Calling all patriots! Rally to the sound of the fife and drum at the Garfield Center’s Prince Theatre at high noon Saturday May 28 during the Chestertown Tea Party Festival to hear songs of the American struggle for freedom presented by the Chester River Chorale’s Chester Chamber Singers.
The songs span the centuries from before the Declaration of Independence to the Civil Rights revolution You will hear songs as old as those written by William Billings, America’s first major choral composer, who put together hymns of resistance to the British rule over the colonies 250 years ago, and songs as new as those from the smash hit musical Hamilton currently on Broadway.
There will be an anthem of the civil rights movement, “We Shall Overcome,” and the wrenching “Bunker Hill,” an ode that justifies risking death in battle for freedom. In addition, a pair of 19 Century songs used to rally the voters to the polls will not seem out of place in this tumultuous election year.
Chorale professionals Douglas Cox conducting and Sam Marshall on piano will lead the program. Cox will turn over the directing to Chamber soprano Michelle Sensenig as he solos in the “Hamilton” pieces. Fifer Susan Brockman and drummer Doug Webber will provide accompaniment with a Yankee Doodle kick.
The concert is free, but the Chorale will gratefully accept contributions.
Chorale members are amateur singers drawn mainly from Kent and Queen Anne’s counties. If you love to sing, come join us. No audition is required.
The Chester River Chorale is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization funded in part by the Kent County Arts Council and by an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
The CRC’s Mission is to provide opportunity and inspiration for amateur singers to strive for artistic excellence. CRC performances entertain diverse audiences and enrich the cultural life of the community. For more information, visit www.chesterriverchorale.org.
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