Folk songs have been passed down through the oral tradition in families and communities for generations. Often sung at social occasions where there was (is!) an element of sharing ideas or sentiment, folk songs are typically marked by a simple melody, a familiar refrain, and accompanied by guitar, fiddle, or piano. This unique concert will highlight folk songs from around the world and will feature both the Masterworks Choir and the Masterworks Children’s Choir, which is led by music director Amy Dibble.

Featuring the Masterworks Children’s Choir at Central United Methodist Church 

Our 46th season concludes with a performance of Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy featuring Dr. Benjamin Woods as piano soloist. Written and premiered in 1808 with the composer himself as soloist, the Fantasy is a brilliant work for piano, orchestra, and chorus, and is clearly a precursor to his famous Ninth Symphony. The second half of the program highlights a large work, Requiem for the Living, by South Carolina composer Dan Forrest. A Requiem is a prayer for rest, traditionally for the deceased. This five-movement work, however, forms a narrative just as much for the living, and their own struggle with pain and sorrow, as for the dead. This powerful, moving piece ranks as Forrest’s most beloved composition. Join us at the FMU Performing Arts Center for this exciting spring concert to close out the season.

“Choral Fantasy” (Beethoven) Joined by Dr. Benjamin Woods, Piano 

“Requiem for the Living”  (Dan Forrest) 

at FMU Performing Arts Center