Chamber Singers of Southeast Iowa to perform May 28 in Fairfield

FAIRFIELD — The Chamber Singers of Southeast Iowa will present their annual spring concert on Saturday, May 28 at the Golden Magnolia Sanctuary (formerly First Presbyterian Church) at 200 S. Main St. in Fairfield.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and feature songs of peace, healing, and celebration with a special emphasis on songs from Eastern Europe. Elaine Reding, the group’s director, said each song brings out a different aspect of sacred or secular experience, creating an inspiring musical journey of “connectedness and unity.”

“In this way, the concert program offers comfort, hope, upliftment, and renewal,” she said.

Several of the choral works will be accompanied by either organ, piano, or flute. A beautiful flute and organ duet by guest artists Karen Aoki Kouider and Paul Skevington will complement the choral program.

“The Chamber Singers are grateful to be sharing beautiful choral music that inspires healing and strength as we recover from pandemic challenges and cope with a world in need of peace and harmony,” Reding said. “Throughout history, singing has always been a source of strength and unity during times of upheaval and division. The songs we’ve chosen for this concert provide that nourishment to the spirit, giving voice to the natural desire for peace, love, and healing. We look forward to sharing them with our wonderful Fairfield community.”

The Chamber Singers of Southeast Iowa celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2021. Their first concert was in 1991, and since then the group has performed more than 600 choral works from 40 countries. More than 150 people have been a member of the choir.

For the first 10 years of its life, the group met at Barhydt Chapel on the campus of Maharishi International University and at First Presbyterian Church at the invitation of the Rev. Richard Wallarab.

After Barhydt Chapel was torn down in 2001, the Rev. Stephen Page of St. Mary Church hosted the Chambers Singers for many years.

For the following 15 years, the Chamber Singers rehearsed and performed their holiday concerts once again at the First Presbyterian Church, now the Golden Magnolia Sanctuary.

For more information about the group and to order tickets in advance, contact Reding at elaine@lisco.com.