CRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa Chamber Singers are preparing for their annual spring concert.
Marilyn Overturf, the group’s director, is excited that her group will perform in two venues they haven't appeared at in several years. The March 22 concert is set for 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Niceville.
"It's lovely acoustically, but the Lutherans love to put their organs up there in the balcony, which makes some logistical problems," Overturf said with a chuckle.
The March 24 concert, at 4 p.m., represents a homecoming of sorts.
"The other venue is First United Methodist in Crestview, where we haven't been in years. When we first started out, we performed all the time in Crestview,” Overturf said. “We're glad to be back and I know some of the singers are, too."
Chamber Singers members suggested that Overturf consider selections without musical accompaniment as they wrap up their 15th season of bringing professional choral music to area audiences.
"They wanted to do an a cappella program, which this primarily is," Overturf said. "We don't normally do a lot of a cappella music because it requires a particular type of rehearsal that we don't always have the time for."
"Now Let Us Sing," the spring concert, features Renaissance a cappella motets and madrigals "with a taste of Schubert, folk and spirituals," Overturf said.
Not all the selections are unaccompanied, she said. Davidson Middle School choral music teacher Keitha Bledsoe will accompany the Chamber Singers on some songs. The concert will also feature special guest solos by organist Leon Curenton.
Want to go?
The Okaloosa Chamber Singers perform a spring concert, "Now Let Us Sing," 7:30 p.m. March 22 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1407 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville; and 4 p.m. March 24 at First United Methodist Church, 599 8th Ave., Crestview. The concerts are free, with a suggested $15 or $25 donation per couple. Contact director Marilyn Overturf, 682-9651, for details.
Contact News Bulletin Arts & Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Chamber Singers' concert features requested a cappella selections