March 22, 2004

The CLK Ecumenical Choir Holds its Spring Concert April 25

     The CLK Ecumenical Choir performs an eclectic program this spring at the Calumet United Methodist Church on April 25 at 3:00 PM. The concert includes sacred material from the classical period through folk music, spirituals, and traditional hymn material, all the way to contemporary music, including gospel and jazz.

     A male duo will perform Giuseppe Verdi’s “Praise Ye”; the choir will sing an arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”; the Southern folk song “Poor Wayfaring Stranger”; a blues-jazz arrangement of “Jesus Loves Me” with saxophone; John Rutter’s “Gaelic Blessing”; a lovely contemporary Christian anthem “Many Colors Paint the Rainbow” by Grand Rapids composer Roy Hopp; the African-American Spiritual “Welcome Table” in rousing gospel-style; and much, much more. The only kind of sacred music not to be performed is the so-called “religious elevator music.”

     Comprising 25 singers who have joined the group for sheer love of music and choral singing, the choir is accompanied by Kathleen Alatalo Arten and directed by Ole Kristensen who is also Music Director of Portage Lake United Church in Houghton.

     The concert is free of charge and everyone is invited to come and share the rich experience of great church music. A good-will donation is suggested to benefit the CLK Food Pantry and the CLK Ecumenical Choir.

     For more information, contact Christine Evans at 337-2400 or Ole Kristensen at 482-1542 (evenings: 337-0749) and ole@kristensen.us. The complete program will be available prior to the concert at the choir web site, www.kristensen.us/ec.