First Presbyterian Chancel Choir

Today we were delighted to welcome, all the way from Spartanburg, South Carolina in United States, the First Presbyterian Chancel Choir, who have a small tour of Scotland planned.

St Conan’s was their first stop, so perhaps some nerves may show? But no. The weeks of rehearshing had obviously paid off as they gave a beautiful performance consisting of a mix of Classics as well as some American folk, jazz and Gospel and of course a couple of songs just for us in Scotland!

Holt Andrews led the choir as Chamber Choir Director and Marcia Andrews accompained the choir on keyboard.

It was lovely to chat and make some new friends after the event too.

We wish them all the best for the remaining dates and here a few clips of the choir in action. A full list of the reportoire can be found below.

Song List

From the Classics:

• Laetatus sum | Michael Haydn (1737-1806)
• Rejoice in the Lord Alway | anon. (c. 1650)
• The Lord is a Mighty God | Felix Mendlessohn (1809-47)

Contemporary American Composers:

• I Lift My Eyes Unto the Hi ls | Rene Clausen (b.1953)
• The Cloths of Heaven | Z. Randa l Stroope (b.1953)
• David’s Lamentation | Joshua Shank (b.1980)
• Grace Before Sleep | Susan LaBarr (b.1981)
• The Times, They are a Changin’ | arr. Adam Pond (b.1986)

American Folk, Jazz and Gospel Traditions:

• Emerald Stream | Seth Houston (b.1974)
• Cornerstone | arr. Shawn Kirchner (b.1970)
• Ain’t Got Time to Die | arr. Ha l Johnson (1888 – 1970)
• Gospel Mass | Robert Ray (1946 – 2022)

For Our Scottish Friends:

• Skye Boat Song | Bob Chilcott (b.1955)
• My Prayers, My God | John Moody (b.1961)