March 19, 2024

Newman UCC presents our Spring Choral Concert featuring The Parable of the Trees by Chris Turner

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Rumford, R.I. - Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is pleased to present our annual Spring Choral Concert, featuring The Parable of the Trees, a choral work by Chris Turner. This concert will also feature original instrumental compositions by Turner as well as his Requiem, a choral Mass for the departed.
For this concert, the featured instrumentalists are Laura Gulley on violin, Steven L. Jobe on hurdy-gurdy and bassoon, Rob Bethel on cello, Chris Turner on harmonica, and Geoffrey Greene on accordion, piano, and organ. The Newman choir features soloists Becky Bass, soprano, Barbara Youmans, alto, Matt Kleyla, tenor, and Lucky Rattan, bass. Mr. Greene is conductor and the Minister of Music at Newman Congregational Church.
The Parable of the Trees is an Old Testament scripture from the Book of Judges, telling the story of the trees in search of a king. The trees offer their crown to the olive tree, fig tree, and the vine, all who turn down their offer. When the trees offer their crown to the bramble, their offer is accepted as the bramble warns them that it will protect them, but in doing so fire will devour the cedars of Lebanon, a foretelling of the destruction yet to come. Turner’s setting of this story is clever with his use of medieval harmonies and a simple texture. The tenors lead the story, and the choir provides the harmonies set with brilliant word painting.
The Parable of the Trees Concert will take place on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 3:00 pm. The public is cordially invited and there is a suggested donation of $10. A reception will follow the concert with an opportunity to meet the musicians. Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is located at 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford, RI 02916. For more information, to be a sponsor, or to reserve tickets, please call (401) 434-4742 x10.

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