The Greenbrier Valley Chorale will kick off its 30th anniversary season with a concert on Sunday, May 7, at 3 p.m. at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg. Artistic Director Barbara Wygal Lutz has selected a program of beautiful and challenging choral works that showcase the choir’s ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles. The 50-member ensemble has been directed by Barbara Lutz since its inception in 1993, and Teresa Bryant has been their accompanist for many of those years.
The musical landscape of the concert ranges from “If Ye Love Me” by Sixteenth Century composer Thomas Tallis, to “Lovely Day” by West Virginia’s own Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Bill Withers. The program also includes the Shaker tune “I am Loved as I Loved,” arranged by Jeffrey Douma; the Hebrew folk song “Hine Ma Tov,” in an arrangement by Neil Ginsberg; and an evocative arrangement of the American folk song “Shenandoah” by James Erb. An array of uplifting contemporary and traditional choral works rounds out the program.
The Chorale is delighted to welcome back two guest soloists who have performed with them in the past. Kiersten White will be featured in Frances Smith Thomas’ “My Feet are Tired, but My Soul is Resting” arranged by Shawn Kirchner. A West Virginia native, White received her B.A. in theatre from Millikin University. In addition to performing, she has directed performers of all ages at Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Buckhannon Community Theatre and the National Women’s Theatre Festival. She has been singing with the Chorale on and off since 2017 and is excited to be welcomed back for this 30th Anniversary Concert.
Dan Slavin will perform an encore of his rousing solo turn in Shawn Kirchner’s arrangement of “I’ll Be on My Way”, a highlight of last year’s spring concert. An actor, singer and songwriter from Glens Falls, NY, Slavin attended the University of Rochester and studied voice at the Eastman School of Music. He has performed all over the country doing a cappella, musical theatre, and occasionally improv comedy. Currently, he is enjoying his time in White Sulphur Springs as a Springhouse Entertainer at The Greenbrier.
To show their appreciation for their faithful supporters, the Chorale will host a reception for audience members in the Old Stone Room downstairs in Carnegie Hall following the concert. Guests will enjoy sweet and savory tidbits donated by area businesses including The French Goat, The General Lewis Inn; Blackwells; Taste of Heaven; and Pro-Start, the Greenbrier East High School culinary arts and restaurant management program.
Concert tickets can be purchased through the Carnegie Hall Box Office, 304-645-7917, or online through the Chorale’s website, www.greenbriervalleychorale.org
