The Chamber Choir and its soloists will sing a program of American Music at First Congregational Church at 7:30 P.M.

The music will range from 18th to 21st century examples of the best of American styles.

We will be doing our biennial Wreath of Carols in December.  Right now, we are soliciting your requests.

This program really stretches us.  Many times when we do a program the music is similar.  That's just the way it works out.  In the case of a major work, it's all one composer.  That really makes it stylistically easy.  In picking this concert's repertoire we are going from the lyricism of 18th and 19th century Moravian composers (whom none of us know well enough) to the angular dissonance that's being written today.  In between we get William Billings, who was described by one biographer as "...having one eye, a deformed arm, harsh voice, lame in one leg, and addicted to snuff."  As one of the basses said, "Our kind of guy."  There is also Stephen Foster, spirituals, and Aaron Copland.  We think there is something for everyone.  Please join us.

The program will be completely made up of music written by American composers.  Their birth dates range from 1746 to 1983.  One of them immigrated to the colonies just before the American Revolution, but the rest are American born.

The Choir will sing two selections by Moravian composers who were part of the lesser-known but vibrant musical tradition of the denomination.  Centered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the Moravians had an active musical life and composed music in the style of their country of origin, namely Germany.

Other well-known composers to be heard are William Billings, Aaron Copland, Randall Thompson, and Stephen Foster.  In addition to a rousing spiritual, important 2oth Century will be heard from.  They include Z. Randall Stroope, Stephen Schwartz, Joseph M. Martin, Wilametta Spencer, and Greg Jasperse.  As a special treat, soprano Ginevra Naill will sing two art songs composed by her father, Richard W. Morse.  In short, we hope to explore the rich traditions thsat have evolved in our country since before its founding.  It is hoped that there will be something for everyone who attends.

First Congregational Church is located at 1201 Jefferson Street in downtown Muskegon and is fully accessible to the mobility impaired.