Featuring folksongs and gospel music from around the globe, the Celebration Singers of Asheville will present their spring concert, “Music in the Heart of the World,” on Sunday, May 15, at 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church. This community youth chorus is comprised of talented singers in second grade through high school.
“Being a devotee of Zoltán Kodály music methods, I have selected music for our chorus that is of the highest standards and includes traditional music from around the world,” says the group’s musical director Ginger Haselden. “Music is such a major part of our world and is a wonderful way to introduce children to other cultures.”
Selections include “De Colores” from Mexico with flute and violin, and “Funga Alafia” from Nigeria. Bob Chilcott and Andrea Ramsey are two well-known composers of children’s choral repertoire. The Singers will perform Chilcott’s “In the Heart of the World” and “Sing to Me” by Ramsey. These two pieces will also be performed by Celebration Singers and other young voices at the Crescent City Children’s Choir Festival in New Orleans next month. Members of the Asheville Choral society will join the children on “In The Heart of the World.”
Open auditions to join the Celebration Singers will be held June 16 and September 1, from 5–6 p.m. at First Congregational Church. Boys and girls should prepare a solo and bring sheet music, but no reservation is required.
Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. First Congregational Church is located at 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. For more information, visit singasheville.org or their Facebook page.
