UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Four choirs from communities and schools in central Pennsylvania will join Penn State's Essence of Joy and Glee Club at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, in Eisenhower Auditorium to perform a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. The concert commemorates the 50th anniversary of King's assassination on April 4, 1968.
In addition to the Penn State ensembles, performing choirs include the Juniata College Concert Choir and the State College Choral Society, both conducted by Russell Shelley; State College Area High School Mastersingers conducted by Erik Clayton; and Essence 2, Ltd., led by Anthony Leach.
Admission is free, but tickets must be picked up in advance. A limited amount of tickets will also be available at the door. Tickets are available at any Arts Ticket Center location. This event is funded by the University Park Allocation Committee (UPAC). Parking is provided by State College Motors.
The concert is coordinated by Penn State professor Anthony Leach, music director of Essence of Joy and Essence 2, Ltd.
Program
Penn State Glee Club; Christopher Kiver, conductor
"He's got the whole world in his hands" — arr. Fenno Heath
"Harriet Tubman" — Rollo Dilworth
Juniata College Concert Choir; Russell Shelley, conductor
"I Am His Child" — Moses Hogan
"Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit" — arr. Rollo Dilworth
"Can’t Hide Sinner" — arr. Brian Tate
State College High School Master Singers; Erik Clayton, conductor
"Elijah Rock" — arr. Jester Hairston
"Great Day!" — arr. Gilbert Martin
"Balm in Gilead" — arr. William Dawson
Essence 2, Ltd.; Anthony T. Leach, music director
"Rock My Soul" — arr. Uzee Brown Jr.
"Hallelujah!" from "Cry of Jeremiah" — Rosephanye Powell
"Order My Steps" — Glenn E. Burleigh
Essence of Joy; Anthony T. Leach, music director
"Precious Lord" — arr. Roland Carter
"Keep Your Eye On the Prize" (premiere performance) — Stan Spottswood
"We Shall Overcome" — arr. Paul Arphelius Gatling, III
State College Choral Society; Russell Shelley, conductor
"A Dreamer’s Creed" — arr. Rollo Dilworth
"Ella’s Song" — Berniece Johnson Reagon
"I Dream a World" — Andre Thomas
Massed Choirs
"This L’il Light of Mine" — arr. Anthony T. Leach