Choir Concert Slated for Feb. 23

Central Methodist University and the Swinney Conservatory of Music are inviting the public to attend an afternoon of choral music performed by the CMU choirs, as the upcoming concert titled “Reflections of Love” will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church.

The program explores love in its many forms through a diverse selection of repertoire. Drawing inspiration from the Song of Solomon 8:6, the concert reflects on the enduring power of love: "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm."

Under the direction of Dr. Thomas Clark and with the help of collaborative artist Janet O’Neill, the Conservatory Singers and Chorale will present pieces that blend classical and contemporary works. Violist Dominique Archambeau will be featured as the special guest artist at the performance.

Featured selections for the concert include "I Am Loved" by emerging composer Christopher Harris, with inspiring text by St. Louis native Sara Teasdale, and C. V. Stanford's "Beati Quorum Via," a serene and reflective choral piece. The program's centerpiece, "Five Hebrew Love Songs" by Eric Whitacre, offers a captivating collection of short songs based on Hebrew poetry, enhanced by the artistry of special guest violist and current adjunct instructor of strings Dominique Archambeau, whose performance adds warmth and depth to these expressive melodies. The concert concludes with "If Music Be the Food of Love" by David Dickau, a lush and romantic setting of Shakespeare’s text celebrating music as a universal expression of love.

The Chorale and Conservatory Singers will follow up the February concert by traveling to Kirkwood to perform again at Kirkwood United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. on March 2.

Members of Conservatory Singers are:

• Soprano – Meredith Ash, Colleen Allen, Tori Bales, Liz Boyd, Dr. Shayna Burchett, Makaila Irby, Richelle Milburn, Emily Millstead, Cecilia Rancatore, Devin Rodgerson, and Ruari Wells
• Alto – Harmony Andrews, Dr. Barb Berwin, Madisyn Conway, Emeline DeLapp, Rachel Fisher, Devin Jones, Mariah Nichols, Arielle Prince, Trinity Thompkins, and Jordyn Williamson
• Tenor – Daniel Ard, Gessie Bruce, Douglas Burchett, Danny Eckhoff, Tyler Hershey, Caleb Scantlin, Matty Simons, and Thanapat Tracy
• Bass – Gram Coalier, Matt Hamilton, Matthew Kreisler, Landon Meyer, Wyatt Mitchell, Paul Reinert, Brandon Prince, and Tyler Shull
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Members of the Chorale include:

• Sopranos – Elizabeth Berry, Madisyn Conway, Richelle Milburn, Emily Millstead, Grace O’Neal, Cecilia Rancatore, and Lauren Shields
• Altos – Taylor Baker, Mallory Boyer, Emeline DeLapp, Samantha Maddux, Mariah Nichols, and Arielle Prince
• Tenors – Daniel Ard, Kyle Drewes, Danny Eckhoff, Owen Flores, Tyler Hershey, and Jay Strain
• Basses – Gram Coalier, Wesley Miner, Matt Hamilton, Paul Reinert, Ethan Schaefferkoetter, and Noah VanGundy Jr.
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