The Dordt University Alumni Choir will give a concert at First CRC on Thursday, June 12, before departing on their international tour to the Netherlands and Germany.
The Dordt University Alumni Choir will perform a free concert at First CRC in Sioux Center on Thursday, June 12 at 4 p.m.
The program features music from a variety of eras and composers, with sets centered on the Psalms; God’s love and mercy; Christ’s birth, life and sacrifice; and American folk traditions. Most selections are a cappella, while others are accompanied by Dr. Carrie Groenewold on the organ, Katie Talsma and Groenewold on the piano, and Amie Smit on the violin.
This concert precedes an 11-day international tour to the Netherlands and Germany from June 13–23, where the choir will perform five additional concerts across the Netherlands and Germany. “The focus of this tour is to share the gospel of Christ and the mission and vision of Dordt University through concert performances in some truly incredible historic venues,” Director of Choral Activities Dr. Ryan Smit says.
The ensemble is comprised of 35 former members of the Dordt Concert Choir who graduated in the year 1990 or later. “Singers have been preparing independently on an 18-song program for the past three or four months,” says Smit. “We will come together in Sioux Center on June 10-12 for three days of intensive rehearsals” ahead of the local and international performances.
A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to perform in cathedrals and churches that bear rich theological and historical significance. “Singing choral music in historic cathedrals and other Christian churches is a deeply spiritual experience,” explains Smit. “The acoustics and reverb of these venues make for an exhilarating and satisfying musical experience. Beyond that, singers often feel a deep sense of connection to the church of all ages as they perform in these places that have seen so many generations of worshipers before them gather in the same place and glorify the same God.”
In addition to the performances, the group will enjoy sightseeing in cities such as Amsterdam, Haarlem, Groningen, Berlin, Leipzig, and Frankfurt.
“The refrain of the Dordt University Alma Mater sums it up well: ‘Then swell our voices with our throng in ardent youthful jubilee and find with friends a Christian joy in camaraderie!’ We are profoundly thankful to our creative God who gives us voices and compositions with which to worship Him,” says Smit. “We look forward to getting to know each other better and becoming a cohesive singing ensemble for two very special weeks this summer.”
Learn more about the Alumni Choir Tour at https://www.dordt.edu/alumni-choir-tour-25.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
A new partnership between Dordt University and Concordia University Texas provides students with a streamlined path to an MSW degree.
Dordt University's MSW program has been recognized as one of the top programs in Iowa, ranked #2 statewide by Counseling Psychology. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program stands out for its excellent quality, affordability, and student support.
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