Caldwell Men’s Chorus to present its Spring Concert with special guests

LENOIR, NC (April 16, 2018)…The Caldwell Men’s Chorus will present its Spring Concert on Saturday evening, April 28th at 7:30 PM at Lenoir Presbyterian Church, 1002 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir.  The concert is free and open to the public.  Special guests of the Men’s Chorus will be LYRA, a professional vocal ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia.

This ensemble sings Russian folk music and orthodox Russian Church Music in their native tongue, then they discuss the pieces in English.  Caldwell Men’s Chorus Director, Keith Smith, says, “We are very excited to have LYRA appear with us.  Regardless of politics, this is an opportunity for people in our area to have a unique cultural experience with highly artistic music, provided by fine people and fine singers.  I hope that we fill the church to overflowing to welcome them!”  LYRA’s appearance is made possible by a grant from the Broyhill Family Foundation.

The Caldwell Men’s Chorus will sing an array of eclectic music.  Smith says, “One of our patrons has asked me if we would sing a concert of Stephen Foster music for some time now.  I don’t feel that we could substantiate a full concert of his music, but since LYRA is providing Russian Folk Music, I thought this would be a great time to expose them to one of our finest and most prolific American folk composers.  So, we will be doing four Stephen Foster pieces.”  The Men’s Chorus program will include the Scottish Ballad, “Loch Lomond,” the four Foster selections, “Camptown Races,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” “Hard Times Come Again No More,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” the Beatles’ “In My Life,” two Barbershop numbers, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” and “Heart of My Hearts,” two spirituals, “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands,” and “Just a Little Talk with Jesus,” a classical Wagnerian piece, “The Pilgrim’s Chorus,” and the Men’s Chorus signature piece, “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”  The chorus is a 25-member non-profit group, ranging in age from 18-80, serving the Unifour area, especially Caldwell County and most specifically, the Lenoir area.  The director is Keith Smith and the piano accompanist is Gregory Knight.  Smith says that you do not need a ticket or reservation for the concert, just show up at the doors of the sanctuary to the church.  But he encourages everyone to come early, as the church will fill up fast.  For more information, please call 322-3169.

Press release courtesy of Keith Smith