Concertgoers will experience the rich tapestry of global traditions through the power of song as the Sterling College Choirs present “Harmonies from Home: A folk-song Celebration” at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at Sterling’s United Presbyterian Church. This concert will take the audience on a journey across cultures, showcasing the universal beauty of folk music through dynamic choral performance.
Both the Sterling Concert Choir, under the direction of Sean Foster, and the select ensemble Highland Singers, directed by Marisa Callan, will be featured in the concert. The performances will showcase a variety of musical styles and time periods, celebrating the human voice’s ability to convey deep emotion and storytelling across different cultures.
“Our theme is based on folk music,” said Foster. “There are lots of aural images that come to mind when one hears the term ‘folk music.’ In our context, we really mean music of the folk—music written to share experiences, thoughts, and feelings of the average community member in different cultures around the world.”
The Concert Choir performance will feature an eclectic mix of choral pieces, including “A Red, Red Rose,” the energetic and engaging “Cindy” arranged by Mack Wilberg, and the moving “City Called Heaven” arranged by Josephine Poelinitz, featuring freshman Kassia Lopez from Lyons as soloist. “Kassia sings with incredible passion and soul,” Foster noted. “As soon as she opens her mouth, you feel it.”
Further adding to the concert’s rich celebration of folk music traditions will be Highland Singers performance of “Poor Wayfaring Stranger,” “Bring Me Little Water, Silvy” among other selections.
Concertgoers can expect an evening of vocal exploration, with singers tackling multiple foreign languages, unique tone qualities, and varied musical traditions. “I hope that audience members leave our concert with a broader appreciation of what powerful and moving music can be,” said Foster. “Standards of beauty change with culture, and music is no exception,” Foster said.
The program’s diverse selections will challenge both performers and listeners, offering a blend of the profound and the playful. “We programmed this concert with variety in mind. In my opinion, no two pieces sound alike,” Foster shared. “Audiences will love ‘City Called Heaven’ for its depth and emotion, while ‘Cindy’ will be a lighthearted, foot-stomping delight.”
Sterling College Choirs encourage everyone to attend this free concert and experience the celebration of voices and stories from around the world. Although admission is free of charge, a free will offering will be taken. The concert will also be livestreamed on the Sterling College Music Facebook page.
