Easter is fast-approaching and it is the time of year for cantatas, plays, concerts, special programs and other Easter-related events.
Members of the Liberty County Community and Area Mass Choir are busy rehearsing for their annual Easter cantata, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at St Philips Episcopal Church in Hinesville.
“This choir has been called an ‘ecumenical miracle’ by civic and community leaders,” said Ronald G. Calhoun, choir founder. Under the leadership of Calhoun, the choir has gained popularity throughout the area. Calhoun also serves as conductor and composer.
The choir is comprised of singers who hail from churches and schools in Liberty County and the surrounding areas. The diverse choir provides an outlet for the singers.
Since it was organized in January 2003, the choir has given many community concerts. Shortly after its establishment, the singers performed the “100 Voices for Easter Concert” in April 2003. The concert, held in Hinesville, was a great success, according to Calhoun.
Other performances followed, including Handel’s Messiah at Fort Stewart, patriotic concerts in Hinesville and at Fort Pulaski National Monument, the annual Mayor’s Thanksgiving Service concert, the “I’m Amazed” concert at Marne Chapel on Fort Stewart (the group performed music from the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir) and the Community Covenant Signing concert at Fort Stewart.
“The LCCA Mass Choir has programs for singers and musicians in the area, including an ensemble, quartet, trio, soloist, instrumentalist and community chorus that represent the Mass Choir at special programs, such as the Warrior’s Walk ceremony, Christmas-tree lightings and other such programs,” Calhoun said.
“We will present a special presentation of Messiah for Easter. Although folks generally think of this as a Christmas work, Handel’s intention was that it be an Easter presentation. Handel did all the performances in his lifetime during Easter,” he said.
“Interested singers and instrumentalists are invited to participate. Singers from around the area now have an opportunity to participate in these programs by joining the rehearsals on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Hinesville on North Main Street,” Calhoun said.
“Singers are invited to join the fun and meet new folks. The choir also has openings for tenor and bass soloist. Those interested in joining the LCCA Mass Choir may contact me via e-mail at lcca.mass.choir@bellsouth.net or call me at 977-3322,” the choir founder said.