Musical treat will have choral, orchestral works

To the editor:

On April 10, many of us were privileged to attend an outstanding performance of the Miami City Ballet at Southeast Missouri State University. On April 11, the University Choir, directed by Dr. John B. Egbert, performed its annual spring concert at Old St. Vincent's Church. Both performances received standing ovations and were packed to the walls.

If you are a lover of the musical arts, you are in for another treat in Academic Auditorium at 8 p.m. April 30. The Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra, directed by Dr. Sara Edgerton, will perform music by British composers William Walton and Vaughn Williams with Ronald Francois as violin soloist. John Egbert will conduct the Choral Union, University Choir and orchestra in the absolutely gorgeous composition, John Rutter's "Requiem." Of all the choral composers in my lifetime, he is truly my favorite.

It has been my privilege to sing with Choral Union the past few years off and on, but this semester, I'm blessed. "Requiem" is a very emotional piece, and a singer's personal involvement makes it quite difficult to sing. Of his "Requiem," composed in 1985, Rutter says that it was composed because of a personal bereavement. It is believed to have been a tribute to his son who died. I believe it is a tribute to all who have gone before us. What a glorious tribute indeed. Be there.

NONA NAN CHAPMAN

Cape Girardeau