The Rockbridge Youth Chorale (RYC)_will present its spring concert Tuesday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Lexington Presbyterian Church. Doors open at 7:10 p.m.
Admission is a suggested minimum donation of $10 for adults, $5 for students or children, or $25 for families. This is a family friendly event featuring the RYC Youth Choir under the direction of Lacey R. Lynch and Children’s Choir directed by Katelyn Roll.
This concert features a stellar lineup of pieces by the Children’s Choir, including the soulful “Rhythm of the Rain,” full of musical imagery; then catchy partner song “Encourage One Another”; the lively “Cripple Creek”, an American folk song; and the moving ballad “Hope is a Hidden Star.” These joyful songs have led to moments of teamwork and laughter that have made rehearsals even more memorable, and the choir is ready to deliver a truly special performance that will leave the audience smiling and inspired, said Roll.
The Youth Choir has prepared three sets of music beginning with “From Ancient Texts to Folk Songs” featuring the piece “Psallite!” by composer Mary Lynn Lightfoot; the folk song “Homeward Bound” arranged by Jay Althouse; and a lively, traditional French tongue twister “Ton Thé” arranged by Susan Brumfield, highlighting Dr. Anna Billias and Kailesh Amilcar on the piano.
The second set, “For Love of Nature,” opens with Tracy Wong’s setting of the Malaysian children’s song “Ikan Kekek.” The baritones of the choir will once again be joined by friends from the Washington and Lee University choirs on the lively sea chanty “The Wellerman.” This set also includes Rollo Dilworth’s arrangement of two spirituals/folk songs, “The Water is Wide”/”Bring Me a Little Water Silvie.” The choir will end this set joined together with the Children’s Choir for a sweet little piece, “The Bird With One Wing,” about kindness and friendship by composer Amy F. Bernon.
The Youth Choir ends the concert with the final set, “Songs of Resilience, Courage and Hope,” featuring a Portuguese piece arranged by Daisy Fragaso, “Tenho Todos os Sonhos” (“I Have All the Dreams”), and Andy Beck’s “I Will Carry the Light.”
As is tradition, the concert will end with both the Children’s and Youth choirs singing as one on the traditional Quaker hymn “How Can I Keep from Singing?”
For more information, visit www.rcs.org or find the Rockbridge Youth Chorale on Facebook and Instagram.
