NIC Choral Union to present Oct. 18 concert

The North Idaho College Cardinal Chorale and Chamber Singers will present the “Gentle Words” concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, at First Presbyterian Church at 521 E. Lakeside Ave. in Coeur d’Alene.

“Gentle Words” focuses on the intimate power music, language and words to promote a culture of civility in the world.

“The marriage of music and words contain the power to praise, heal, and uplift. This type of music is present in all cultures of our globe,” said NIC Director of Choirs Max Mendez. “This program explores this theme in many different ways.”

The concert will open with a setting of the Latin text, “Jubilate Deo omnis terra” (Sing Joyfully to God) by László Halmos. The program continues with settings of American folk songs, a Ghanaian song of welcome, and settings of poems written by Emily Dickenson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The program will end with a poignant and meaningful setting of excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural addresses. “Words of Lincoln,” by John Purifoy, is an example of the power of words to heal a nation and culture.

North Idaho College Choral Union consists of the Cardinal Chorale and Chamber Singers. The Choral Union has a long tradition of performing moving performances for audiences in the Inland Northwest and beyond. Both choirs have traveled throughout the United States and North America. Members of both ensembles have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Choirs have also performed in Seattle, San Francisco and Mexico. Members of the both choirs consist of NIC students, alumni, faculty and staff, as well as area community members.

Mendez brings 36 years of experience to the Choral Union. Celebrating more than 10 years at the college, he said he strives to instill a sense of artistry, quality, beauty and community service in each performance. Mendez is active in area choral music and also serves as a clinician, performer, and guest conductor throughout the Northwest.