Lebanon’s world-famous soprano Christine Brewer to perform locally
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By ROBBY DORMAN
Christine Brewer
LEBANON — The Heartland Community Chorus will present its Spring Concert, “Going Over Jordan,” featuring internationally acclaimed soprano Christine Brewer, of Lebanon, as the guest soloist. The concert will be performed twice: Saturday, March 22, at 7 p.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Lebanon and Sunday, March 23, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland.
Brewer, named one of the top 20 sopranos of all time by BBC Music, is known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. She has performed at major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera and the English National Opera.
“We’re really excited about our guest soloist,” said Luanne Murphy, director of the Heartland Community Chorus. “Christine Brewer is a world-famous opera singer, and it is an honor to have her join us. This is the first time (that) she has sung with our chorus.”
Brewer’s performance will feature spirituals and traditional hymns in fresh, modern arrangements. Her solo selections include “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” “City Called Heaven” and “Ride On, King Jesus.”
She will also sing with the chorus on “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me,” “Wade in the Water” and “He Never Failed Me Yet,” a gospel piece by St. Louis composer Robert Ray.
While Brewer is known for her opera roles, Murphy emphasized that this concert is not an opera performance. “If you’re not into opera, don’t worry — this is not an opera concert. Christine is singing spirituals and hymns, and they are absolutely stunning,” Murphy said.
The Heartland Community Chorus promotes and preserves the tradition of choral music in the Metro East region. The group presents three major concerts each season: a Christmas concert, a pops concert and the spring concert.
Tickets for the Spring Concert are $15 (free for those 16 and under) and are valid for either performance. Tickets can be purchased online at heartlandcommunitychorus.org, at the door, or from chorus members.
“This is likely the most affordable opportunity to hear Christine Brewer perform,” Murphy said. “Tickets to see her in an opera house could cost hundreds of dollars, but she is incredibly generous in sharing her talents with our community.”
For more information, visit heartlandcommunitychorus.org.
