The Troy University Choral Department will present its annual Spring Choral Music Showcase Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, at Park Memorial United Methodist Church in Troy. The concert will feature the Concert Chorale, Collegiate Singers, and the vocal jazz group, frequency.

“The 34-member auditioned choir, Concert Chorale directed by Dr. Diane Orlofsky, will present music by three renowned choral composers and conductors — René Clausen, André Thomas and Eric William Barnum.

“Barnum has had a successful career as composer-in-residence for many vocal performing groups and organizations, such as ‘Chanticleer’ and ‘The Rose Ensemble,’” said Orlofsky, director of University Choirs. “The Concert Chorale, along with Collegiate Singers, had the opportunity to work closely with Barnum in March during an on-campus three day workshop.”

Barnum’s compositions being performed by the Chorale at the March 31 concert include “Across the Fields,” setting of poem by Walter Crane; “The Stars Stand Up in the Air,” setting of poem by Thomas MacDonaugh; and “A Red, Red, Rose,” setting of poem by Robert Burns.

“We are also pleased to be able to premiere a new work written by Eric Barnum that was commissioned by the Troy University Choral Department”, Orlofsky said. “‘Confessions’ is based upon the writings of St. Augustine as found in the tenth Book of Confessions. It has been pure joy to be able to bring this beautiful new work to life,”

This has been the “year of the choral composer” in the Troy University Choral Department.

“Our year was also enhanced by two opportunities to work with Greg Jasperse, noted jazz vocalist, vocal jazz composer, and pedagogue,” Orlofsky said. “Frequency will be performing several of his compositions, all of which will be featured on their recording project ‘Spirit and Soul: The Music of Greg Jasperse’ that is slated to begin in May.”

The public is invited to attend the Troy University Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday March 31 at Park Memorial United Methodist Church. Admission is free.