upcoming

40th Spring Celebration in Song

What:

Music of joy, renewal, and reflection will echo throughout Humboldt County as the Ferndale Community Choir presents its Annual Spring Celebration in Song. Three performances will be offered by more than sixty singers and instrumentalists.

Over the past forty years more than 500 people have sung with the choir under the direction of Betty Diehl. Many of its former members live across the United States and worldwide, and the eclectic selection of music the choir sings reflects the diversity of its members with global harmonies.

To celebrate its 40th season, the choir will presents music ranging from medieval chant accompanied by French Horn to contemporary arrangements with their roots in gospel music. Familiar hymns like *Take My Hand, Precious Lord* are given new energy in a fresh setting and the joyful African rhythms of Bonse Aba contrast with the stark yet magnificent melodies of music written to commemorate the kristallnacht.

The Ferndale Community Choir began four decades ago as a combined choir of two churches in Ferndale, gathering for one concert at Christmas. The singers and director enjoyed the experience so much they sang again at Easter. They invited people of other faiths, or with an interest in the joy of singing sacred music together, to join in. Concerts became so well attended over the years that the choir now performs in several venues each season, and there are travelers from out of the area who plan their vacations around the choir’s performance schedule. Members of the choir travel from McKinleyville, Hydesville and points between to rehearse and perform.

The exceptional Dana Christen accompanies the choir at the piano and Bev Carlson will also be conducting. Russell Shorey on French Horn, and Mark De La O on percussion are talented instrumentalists this season.

The first performance of the Spring Celebration in Song will be at the Church of the Assumption, 546 Berding St., Ferndale on Easter Sunday, April 4th at 8:00 pm.

The second performance will be on Saturday, April 10th at 8:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 15th and H Streets in Eureka.

The final performance will be given on the afternoon of Sunday, April 11th at 3:00 pm at the Ferndale Community Church at 712 Main Street in Ferndale.

Concerts will conclude with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, at which time all former choir members are invited to come up with the choir to sing.

There will also be a celebratory dinner in Ferndale on April 11th. Former choir members and interested people who would like to attend are encouraged to email Susan at

ferndalechoir40th@gmail.com or visit http://sites.google.com/site/ferndalechoir40th/

as early as possible for more information, as reservations are required.

When/where: