Gathering Together with "Songs of Thanksgiving"

"I think [music] is meant to unite us as human beings in a way that nothing else can. If we're arguing with our rational minds, we're talking about what divides us. If we're singing with our intuitive minds, we are concentrating on what unites us." -- Alice Parker, composer (1925- 2016)

The Music on the Hill Chamber Chorus, known for impeccable a capella performance, sings music by such notable modern composers as Aaron Copland, Alice Parker, Eric Whitacre, Arvo Pärt, New Canaan resident Gwyneth Walker, and more. Artistic director David H. Connell, this concert's conductor, has selected a program of music intended to inspire and uplift.

The concert takes place on Sunday, November 6, at 3 p.m. at the Wilton Presbyterian Church.

Many of the songs to be performed are settings of poetry from across the ages -- from Solomon's Song and poems of Horatius to 20th century works by Genevieve Taggard and Langston Hughes -- some written in times of turmoil echoing our own.

"Taggard wrote her poem 'Lark' to address the dark times that our nation went through in the Great Depression, " says Dr. Connell. "She spoke of a sunrise hoped for but not yet seen, a ray of light in the midst of night. It's no surprise that composer Aaron Copland took up her words in his musical setting ten years later, when America was on the brink of entering into the Second World War.

"Through all time," he continues, "artists have provided us with a note of hope when it is needed, and this concert will try to do the same."

The Chamber Chorus, a professional ensemble, performs a spring and fall concert each year. Their singing has been described as "positively transporting," and they will be showcased in this concert in the beautifully resonant sanctuary of the Wilton Presbyterian Church.

The church is located in the WEPCO complex at 48 New Canaan Road (Rte. #106) in Wilton. Concert tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Children and students are free of charge. Tickets may be purchased online at www.musiconthehillCT.org or reserved in advance at tickets@musiconthehillCT.org or by phone:(203) 529-3133.

About Music on the Hill

Music on the Hill offers workshops, an August Summer Sings! series, and concerts by four performing ensembles -- Chamber Chorus, Festival Chorus, Summer Chorus, and the Jubilate Ringers handbell choir -- all under the leadership of its artistic directors, David H. Connell and Ellen Dickinson. Music on the Hill is an independent non-profit organization funded in part by a grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Learn more about Music on the Hill by visiting facebook.com/musiconthehillct. Find photos and join the mailing list to receive updates on future concerts, including the popular "Sounds of the Season" Christmas concert of the Festival Chorus and Jubilate Ringers on December 16 in Wilton.