Piedmont University Singers to Give Celebratory Performance Nov. 11

The Piedmont University Singers will give their first public performance in nearly two years at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Chapel on the Demorest campus, 1021 Central Ave.

“The Piedmont Singers last performed in fall 2019, just before the start of the COVID pandemic.  We are thrilled to once again convene this talented group of vocalists, who have proudly represented Piedmont University for over three decades,” said Associate Dean of the School of Fine Arts Dr. Wallace Hinson, who conducts the Piedmont University Singers.

Piedmont President James F. Mellichamp established the Piedmont Singers 33 years ago to serve as ambassadors to Congregational churches throughout the United States. Through the years, the ensemble has grown in both size and quality. It is now comprised of nearly 40 students selected for participation.

Since the group was formed, it has performed in 26 states, Washington, D.C., Canada, England, and Wales. It was invited to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association conference in 2000 and 2005, and it has been invited to perform again in 2022.

For the Nov. 11 performance, the Piedmont Singers will perform pieces representing a wide variety of musical styles, from the Renaissance to the present, including works in Latin, Czech, and Swedish, as well as English.

The highlight of the concert is Trinity Te Deum, which features the choir with the organ, harp, percussion, and brass.

“The program also includes a piece during which the audience will be encouraged to sing along with the choir. This performance is a celebration of being able to sing together once again and to sing for the public,” Hinson said.

The singers are joined by Louise Bass, organist and artist-in-residence, for two works on the program, O Thou the Central Orb by Charles Wood, and Trinity Te Deum. Bass, a native of McAlester, Oklahoma, and a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an experienced performer of sacred music and has deep roots as a church musician. She has served as organist and choir director at the Cathedral Church of St. John in Albuquerque and has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe at some of the world’s most important churches. She has the distinguished honor of performing with the Piedmont Singers for nearly 20 years and has toured with the choir across the U.S., England, and Wales.

Bass recently commented about how much it means to work alongside Piedmont students:

“I really want them to know how much they mean to me. It’s been a real honor to play for them. The conductor is wonderful, the choir extraordinary, and the organ magnificent,” she said.

The Nov. 11 performance is free and open to the public. Face coverings and social distancing will be required.

For more information about the Fine Arts at Piedmont, visit piedmont.edu/about-piedmont/fine-arts-piedmont.