McPherson College choir to sing in Germany.

On May 18, the McPherson (Kan.) College European Choir presented a concert previewing a selection of pieces from the program that the choir will sing in Europe this summer.

Several years ago the McPherson College Choir was selected as the Church of the Brethren college choir invited to sing for the church’s 300th anniversary celebration in Schwarzenau, Germany, on Aug. 2-3. The choir will perform a concert as a part of a weekend-long celebration to several thousand American and German guests, and will sing at the Sunday morning celebratory worship service.

On July 18, 46 choir members and choir alumni will depart for a three-week tour that includes Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Holland. In addition to performances in Germany and Holland, the choir will hike the Austrian Alps above Innsbruck, tour Buchenwald Concentration Camp, visit the birthplace of Bach, and experience many of the sights and sounds of central Europe. At each stop, Herb Smith, professor of religion, will present on the role of Protestant Reformers in that particular region.

The McPherson College Choir has given students opportunity for similar tours since the mid-1970s. A special part of the tours has been home stays and time for cultural interaction, made possible with the leadership of retired German professor Jan van Asselt.

The choir is directed by Steven Gustafson, who is completing his 28th year on the McPherson College faculty. Accompanists are Stephanie Brunelli, associate professor of piano, and Leah Fitzjarrald, sophomore music major.

Source: 6/2/2008 Newsline Extra