Morris Choral Society plans patriotic show a week before July 4

by JAY LUSTIG
Wayne Walters will conduct the Morris Choral Society in “Star Spangled Spectacular,” an evening of American patriotic music, at the United Methodist Church in Morristown, June 27.

COURTESY OF MORRIS CHORAL SOCIETY

Wayne Walters will conduct the Morris Choral Society in “Star Spangled Spectacular,” an evening of American patriotic music, at the United Methodist Church in Morristown, June 27.

The 65-voice Morris Choral Society will conclude its 43rd season — and give attendees a chance to get into the Fourth of July spirit early — at its “Star Spangled Spectacular” concert, taking place June 27 at United Methodist Church in Morristown.

The organization’s men’s chamber group, Express Male, will be featured along with guest speaker Suzanne Key Boyle Hermann, a descendant of Francis Scott Key (who wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner”).

The show will also give the society’s followers a chance to give an appreciative round of applause to Wayne Walters, who has been its music director for 40 years, but will be stepping down from that role after this show (though he will continue to be involved as a singer).

“In the course of my work with the Choral Society I have had an opportunity to connect with many talented, young conductors,” he told MorristownGreen.com. “I feel a younger conductor will attract younger performers that will keep the group healthy and vibrant. I will be very proud to pass what I have accomplished to someone younger.”

The program will include Peter Wilhousky’s version of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” William Billing’s “Chester” and Randall Thompson’s “Frostiana” and passages from “Testament to Freedom,” Irving Berlin’s “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” and Joyce Kilmer’s “Trees,” and the premiere of “Our Lady of the Harbor” by Betsy Bramhall and Audrey Schultz.

Tickets are $25 ($15 for students 18 and younger, $20 for seniors). The church is located at 50 S. Park Place, on the Green in Morristown; visit morrischoralsociety.org.

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