PJC Chorale Showcase slated Tuesday, April 10

Published or Revised April 02, 2007

The Paris Junior College Chorale will present its Spring Choral Showcase on Tuesday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church at 322 Lamar Avenue. This free concert centers on a "World Tour" concept that will include both classical and Broadway selections. The singers will begin the evening with a fast-paced accappella number entitled "Salmo 150," which is the Brazilian version of Psalms 150. Showing their expertise in Italian diction, the Chorale will present "Nella Fantasia," a beautiful piece made famous by Il Divo. The spirited "O Sifuni Mungu" comes from Africa and will feature several soloists and percussion instruments. The Chorale will salute opera with the famous chorus "Habanera" from French composer Georges Bizet. One of the students' preferred selections is "Bohemian Rhapsody" which will represent the Czech Republic. The seven members of the Chorale who made the Texas All-State Choir will perform "Ave Verum" from Mozart. In addition, the PJC Chamber Singers will perform German composer Johannes Brahms' "How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place." Charles Shelton serves as the group's pianist and will be assisted by Central Presbyterian organist Thomas Belew. According to director Pat Fowzer, the Paul Tullis String Quartet from Fort Worth have been invited to perform in this year's concert. In addition, David Head, a student at PJC, will be the group's percussionist for the evening. Guests are invited to come 30 minutes early and hear the string quartet in play as people assemble for the program. In keeping with another longtime Chorale tradition, the students will also salute a favorite Broadway musical. This year they will perform "Phantom of the Opera" written by one of England's legendary composers, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Scheduled soloists on other favorite musicals include: Erin McDowell singing a selection from the musical "Songs for a New World"; Whitney Palmer singing a selection from the musical "Wicked"; and Brittanie Haines singing a selection from the musical "A Secret Garden."