Music Festival Chorus presents What Sweeter Music

Sunday December 2, the Hot Springs Music Festival Chorus will present a concert titled “What Sweeter Music!” beginning at 3 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 228 Spring Street in Hot Springs. Advance purchase tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for students and are available by calling the Festival office at (501) 623-4763.

This exciting program will focus on music of English composers, specifically those who have written music for royal occasions. 2012 is the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, so the concert will begin with “Zadok the Priest,” written by George Frederic Handel for the coronation of King George I in 1714. This work has been sung at the coronation of every English monarch since that time.

The Chorus will also present music by Ralph Vaughn Williams, Charles Hubert H Parry, and John Rutter. Audience participation on familiar tunes will be a part of the experience and several holiday selections will be offered.

Lynn Payette, Director of the Hot Springs Music Festival Chorus, lived and worked in London, England, for several years, and has participated in events where she played the organ for members of the Royal Family. She brings a level of understanding and experience with this magnificent choral music that is unique for many American choirs.

Seating is limited, so make your reservations early for this music of ceremony and celebration.

About the Hot Springs Music Festival:

First-of-its-kind in concept and execution, the Hot Springs Music Festival brings together over 200 international musicians each June in the historic spa resort of Hot Springs National Park.

The Festival, now in its eighteenth season, pairs world-class mentor musicians from major orchestras, chamber ensembles and conservatory faculties with especially talented preprofessional apprentices–all of whom receive full scholarship plus housing.

The two groups play “side by side” in orchestral, chamber, solo recital, vocal, choral and chamber opera repertoire. For two weeks, these musicians form a unique community, presenting over 20 concerts and 250 open rehearsals for music lovers from around the globe.

Over 10,000 people attended Festival events last year, and an additional 6.4 million heard its concerts on nationwide radio broadcasts. Visit www.hotmusic.org for more information, and mark your calendars for Season Eighteen, June 2 through 15.