Wittenberg Choir to present three sets of music

How to go

What: Wittenberg University Choir

Where: High Street United Methodist Church, 230 E. High St., Springfield

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13

Admission: Free; donations accepted

More info: 937-322-2527 or www.highstreetumc.com

You could say it’s a diverse set list that features songs written in the 16th century right up to last year.

The Wittenberg University Choir will perform three such sets of music from The Reformation, Music for Advent and Christmas and Folk Songs, Hymns, and Spirituals during its Sunday, Nov. 13, Sanctuary Series concert.

“All these styles have value,” said choir director Erik Zinter.

The show will be 3 p.m. at High Street United Methodist Church. The concert is free, but free-will offerings to support the series will be accepted.

A frequent guest at the monthly Sanctuary Series, the Wittenberg Choir is also likely the longest running participant, performing since 1930. There are 54 coed members including sopranos, altos, tenors and bass.

Zinter said the group looks forward to playing this series.

“It’s a comforting space, small enough to fill with sound and still large enough for a big audience. The students always enjoy a playing for a full crowd and it’s fun to be close to the audience,” he said.

A unique aspect of this choir its focus on outreach and service. Many of the students think being in the choir as a service project and enjoy sharing their musical talents in the community.

The choir often tours during the school’s spring break around Ohio and other states, sometimes doing international tours.

Sunday’s program will include three well-known chorale settings by Telemann, Mendelssohn and Bach. The second set will preview the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

It will conclude with “Abide wIth Me,” “O Day Full of Grace,” “Wana Baraka” and others in the Folk Songs, Hymns, and Spirituals set.

Some of the choir’s soloists will be featured.

The audience is welcome to a meet-the-artist reception in the church commons following the concert.

The Wittenberg Choir’s Christmas concert will be 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in Weaver Chapel on the Wittenberg campus. The show will be free.