Each fall, the Central Methodist University Chorale goes on the road for a week, visiting schools and churches across Missouri. This fall, these 30 top CMU singers will take something special with them, the premiere performances of a commissioned piece from noted composer Dan Forrest called “Not Ashamed.”
Dr. Claude Westfall, conductor of the Chorale and CMU director of choral activities, will shepherd the Chorale through the east half of Missouri on their annual tour, Thursday, Nov. 16 – Tuesday, Nov. 21. They will perform for schools during the day; however, the evening concerts, held in churches, are open to the public and free of charge.
The centerpiece of the tour is “Not Ashamed,” a commissioned piece by world-renowned composer Dan Forrest. Its first public performance was at the choir’s home concert Sunday, Oct. 29, in Fayette.
The choir also sings a second Forrest composition, “The Nightengale.” Other pieces from their repertory include “A Choral Fanfare” by John Rutter; “Salve Regina” by Orland di Lasso; “A Maiden is in a Ring” by Hugo Alfven; “Take My Hand” by John David Earnest; “Hard Times” by Craig Hella Johnson; “The Singer’s Dance” by Kim Arnesen; and “By and By” by Carol Barnett.
Specific times and locations of open concerts include:
Thursday, Nov. 16 7 p.m. Missouri United Methodist Church (UMC) at 204 S. Ninth Street, Columbia, Mo.
Friday, Nov. 17 7 p.m. Centenary UMC at 20 Park Street, Bonne Terre, Mo.
Saturday, Nov. 18 7 p.m. Gray Summit UMC at 204 Ford Street, Gray Summit, Mo.
Sunday, Nov. 19 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. worship services at Concord-Trinity UMC
at 5275 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, Mo.
Sunday, Nov. 19 7 p.m. College UMC at 701 E. Main Street, Warrenton, Mo.
Monday, Nov. 20 7 p.m. Kirksville First UMC at 300 E. Washington Street, Kirksville, Mo.