The University of Missouri-Rolla Choir and Chamber Choir will perform in concert with the Rolla Chamber Singers at 8 p.m. Friday, April 27, in Leach Theatre of Castleman Hall, 10th and Main streets in Rolla. The performance is $3 for adults and free for children and students.         

The groups will perform some pieces together, including “Sleep” by Eric Whitacre, “Chichester Psalms” by Leonard Bernstein and “Cindy” by Mark Wilberg. UMR student Scott Brendler serves as the accompanist for the university choirs, and he will be joined by Kathy Mazzeo on piano for the song “Cindy.”         

The University Choir will perform “Neighbor’s Chorus” by Jacques Offenbach; “Ce’ Grand Matin,” a Haitian piece written by civil engineer Emile Desamours, and “Route 66,” which will feature UMR student Benedict Benito on bass. The University Chamber Choir will present “The Gift to be Simple,” arranged by Bob Chilcott. The Rolla Chamber Singers will perform “Sine Nomine” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “Shut de’ Door” arranged by Mark Hayes and “Set Me as a Seal” by Rene Clausen.                                                                              

The UMR choirs are led by Lorie Francis, a lecturer in the arts, languages and philosophy department at UMR. The University Choir is open to UMR students, faculty and staff, as well as community singers. No audition is required. The University Chamber Choir is a small, auditioned ensemble for UMR students. The Rolla Chamber Singers is a community choir led by John Francis, program director for public radio station KUMR, and accompanied by Kathy Mazzeo.         

For more information contact Lorie Francis at lorief@mst.edu or call the UMR performing arts office at 573-341-4185.