Gardner-Webb Choirs Present Free Concerts on Oct. 5 and 10

The University Chorales Perform Hymns; The Concert Choir Has Program Themed ‘Spooky Season’

By Ashley Rich, ’26, Intern for University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music will host two concerts in October. Gardner-Webb’s Director of Choral Activities Dr. Joshua Cheney noted both events will feature an excellent selection of music.

The 25 students in the University Chorales will present a program themed “Then Sings my Soul,” featuring hymns selected by university leadership. The Concert Choir has 23 students and their performance is titled, “Spooky Season.” The presentation includes pieces by a number of Nordic composers and music spanning from the Italian Renaissance to the modern day.

The University Chorales concert will take place on Oct. 5, and the Concert Choir performance on Oct. 10, both events beginning at 7 p.m. in Dover Chapel.

Though both of the choral ensembles will be performing in October, there are a few key differences between the two groups. The University Chorales are non-audition ensembles that perform music catered toward treble or tenor and bass voices, also performing in mixed voice settings for varied performance experiences. Concert Choir, conversely, performs pieces written for mixed voices.

“Concert Choir frequently travels regionally to represent Gardner-Webb and our Department of Music and occasionally travels internationally to do the same,” Cheney said.

Both performances will feature soloists and a special performance by university organist, Timothy Scruggs.

“We would be honored for our campus community to join us at any of our performance events this season. All GW choirs’ events are free!” expressed Cheney.

Coming in June 2024, the Gardner-Webb Concert Choir will be traveling to France to participate in the 80th Anniversary Commemoration of D-Day. These students will join with other choral groups from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe to present a performance of Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen.

“The performance will be preceded by several days of rehearsal in Caen as well as educational travel in Paris and Normandy. We are incredibly honored to take part in such an important commemoration!” Cheney said about the trip.

If you would like to learn more about how you can help make this learning opportunity a reality, please contact Nate Evans, vice president for Advancement at [email protected] or make a donation here.

Writer Ashley Rich is a Gardner-Webb English major from Etowah, N.C.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.