SW Minnesota Men’s Chorus returns for holiday concert

The Southwest Minnesota Men’s Chorus will return to Springfield as part of its Christmas concert series on Saturday, December 7.  The popular holiday concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Springfield Public School.

The Southwest Minnesota Men’s Chorus, formerly known as the Marshall Area Men’s Chorus, is made up of singers from communities in Southwest Minnesota.  Recognizing the power of music, the group’s mission is not only to entertain the many people who attend their performances, but also to enhance the lives of those who perform.  They are dedicated to excellence in the art of men’s choral singing, but also promote sociability and good fellowship among its members.  The group rehearses weekly in Walnut Grove.

Local residents in the SW Men’s Chorus are Charles Tews, Jerry Martius and Jeff Krueger along with Peggy Martius, the group’s accompanist.  Jodi Dalsgaard will be an additional accompanist.  Other area residents include Nathan Hesse from Comfrey, Jim Gode and Darren Martius from Sanborn.  Wendy Johnson, Tracy, is the chorus director.

Musical selections at the December 7 concert will include Jingle-Bell Rock by Joe Beal & Jim Boothe, Go Where I Send Thee! by Paul Caldwell & Sean Ivory, Whisper! Whisper! by Jay Althouse, What Child is This? by Mark Riese, Rise Up Shepherd and Follow by Roger Emerson, Laudate Pueri by Felix Mendelssohn, Sweet Little Jesus Boy by MacGimsey-Adams and Ding-a Ding-a-Ding by Greg Gilpin.  Small group ensembles will also be performing a variety of holiday selections.

There is no admission charge for the concert but a free-will offering will be collected.  The performance is part of a series of Christmas concerts with performances on Sunday, December 8 in Lamberton and Tuesday, December 10 in Lucan.