PORT TOWNSEND — The Summertime Singers on Thursday will be the featured guests of the ongoing Candlelight Concert Series at Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Taylor St.
Accompanying the Summertime Singers will be Helen Lauritzen on the Czechoslovakian Petrof Grand Piano, and Terry Reitz on the 1902 Mudler Tracker organ. In addition, percussionist Micah Harding, will support the singers with the gospel selections.
Sixth appearance
This marks the sixth appearance by the group at the series, according to a news release.
The performance is set for 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is by the suggested donation of $10 with children admitted free.
Refreshments will be served following the performance.
During the performance, the group will sing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Solemn Vespers of the Confessor, K339,” as well as two movements from his Vesperae de Dominica, K 321, conducted by Colleen Johnson.
‘Special treat’
“It is a special treat to sing the Mozart,” Johnson said.
“Some of the choir members have sung it before, and we’ve even had someone who isn’t able to be in the performance come to rehearsals just to sing this glorious music.”
The Mozart Vespers were written for an evening prayer service, and consists of six movements, all settings of psalms, said Richard Purnell, of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Rare opportunity to compare
The audience will have the rare opportunity to compare Mozart’s settings of two of these texts, as an octet will sing a second setting of “Laudate pueri,” also in fugue form, but light and sweet.
Also during the performance, Jonathan Stafford will direct a set of varied pieces including Johannes Brahms and Jeffrey Ames.
“All of this music is new to me, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do,” Stafford said.
The Summertime Singers was founded by 16 vocalists about five years ago, Purnell said.
Group has grown to 26 singers
Since then, it has grown to 26 singers who will participate in this year’s performance.
The Summertime Singers, Purnell said, are an eclectic group of choristers who all perform with other choral groups such as RainShadow, Community Chorus and Wild Rose Chorale.
For more information call 360-774-1644 or visit trinityumcpt.org.
