Under the artistic direction of  Dr. James Stegall, this spectacular multi-ensemble choral event will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 20 at St. Paul Catholic Church located at 309 W. Jackson in Macomb, IL.  The concert features the three-time nationally recognized Western Illinois University Singers, James Stegall, conductor, the WIU Madrigal Singers, Lynn Thompson, conductor and the WIU Concert Choir conducted by new professor of choral music education, Brenda Fauls.  Also on the program will be the Macomb High School Madrigal Singers, Melanie Butcher, conductor and a special appearance by the 50-voice Macomb Holiday Festival Children's Honor Choir comprising treble singers in grade 4 through 8.  Gayle Cooper will be the organist.

 

The Thanksgiving theme will resonate with a variety of choral performing positions on works by the very popular American composer Eric Whitacre and the great choral master Johannes Brahms.   Audience members will join in on the carol sing along including the ever popular "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah.  Guest soloist Bethany Worrell will join the University Singers on Whitacre’s richly textured “I thank You Lord for most this amazing day.”