This Christmas season the Fort Smith Chorale gives you a concert of works highlighted by John Leavitt’s Christmas cantata Hodie. Hodie (Today) means the hope of every Christian is very near. God in flesh has come to live among us, now, today! Along with Leavitt’s Hodie, the Chorale will present Ding Dong! Merrily on High, an energetic Christmas favorite accompanied by piano, flute, and percussion. Ralph Vaughn Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols gives us a very English Christmas. As our custom has been for the past 30 years, the Chorale will sing many beloved carols such as Away in a Manger (arranged by Paul Sjolund), Midnight Clear (a setting by Matthew Nielsen), and a marvelous rendition of There Is No Rose by René Clausen.

John Rutter’s Requiem is the highlight of our Spring 2012 concert. Accompanied by organ, instrumental ensemble, and soprano solo, this is a requiem like no other, bright with hope of light eternal. Church singers especially will recognize Rutter’s treatment of the 23rd Psalm, The Lord Is My Shepherd. Balancing the Requiem will be melodious folk songs from Germany, Ireland, and the Americas, plus (who knows?) even a few spirituals. Come join the Chorale for an evening of choral enjoyment!