Elgin Children's Chorus presents 'Emerald Voices' March 13

Celebrating 25 years of teaching life through song, the Elgin Children's Chorus and acclaimed Celtic singer/songwriters, Jenne Lennon, a chorus alumna, and Liz Madden will present "Emerald Voices" at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin. Celtic melodies and fantastic young voices will combine to enchant and entertain.

Critics have called Jenne “The Janis Joplin of Celtic Music.” Liz Madden is celebrated for her “velvet voice.” As the duo, Shishonnah, they blend their Irish and American musical heritage with their Celtic and Native American traditions.

They will perform original arrangements of “A Highway Man” and “I Will Carry You” as well as premiere “Roses and Rain” composed by Madden and Lennon from “Elysian Dreams,” their soon-to-be-released recording. They also will accompany the chorus on a number of Celtic tunes.

Jay Kellner will conduct the Concert and Chamber Choirs as they perform three traditional Irish tunes arranged by Kellner especially for the 25th anniversary: “The Cobbler,” “Eileen Aroon,” and “She Moved Through the Fair.”

The choirs also will perform the traditional Welsh lullaby "Suo-Gan," arranged by J. Ryan Rimington; “Molly Malone,” a traditional Irish folk song; and “Loch Lomond,” a traditional Scottish folk song, arranged by Lee Kesselman and Jay Kellner.

Under the direction of Elizabeth Ellis, the Intermezzo Choir will perform “Shady Grove,” a traditional American folk song, arranged by Cary Cristi Miller; “Button Up Your Overcoat,” a pop tune, “arranged by Steve Zegree; “Cantate Deo” from “Water Music Suite” by George Frideric Handel; and “Skye Boat Song,” a traditional Scottish song, arranged by Elizabeth Ellis.

Lisa Bettcher will direct the Boys Ensemble as they perform “ Mi Gallo” a Mexican round and “Zing Dem Herrn,” a canon by Michael Praetorius.

Under the direction of Lisa Bettcher, the Treble Choir will perform “God Bless the Child” by Arthur Herzog Jr. and Billie Holliday; “Jubilate Deo,” a three-part canon by Michael Praetorius; and “Mi Chamocha,” a hymn of praise by Jonathan Dinkin.

To purchase tickets you may visit elgin.edu/arts, call the Elgin Community College Arts Center box office at (847) 622-0300 or stop by the box office at 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin. Box office hours are from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 90 minutes before each performance.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for students. Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express are accepted.

The Elgin Children's Chorus is an in-residence ensemble at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. Funding for the Elgin Children's Chorus is provided in part through the City of Elgin and the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Grand Victoria Foundation, EFS Foundation, and the Cornelia A. and Florence B. Palmer Foundation.