Published: August 06, 2009 06:11 pm      

Concert to remember 'All Souls'

Chorus Peregrinus, an “artreach” of the Dalton Arts Project, will present a free concert — “Lux Aeterna: In Remembrance of All Souls” — on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Dalton.

Jerrold Tidwell of Dalton is the organist and choirmaster. The 14-voice choir will sing a program of mostly sacred music including a 16th century polyphonic song by Thomas Tallis, a German motet by Brahms, and a French setting of The Lord's Prayer by Maurice Durufle. Tidwell will perform several selections on the organ. Jeff Roueche, oboist, will also accompany the choir.

Begun in 1993 by organist and director Bert Landman, Chorus Peregrinus is a volunteer choir of adult singers from Dalton and the surrounding area. Members meet weekly for rehearsals and travel throughout the region to perform.

Leslie Hunt, one of the original members of the choir, explains: “The name Chorus Peregrinus actually means 'wandering choir' and much of our performing occurs outside Dalton. We have sung the traditional Lessons and Carols service at Church of the Advent in Madison, Ga., for 15 years. We have sung at Presbyterian, Lutheran and Episcopal churches across the region from Ooltewah, Tenn., to Rome, Ga. And we have had occasion to sing at the Washington National Cathedral and in several venues in England.”

Mary Ellen Gurley has been singing with the Chorus Peregrinus off and on since its inception. “Over the past several years, many of our choristers have lost parents or other close family members, and we thought it would be meaningful to sing a program of music dedicated to their memories.”

Tidwell praises his singers. “Chorus Peregrinus is a small choir of people who really enjoy singing Renaissance and classical music, and they perform it in the British tradition,” he said. “They also sing choral music from the modern era. The choir has been together for a long time, and their tonal blend reflects that. I know you will enjoy hearing them sing this unique concert.”

Tidwell has served as an organist and choirmaster and professional accompanist throughout the Southeastern United States, including appointments to Jacksonville State University and Reinhardt College in Waleska.

The program will consist of two portions, one accompanied by instruments and the other a cappella. Dalton Arts Project will host a reception immediately following the concert.

Participants will include Mary Ellen Gurley, Sherrian Hall, Leslie Rae Hunt, Marilyn W. Lance, Jim Lewis, Ann MacKinnon, Sally Manly, Roslyn McGee, Mary Squires, Audrey Workman, Adrin Akins, Kevin C. Combs and Jerrold Tidwell.