Cherokee Chorale

The Cherokee Chorale will present its Spring Concert on Sunday, March 18, at 3:00, at the Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. 

The Chorale, conducted by Dr. Donald Stafford, will sing A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms, a work for chorus, two soloists and orchestra, and will be accompanied by members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.  Although it was written in German, the Chorale will sing the English version. 

Special guest performers for this concert will be the Sequoyah Singers from Sequoyah High School, directed by Josh Markham.

Dr. Donald Stafford has been associated with the musical life of Cherokee County for more than three decades.  He completed a Bachelor of Church Music degree at Shorter University and a Masters in Music from the University of Michigan, double majoring in music history and choral conducting.  He later completed a Doctor in Choral Music Education degree at Florida State University. 

Before retiring, Dr. Stafford was Director of Choral Activities in the Cherokee County and Hall County school systems.  He sang under the baton of Robert Shaw with the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Chamber Choir for a number of years, performing in Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and numerous halls throughout Europe.

He is currently the Director of Music for the Canton First United Methodist Church and is an adjunct Professor of Music at Reinhardt University.  Dr. Stafford directed the first performance of the Cherokee Chorale in December of 1988.  He also directed the Chorale*s debut performances at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., and Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia.

The Cherokee Chorale is an auditioned choral group of 70-80 voices, encompassing a variety of ages, professions, and occupations, including a significant number of music professionals.  The Chorale was founded in 1988 and has steadily advanced in technical skill and choral artistry, performing increasingly challenging literature and establishing a reputation for excellence and popularity.

Tickets for the concert are available at the door before the concert. They may be purchased in advance from any Chorale member, the Arts Center and Chamberhouse in Canton, Three Sisters Gifts in Hickory Flat, Jasper Drug in Jasper, and FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock.  For information, call 678-439-8625.  The web site is www.cherokeechorale.org.

Tags: Canton First United Methodist Church, Cherokee Chorale, live music, musical entertainment