Youth chorus returns from trip to Europe, schedules auditions

This trip was the highlight of the 10th anniversary of the choir, which is under the direction of Florence Jowers, associate professor of music at Lenoir-Rhyne. The Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus is a professional chorus for children, sponsored by the Music Program. Interested singers between the ages of 8 and 18 are auditioned and placed in either the beginning or advanced chorus.

Rehearsals are held once a week, and performances are scheduled on a regular basis, with at least one major performance in each semester. Both girls’ and unchanged boys’ voices are welcome.

The youth chorus is now seeking new members between the ages of 8 and 18 who wish to audition. To schedule an audition or to ask further questions about the program, please call Professor Florence Jowers at 828-328-7195. You can also read about the group by going to www.lrc.edu/mus and clicking on youth programs.

During their trip to England, the Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus was chosen as the choir to lead Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral, a service that has been sung daily there for more than 800 years. The chorus became part of history as its name was inscribed in the cathedral records of who participated in the services. The group also had the opportunity to sing the Evensong Service at Windsor Castle and to give a solo concert in Canterbury.

After leaving Canterbury, the festival singers moved to Oxford and performed at the grand 17th century Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Christopher Wren.

After leaving England, the members of the Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus and accompanying family members headed to Paris for a three-day stay, which included visits to many of the Paris landmarks. The trip concluded with a concert at the Church of The Madeleine, to an almost full house.

“This experience will change the lives of these young people forever. We will not soon forget the sounds of the singing, the sights and smells of the cities, and the friendships formed,” Jowers said.

The Lenoir-Rhyne College Sacred Music Program will host a series of Evensong Services throughout the year at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Hickory. The church is located across the street from the college. The first event will feature the Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus as they sing the Evensong Service they presented at Canterbury at 8 p.m. Sept. 9. The public is invited to this and the following Evensongs, each featuring a different choir of the college. The other Evensong performances will be at 8 p.m. in St. Andrews on Oct. 7, Nov. 11, Jan. 27 and Feb. 24. By LRCNews