Choral Artists mark American and world history in 45th season

While presenting a varied lineup of musical styles, Choral Artists of Sarasota is taking on a decided tone of Americana this season with concerts recognizing the words of Abraham Lincoln, the memory of Matthew Shepard and honoring the military in advance of performances in France tied to the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The choral group marks its 45th season – it was launched in 1979 by soprano Arden Fowler as Gloria Musicae Singers – and the 15th anniversary of the hiring of Joseph Holt as its artistic director.

Holt describes it as a big season that “recognizes people and events that have made a difference in our lives. We have all been touched and inspired by their impact,” he said.

The season will be capped off next June by more than a week of performances tied to the official ceremonies marking the anniversary of Allied troops landing on the beaches of Normandy in an operation that was credited with turning the tide against the Nazis in World War II.

Choral Artists will be among hundreds of people and arts groups who will be performing at various ceremonies and observances, Holt said. There will be two official ceremonies at Normandy and Omaha beaches, featuring all the artists. Choral Artists also will be singing its own program at L’église de la Madeleine in Paris.

The Memorial Day concert “United We Stand” on May 26 will offer local residents a preview of what will be performed in France, with a program featuring the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.

Here’s a look at what’s happening this season

Veteran’s Day in Song

1 p.m. Nov. 11, Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota

While Memorial Day is intended to remember those military members who gave their lives for the country, Veteran’s Day “is a celebration of the veterans amongst us. This is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our current veterans,” Holt said. The concert, which features singer Bob McDonald, a longtime member of the U.S. Army Chorus, will include a range of patriotic songs by George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin and Lee Greenwood, plus “In Flanders Field,” about “the poppies that grew in the fields where so many died and were buried.” Holt also will lead an Armed Forces Salute that he arranged.

Christmas Celebration

7 p.m. Dec. 10, Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota

For the first time in years, Holt said the holiday season program “will be a pure Christmas celebration. Usually we include songs about Kwanza, Hanukkah, the solstice and other observances, but this is a pure straight-ahead Christmas concert.” It features African-American spirituals, some performed a capella, and more ethereal selections.

Choral ‘Cinemagic!’

7 p.m. Feb. 4, First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota

The chorus celebrates the history of music and song in Hollywood movies. “We have a medley of hit songs from the entirety of the 20th century, romantic songs, dramatic songs, pieces used in underscoring. It’s a wonderful tribute called ‘Cinemagic’,” Holt said. The program also includes medleys of music from James Bond films, “Sister Act” and the ABBA hit “Mamma Mia!”

Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight

7 p.m. March 10, Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota

The ensemble will present the Florida premiere of 20th-century composer Florence Price’s “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight.” Holt said. “This is the traditional classical concert of the season. It is based on a poem written on the eve of World War I about how distressed Lincoln was about the problems of the world. Price died in her mid-50s and much of her music disappeared until 2009 when a chest with music she left behind was discovered inside her old home, which was about to be torn down. It is paired with Haydn’s “Mass in Anxious Times.”

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Considering Matthew Shepard

7 p.m. April 14, Church of the Palms

2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the death of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, who was beaten and left to die tied to a fence. In his memory, the ensemble will perform the Sarasota premiere of Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard.” Holt compares it to an oratorio – there is a hint of Bach’s Prelude in C to the music. Johnson uses a range of musical styles from simple madrigals to pop, rhythm and blues, gospel and full-out choruses. “We have been eying this for several years and I felt it was high time we did this piece,” he said.

Memorial Day Concert: United We Stand

4 p.m. May 26, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

This program “will have an element of what we will be performing in France,” Holt said. It will include John Williams’ “Hymn to the Fallen” from the film “Saving Private Ryan.” The full program will be announced later in the season.

Tickets for individual concerts are $40, $5 for students, except for the Memorial Day Concert, which is $30-$60, $5 for students. A five-concert subscription is $210, and a six-concert subscription is $240. For more information; 941-387-4900; choralartistssarasota.org

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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Choral Artists of Sarasota to sing at D-Day 80th anniversary program