The British are coming for Bemidji Chorale's April 21 concert

Apr. 13—BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Chorale will perform a variety of British music at its spring concert on Sunday, April 21, including a medley of Beatles songs.

The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Thompson Recital Hall at Bemidji State University with a reception to follow. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

Director James Bowyer calls the concert "a British invasion." Two major works will be performed: "Rejoice in the Lamb" by Benjamin Britten and "Five Mystical Songs" by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The Chorale also will perform the Williams piece with the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra on April 28 at the Bemidji High School Auditorium.

"These are major works for choir, important works," Bowyer said.

The Britten piece's lyrics were selected from poetry by a man who was in an asylum.

"The poetry is fascinating," Bowyer said. "The writing is kind of religious, but it also touches on his life experience in there. He was basically in solitary for the whole time. Sometimes you think this is a man who's delusional, and then sometimes you think this is somebody who has incredible, beautiful and interesting insights on the world. The music is hard, but it's really satisfying."

The Williams piece features baritone soloist Cory Renbarger, professor of music and director of Bemidji Opera Theater at BSU.

"It's kind of an honor to sing Vaughan Williams," said Renbarger. "I've sung quite a few of his songs and I teach a lot with his songs. He was a wonderful composer for baritone. He loved the baritone voice, so it's very enjoyable."

The Chorale also will perform "My Spirit Sang All Day" by Gerald Finzi based on a poem by Robert Bridges. The concert will end with the Beatles medley, which will include "Can't Buy Me Love," "Imagine," and "Here Comes the Sun."

Wayne Hoff will accompany the Chorale on organ and piano.