SHREVEPORT, La.— The Centenary Choir, "America's Singing Ambassadors" present Rhapsody in View at the Riverview Theatre. Co-sponsored by the Downtown Shreveport Lions Club and Centenary College, the concert takes place Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m.

Dating back to 1949, this is the largest concert the Choir gives in its hometown, and features a variety of pieces showcasing the choir’s unique stylistic diversity.

Named by the ensemble’s first director, Dr. A.C. "Cheesy" Voran, Rhapsody presents music of a wide range of styles and genres, from the great Classical standards to modern arrangements of folk and show tunes. This year’s program exemplifies this varied programming with such great sacred pieces such as Maurice Durufle’s iconic motet, Ubi Caritas and Mack Wilberg’s emotional hymn setting of Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Energetic spirituals like O Sifuni Mungu, Moses Hogan’s Elijah Rock, and Ivory and Caldwell’s Ask the Watchman show the Choir’s vocal diversity.

Secular highlights include the music of George Gershwin, Irving Berlin’s Alexander’s Ragtime Band, and two movements from Carl Orff’s famous choral work, Carmina Burana.

And no Centenary Choir program would be compete without a sampling of patriotic repertoire such as Wilhousky’s Battle Hymn of the Republic and Choir member Costas Dafnis’ setting of The Battle of New Orleans.

The Choir has recently returned from a tour of Australia and New Zealand where they delivered a memorable performance to a sold-out crowd at the famed Sydney Opera House. And yet, Rhapsody in View remains the highlight of the Choir’s concert season which annually includes more than 35 performances. "This is our home," director David Hobson says. "No other concert better illustrates the Choir’s unique blend of tradition, musicianship, service, and family."

The Shreveport Downtown Lions Club has co-sponsored the event since its inception, with proceeds helping to support the organization’s various service projects. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, and are available from members of the choir, The Hurley School of Music on the Centenary campus, all Porter’s Cleaners locations, and any Downtown Shreveport Lions Club members.

Also on Saturday, Oct. 31, Choir members will hold an open house in the Choir Room on campus from noon until 2 p.m. for friends, alumni, and families. The College will hold a reception from 6-7:15 p.m. Saturday night before the concert in the lobby of the Riverview Theatre for Centenary alumni and friends as well.

For more information, please call 318.869.5235.

A Dinner Tribute Honoring Nancy Carruth
September 17, 2009
5:30-7:45 p.m.
Fitness Center of Centenary College

You are cordially invited to a tribute honoring Dr. Nancy Carruth upon her retirement from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Board after over two decades of service.  The Foundation wants to use the event scheduled on September 17 as the opportunity to create a named endowment, to benefit Centenary, honoring Dr. Carruth.  The goal is to create the endowment with a $100,000 corpus.

Dr. Carruth's contributions of time, talent and treasure not only to higher education and Centenary College and uniquely the Centenary College Choir; but also to the United Methodist Church in Louisiana, the South Central Jurisdiction, nationally and internationally make this a very fitting tribute.  It provides all of those who know her and those who have benefitted from her vision and generosity to say thank you and “well done good and faithful servant”.

The Centenary College Choir will be prominently featured during the Tribute performing some of Dr. Carruth’s favorite selections with a surprise or two thrown in as lagniappe.

To learn more about how to contribute to the endowment or to make reservations for the event, please contact Thomas S. Gow, III or Cheryl Davis at the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, 615-340-7385 or cdavis@hbhem.org.

Choir sings to a sold out crowd in Sydney’s Famed Opera House!

The Centenary College Choir ended its 2009 International tour June 8 with a stunning performance of Mozart’s Requiem.  After the thundering final “Amen,” the sold-out audience in the Sydney Opera House gave a sustained standing ovation.

Singing with not only technical excellence, but united hearts, the Choir authored another historical moment in a history seemingly filled with such events.    This tour group included 60 current singers and 27 friends, family members, and alumni of the Choir.  

The tour began May 30 in New Zealand with a performance and potluck dinner at the Pitt Street Church in Auckland. In Rotorua, the thermal heart of the North Island, the group had a memorable exchange with the native Maori people.  A local tribe displayed authentic Maori’s music, fighting styles, and traditions.  The Choir joined in to share a few traditions, serenading the Chief with The Lord Bless You and Keep You and singing the Blessing for the delicious Hangi feast.  

 
Six days in Sydney followed, filled with great sight seeing and music making.  The Choir led off the June 8 Opera House concert with a diverse program, including a special performance of Tenebrae, dedicated to all those alumni who have brought the Choir to this point.   Following the Choir’s program, the group (including several Choir alumni) joined over 100 singers from both Australia and the United States in a grand presentation of Mozart’s Requiem, performing under the impressive direction of Dr. Eric Nelson.