Nothing But Treble to perform ‘Songs of Earth and Spirit’

Nothing But Treble, Elgin’s premiere women’s choir, will present “Songs of Earth and Spirit” at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the First Presbyterian Church, 240 Standish St. in Elgin. There is a $20 suggested donation.

Join Nothing But Treble for an evening that includes a Newfoundland song of lost love (“Early Spring,” arranged Kathleen Allen), the whistling wind and violet dusk of the Venezuelan plains (“Mata del Anima Sola” by Antonio Estevez), and the sounds of songbirds whose voices dance on the breeze (“Songbird” by Sarah Quartel).

The repertoire also features arrangements of American folk songs and spirituals, such as “Down in the River to Pray” and “I’m Gonna Sing ’Til the Spirit Moves in My Heart.”

Contemporary popular music gets a nod with Ruth Moody’s “One Voice,” as sung by The Wailin’ Jennys. The Spice Girls’ hit tune “Wannabe” is something else – the word madrigal probably doesn’t come to mind when you think of Ginger, Scary, Sporty, Baby, and Posh!

“Sing Me to Heaven,” by Daniel Gawthorp, will be performed in loving memory of Dr. Risé Jones, friend of Nothing But Treble and a true light in the Elgin community.

Frank Ticheli’s “Earth Song” offers a path forward from the pain and grief we encounter in our world today.

Nothing But Treble celebrates connections between women of different generations and walks of life, and a variety of musical backgrounds. Kathi Bernhard, conductor and vocal coach, is the musical director.

Programming includes outstanding repertoire for treble voices, often featuring women composers and music from diverse cultures. Interested singers may contact Kathi Bernhard at nbtelgin@gmail.com. Nothing But Treble welcomes all adult treble voices.