Heartland Voices to say thank you with concert

As a special gift to the community and a thank you for years of support, Heartland Voices presents "British Invasion," the final concert of the group's 11th season, with free admission. The concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at the First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave., Elgin, or 7 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at the St. Marcelline Catholic Church, 820 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg.

The ensemble will join with members of the Metropolis Chamber Orchestra for an evening featuring the music of English composers John Rutter and George Frederic Handel. A newly commissioned piece by American composer, Eric Whitacre, also will be debuted.

The other end of British style will be represented by Handel's Coronation Anthem No. 4 "Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened" and Chandos Anthem No. 11 "Let God Arise." The Chandos Anthem, written for the Duke of Chandos in 1718, will feature soprano Beverly Nesbit, alto Natalie Hatch, tenor Steve Hommowun, and bass George Levar, along with the chorus in Saturday night's performance. Maria Caselli and Denise Driscoll will be the featured soprano and alto, respectively, during Sunday night's performance.

Heartland Voices recently received an invitation, their second, to perform in New York City, this time through Distinguished Concerts International New York. Heartland Voices consists of professional and professionally trained singers from the greater Chicago area. To schedule an audition, call Heartland Voices at (847) 429.9486, or visit heartlandvoices.org.