Concert "Choral Elements: Earth, Wind, Fire & Water

Macon, GA — Turn the World Around, Who Can Sail Without the Wind, Ballade of the Moon, Deep River. On Sunday, April 28, under the direction of Dr. Stanley L. Roberts, Associate Dean of Mercer University Townsend School of Music and accompanist Jonathan A. Poe, the Choral Society of Middle Georgia and the Mercer University Choir will present their final concert of the season: Choral Elements: Earth, Wind, Fire & Water. This concert weaves elements of earth, wind, water and fire with choral works with the passion of love, the fire of faith, and the joy of life as revealed through the ebb and flow of powerful and beautiful choral music.

Several selections set poems to music. “Oh, My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose” is a poem by Robert Burns about love that is fresh and long lasting. “In Time of Silver Rain” was a poem written by Langston Hughes which he dedicated to his friend when she told him she had cancer. Rollo Dilworth sets the poem to a beautifully layered, gospel-style chorus. Another composition of love is “Wedding Cantata” by Daniel Pinkham which he wrote in 1956 for the marriage of two of his friends. “Who Can Sail Without the Wind” is a traditional folk song from Sweden arranged by Dan Forrest. “I can sail without the wind. I can row without oars. But I can’t leave a parting friend without shedding tears.”

“Visions of St. John” is a powerful work by John Ness Beck from the book of Revelations. He takes you from the intensely anguished struggles of good and evil to the peace of Christ. “Deep River” is a traditional spiritual which has been used in several films including “Showboat.”

“Turn the World Around,” arranged by Larry Farrow, will spark a memory as the song written and performed by Harry Belefonte. Some will be reminded of Belefonte performing it with the Muppets in 1977. It is based on African tradition and methodology which told a story about the fire, the sun, the water, and the earth. In an interview with Belefonte, he said, “The whole of these things turns the world around… there really isn’t any difference in any of us if we take the time to understand each other.”

The concert is Sunday afternoon, April 28th, 4:00 P.M. at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Macon. Tickets are $15 to the general public. Mercer students and faculty are free with Mercer ID. Tickets may be purchased on-line www.csmga.org or at the door. For more information, please contact The Choral Society of Middle Georgia at 478-216-7841. Like our Facebook page (Choral Society of Middle Georgia) for updates and information.