If you’ve ever caught yourself singing along to Oklahoma! or the empowering anthem, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” then Oxford Civic Chorus’ spring concert is sure to have your toes tapping and your fingers snapping!
“The Great American Songbook,” takes place at 3 pm Saturday, May 3, at David H. Nutt Auditorium in Oxford, and at 4 pm Sunday, May 4, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Tupelo. The program features timeless songs that you’ll know and love from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, Irving Berlin and George Gershwin. Admission is free.
Artistic director Debra Atkinson estimates she has been involved with 20 to 25 performances of Broadway musicals.
“I started trying to think about music for our spring concert that would be fun, that the audience would like, and that the choir would also like. I just drifted to these classic composers of American music we need to not forget,” Atkinson said. “They’re important because they’re part of our culture and we don’t need to let that die.”
Chorus member Debra Anderson has been teaching theatre at Oxford High School for the past 13 years. She has been in over 20 musicals and directed over 40 shows in the past 28 years.
“People should come to this concert to hear fantastic arrangements of some of the most famous songs of the Golden Era of musicals,” Anderson said. “Because these pieces are medleys, they will hear portions of 39 songs from over 22 different shows. Many people under the age of 40 probably hear some of these tunes when they have been used in commercials to sell cookies or medicine.”
A free concert filled with timeless American classics — who could ask for anything more?
Oxford Civic Chorus, a 501(c)(3), has been inspiring singers, enriching community and expanding musical horizons since 1998. The choir gathers for weekly rehearsals, performs two concerts a year, and is available to sing at local events. New members are always welcome. Join, donate, or learn more at oxfordcivicchorus.org and facebook.com/OxfordCivicChorus
