Christine Letcher Submitted photo

The CODA Chorus Spring Concert is set for 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Hope Baptist Church, 726 Western Ave. in Manchester. The program features songs about kindness and friendship using the words of American poets and composers.
The program is conducted by CODA Chorus music director Christine Letcher, an assistant professor in music at the University of Maine at Augusta. Brendan Wilson, a local music educator is the accompanist. In addition to the chorus’s fifty singers, the program features Nicole Shaw on Oboe and a string quartet including: Jon Moody, cello; Benjamin Rosenthal, violin I; Eva Nielson, violin II; Taylor Clark, viola; and Jon Moody, cello.

The program includes Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “Evening Star,” connecting poetry and music as he describes gazing at a star. Dreams appear throughout these songs as well, where, in the words of Langston Hughes, “love will bless the Earth,” and “where all will know sweet freedom’s way.” Odina Batnag reminds us that as citizens of the world, “we are one.” Likewise, Leonard Bernstein writes in Dream With Me,” We’re together if we dream the same sweet dream.” Emily Dickinson asks, “Will There Really Be a Morning?”

A free will offering is taken.

For over 55 years, CODA Chorus has brought choral music to Central Maine. It exists to encourage the enjoyment of singing and to raise the local of music appreciation. CODA Chorus provides an opportunity for local singers of all a wide range of ages and abilities. The chorus holds annual concerts in December and in the spring.

For more information call 603-785-2669 or email codachorus.winthrop@gmail.com.

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