Voice: Chorale creates Light Eternal

FORT SMITH — In the vein of spring and all it promises, the 70-plus-member Fort Smith Chorale is rehearsing for its 31st annual spring concert, delightfully deemed Light Eternal.

Highlighted by John Rutter’s “Requiem,” the chorale’s voices are expected to fill every inch of the sanctuary at First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Ave. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday (April 23).

Accompanied by organ, instrumental ensemble and soprano solo, “Requiem” is a musical setting of an adaptation of the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass. To balance this serious piece, the chorale will also perform melodious folk songs from Germany, Ireland and the Americas, plus a few spirituals, all under the direction of Bill Comer.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door or by clicking here. Students with identification are admitted free.

The singing group was just have its size when it was started 31 years ago this year. Since then, the chorale has presented more than 72 concerts, with special performances at the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.