The Nauvoo Community Choir presented a Spring Concert Saturday night, April 20, at the Nauvoo Discovery Center (formerly Christ Lutheran Church) at 1110 Ripley St. in Nauvoo.
The concert featured 11 songs: some sacred, others just fun.
The evening began with a rendition of “Scarborough Fair,” followed by soprano soloist Katherine Hull singing “O Savior Hear Me.”
As the night continued, the audience enjoyed spiritual tunes like “Simple Gifts” (an old Shaker song), “Greensleeves” (sung by bass soloist Jacob Clayton), “Amazing Grace” (bass Lee Shuck), “The Prayer” (a duet by Joanne Gallaher and Rick Marshall) and “How Great Thou Art” (a duet by Katherine Hull and Lee Shuck).
The 25-member choir didn’t shy away from more lively tunes, and its enthusiasm shone through “Buffalo Gals,” the fun 1940s tune “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” sung by the Andrews Sisters. (Sorry, I meant by Carol Conrad, Joanne Gallaher and Alissa Wakefield).
Bass singer Jacob Clayton soloed “Greensleeves,” followed by a duet of “Flight,” sung by Lisa Compton and Joanne Gallaher.
The choir closed with “When You Believe,” a show tune from The Prince of Egypt (1998).
The audience (about 60) responded enthusiastically. The entire concert lasted about an hour. Admission was a freewill donation.
The venue, formerly Christ Lutheran Church, was beautiful. The wooden floors and the stained-glass windows, including the one of Christ the Shepherd, added to the ambiance. While listening I thought at times of the generations of Christians who had worshipped within these walls since the 19th century. It is truly one of Nauvoo’s treasures.
The Nauvoo Community Choir plans to participate in the Messiah concert, as well as an additional Christmas concert later this year.
