The Eastern Mennonite University Chamber Singers, a select student choir, will present its spring concert 7 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 17, at Park View Mennonite Church, N. College Ave., Harrisonburg.
The 34-voice choir, directed by Dr. Kenneth Nafziger, professor of music, will sing music from their spring break tour through the Midwest along with “Misa Criolla” a setting of the mass based on Latin American rhythms and instruments by Argentine composer Ariel Ramirez. The program will include a first performance of the revised version of “Songs for the Journey” by the New England composer Kevin Siegfried for choir and small orchestra.
“Songs for the Journey” will be performed in memory of Matthew Garber, 22, a much-loved student leader, musician and 2008 nursing graduate from Elizabethtown, Pa. He was a significant part of Chamber Singers’ history and experience during his years of participation and was an inspiration to many in the choir. Matt drowned on July 1, 2008 during a summer missions trip in Costa Rica. The performance is made possible through a gift from Matt’s parents to the EMU Chamber Singers.
Admission to the program is free. However, any donations received will go to the support of HARTS (Harrisonburg & Rockingham Thermal Shelter). HARTS’ mission is “to provide a warm and safe place to sleep for people why have no other place to stay.” This happens through “engaging the community of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County in partnership to provide shelter, compassionate support and access to services for homeless people.”
A basket for contributions will be located at the doors at the close of the program. Checks can be made out to HARTS.