University of Mount Union Concert Choir to Perform in Mentor

The University Of Mount Union Concert Choir's upcoming Spring Concert Tour includes a stop at Mentor United Methodist Church on Monday, May 7th at 7pm.The concert is free of charge and open to the public.  

The title of the Choir’s spring tour program is “Sing, Be, Live, See…Peace.” Felix Mendelsson’s Verleih’ uns Frieden (Grant unto us Thy peace, O Lord), Frank Ticheli’s Earth Song, John Leavitt’s Ose Shalom (The One Who Makes Peace), and C. Hubert Parry’s O Day of Peace are timely responses to the world in which we live and eloquent reminders of the need for both planetary and inner peace. The program also includes works by Adrian Batten, Joseph Haydn, Dan Forrest, Keith Hampton and Egil Hovland, among others.

The University of Mount Union Concert Choir is among the oldest collegiate choirs in the United States, tracing its roots to 1896. The distinguished legacy of the choral program at Mount Union is one that is deeply rooted in the very history of the institution, encompassing the contributions of several distinguished American conductors, including Robert Fountain (1942-1946), who went on to lead renowned choral programs at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and The University of Wisconsin, and Bruce Browne (1972-1976), emeritus professor of choral studies and voice at Portland State University and conductor laureate of the Portland Symphonic Choir. Under the direction of Cecil “Pop” Stewart (1946-1972) the Concert Choir gained international acclaim. In 1966, the beloved Stewart led the Choir on an around-the–world-tour. Dubbed “Peace Through Understanding,” the 48-day tour visited Alaska, Japan, Southeast Asia, Near East, Greece, Italy, England and France. Professor Stewart was known for his exacting standard, inspired leadership and, above all, unwavering devotion to Mount Union.

Open by audition to all students on campus, the Concert Choir comprises musicians from a wide variety of academic disciplines and thus truly represents the University’s strong liberal arts foundation. Serving as an ambassador of the University, the Concert Choir performs annually throughout the continental United States and undertakes an international tour every four years. The Concert Choir is dedicated to the rehearsal and performance of the highest quality choral literature from the Renaissance through the 21st century, including spirituals, gospel music, folk songs and music celebrating a global perspective. Recent performances include the inaugural University of Mount Union Christmas Festival and Joseph Haydn’s Mass in B-flat, the so-called Theresienmesse, with the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of Maestro Gerhardt Zimmermann.

For more details about the concert at Mentor United Methodist Church call 440.225.3496