spanish song titled “Yo Le Canto Todo El Dia” by David L. Brunner, which translated in English means “So I Am Moving With My Heart.”

The variety of music the chorus will sing includes a fun piece called “Shut De Do” with words and music by Randy Stonehill and arranged by Mark Hayes. Freidhoff described the song as gospel with a modern arrangement.

Along the same lines is a song titled “Ain-A That Good News,” a lively piece from the Tuskegee Choir Series, she said.

A more sacred piece is “Zion’s Walls” by Aaron Copeland, with Freidhoff adding the song has a gospel feel as well. Covert also will have the chorus sing “Zum Gali,” a moving Israeli folk song arranged by Maurice Goldman.

The concert will include several small group performances by chorus members, Freidhoff noted.

She praised Covert, saying chorus members want to and enjoy singing under his direction.

The majority of chorus members are from the Greater Johnstown region, Freidhoff said. Several are from northern sections of Cambria County, she added.

The chorus traditionally presents its spring concert at two separate locations, mostly at churches.

Admission for each spring concert is $10 at the door, $8 for those ages 55 and older and $7 for anyone purchasing a ticket before the nights of the concert. Freidhoff said advance tickets are available from chorus members or by calling 539-0795.



In song

What: Greater Johnstown Community Chorus Spring Concert.

When: 7 p.m. Friday at First Lutheran Church, 415 Vine St., downtown Johnstown, and 7 p.m. Saturday at Arcadia Theater, 1418 Graham Avenue, Windber.

Cost: $10 at door, $8 for those 55 and older, $7 for those purchasing tickets in advance.

Tickets: Available from chorus members or by calling 539-0795.

        

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