Choral Artists of Sarasota Presents Veteran’s Day in Song

October 18, 2023 – Sarasota

Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 45^th season begins with “Veteran’s Day in Song,” featuring songs that brought hope and inspiration during military conflicts, from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm, Saturday, November 11, 1 p.m., at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Joining Choral Artists is Sergeant Major (ret) Bob McDonald, baritone and veteran of The US Army Chorus in Washington, DC. Tickets are $40, general admission; $20 for veterans with ID; and $5 for students.

Artistic Director Joseph Holt says that, before the concert, Choral Artists will sing the National Anthem for the official city celebration of Veterans Day at JD Hamel Park at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 11. “Our soloist, Bob McDonald, will sing ‘God Bless America’ at the official city celebration,” says Holt, adding that the group is presenting a “Gallery of Honor” at Church of the Redeemer, highlighting the veterans in our area.  “We only have room for about 150 individuals and will be soliciting info from the community in the coming weeks,” he says.  This exhibit will be on display at Gillespie Hall at Church of the Redeemer, available prior to and following the performance.

The concert program includes a medley featuring “Songs of the Soldier,” including “Chester,” “When Johnny Comes March Home,” “Over There,” “This is the Army Mr. Jones,” “Arirang,” “The Green Beret” and “God Bless the USA”— all inspirational songs that were sung during American conflicts from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm. The program begins with a tribute to Armistice Day, the precursor to current Veterans Day, with a setting of “In Flanders Fields.” Other selections celebrate the heroes who bravely defend our country in peacetime and in war.  Conductor Holt will also lead the group in his arrangement of the Armed Forces Salute.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.