Newman Church Announces Our Spring Choral Concert

Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ is pleased to present our Spring Choral Concert featuring Mass No. 2 in G Major by Franz Schubert. Also on the program are choral works by African American composer Mark A. Miller and British composer Will Todd. This concert will be performed by the choir of Newman Congregational Church, UCC, joined by many friends who have sung with us through the years. Geoffrey Greene is music director and Stephen Martorella is the accompanist, and featured soloists include Becky Bass, soprano, Barbara Youmans, alto, Thomas Seeger, tenor, and Jonne Gomes, bass.

Schubert’s now famous Mass No. 2 in G major was composed in less than three weeks in March, 1815 and is his most well known setting of the Mass. Schubert scored it for chorus and soprano, tenor, and bass soloists. He composed it in the form of a Missa Brevis, comprised of the six Ordinary sections of the Mass. namely the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. The solo sections are mostly interwoven with the choral parts in a modest fashion. The overall work has lovely melodies and the organ accompaniment gloriously supports the choral parts, sometimes in juxtaposition and other times brilliantly highlighting the meaning of the text. This work has become a mainstay of the choral repertoire.

Other works in this concert include three anthems by Mark A. Miller. These pieces feature the themes of love and deep faith, and are written with gorgeous piano accompaniments. Miller’s More Love is a captivating statement on the power of love overcoming hate and has become one of our favorite songs. Works by Will Todd include The Lord is my Shepherd, a lilting setting of the 23rd Psalm, and The Call of Wisdom, an intense offering that reassures the listener of God’s presence and comfort.

The Spring Choral Concert will take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM. The public is cordially invited and there is a suggested donation of $20. All proceeds from this concert support the Newman Church music program. A reception will follow the concert with an opportunity to meet the performers. Newman Congregational Church, UCC is located at 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford, RI. For more info, to become a sponsor, or to reserve tickets, please call the church office at (401) 434-4742 x10.