Milwaukee Choristers to Present Spring Concert

This We Believe is the theme of this year’s spring concert by the Milwaukee Choristers (milwaukeechoristers.org). The 75-voice chorus, under the direction of Dr. James B. Kinchen, Jr., will perform Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of West Allis (7520 W Lapham St.).

The Choristers will present an exhilarating collection of music that reflects on faith, patriotism, justice, equality, romance, family, fellowship and fun. Selections include Randall Thompson’s “Credo” from his Mass of the Holy Spirit, Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere and Joseph M. Martin’s “The Awakening,” plus music from West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof and Porgy and Bess. Works by Z. Randall Stroope, Rosephanye Powell, J. Rosamond Johnson, Norman Luboff and Billy Joel are also planned.

Advance tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for students. They may be purchased online at milwaukeechoristers.org or by calling 414-354-1933. Tickets also may be purchased at the door, where the prices will be $18, $15 and $6 respectively. All seating is general admission.

Joining the chorus Friday night will be the Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA) Concert Chorale. The MHSA Vocal Jazz Ensemble, which just performed in Salt Lake City, Utah at the 2015 National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association, will sing Saturday night. Both groups are under the direction of Raymond Roberts.

Concert attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items that will be distributed to families in need by Tosa Cares. All contributions are tax deductible.

The Milwaukee Choristers began in November, 1933 when 20 graduates of Riverside High School’s A Cappella Choir decided to keep rehearsing and performing together under the direction of their high school conductor, Ellen Sargeant. Since 1993 the Choristers have been under the leadership of Dr. James B. Kinchen, Jr., professor of music and director of choral activities at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The choir released their fourth commercial CD last spring in commemoration of their 80th anniversary. Titled “80 - Eight Decades of Song!,” the CD features a mix of classical and contemporary songs, spirituals and beloved Broadway tunes.

For more information about the Choristers and their concerts, visit milwaukeechoristers.org.