The Lakeland Civic Chorus will present their spring concert, “Spring Carols,” Sunday, April 16, at 4 p.m. in the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center on Lakeland’s campus.

Chorus director Ben Richard selected 10 well established works that illustrate the calm and tranquil beauty of the spring season. The program’s repertoire includes William Butler Yeats and Victor C. Johnson’s “The Cloths of Heaven,” Stephen Schwartz’s “With You” arranged by Fritz Mountford, Eric Whitacre’s “Sing Gently,’ and, of course, Robert Louis Stevenson’s lyrical classic “Spring Carol.” Select Bible passages will also be performed as well as Jeffery Ames’ “In Remembrance” as tribute to longstanding Lakeland Civic Chorus member Donald A. Koch (1943-2022), with Carol Stafinski on French horn.

“For many of us, spring is a time of hope and joy,” says Richard. “As the snow begins to melt, flowers bloom and nature comes to life, there is an overwhelming sense that we, too, have the chance to start anew. I chose these pieces to highlight both the sacred and secular choral literature celebrating life, love and renewal.”

Concert tickets can be purchased at the box office upon arrival or online at lakelandcc.edu/arts. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and veterans and $2 for students. Online purchasers should bring their order confirmation to show at the door. The Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center is on the first floor of the D-Building on Lakeland’s campus, located at 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland, Ohio, 44094, just off the I-90/State Route 306 exit. Free parking is available.

ABOUT THE LAKELAND CIVIC CHORUS

The Lakeland Civic Chorus was founded in 1972 because of an initiative by local community members and Lakeland Community College to complement the existing Lakeland Civic Orchestra. Today the chorus is comprised of a diverse group of students, teachers and community members with all voice classifications including soprano, alto, tenor and bass.

Under the direction of Ben Richard, the chorus rehearses every Tuesday evening from 7:30-9:30 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.

ABOUT THE CIVIC MUSIC ENSEMBLES

Lakeland Community College provides community members the opportunity to express and advance their talents by performing in five music groups: the Lakeland Civic Band, the Lakeland Civic Chorus, the Lakeland Civic Flute Choir, the Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra and the Lakeland Civic Orchestra. Additionally, the college offers talented high school students Jazz Impact, an all-star high school music group.

For more information about the civic music groups and auditions, contact Jeri Lynn Pilarczyk in the Arts and Sciences Division at 440.525.7261 or email jpilarczyk5@lakelandcc.edu.

ABOUT LAKELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

For more than 50 years, Lakeland Community College has impacted thousands of lives through learning. Founded in 1967, Lakeland was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to its mission, the college provides quality learning opportunities to nearly 8,000 credit students to meet the needs of the community at its campus in Kirtland and online.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Lakeland offers more than 140 associate degree and certificate programs that may lead to high-demand careers or transfer to four-year institutions. The college also provides access to bachelor’s, graduate and doctorate degrees along with certificates and endorsements, as well as lifelong learning opportunities, on campus through the Holden University Center of Lakeland, in partnership with 11 four-year institutions.

By: Charles Hegedus, Mrktg and Commun Specialist