Tucked between Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day each year is the Augusta Choral Society’s season finale.
Dedicated to the men and women who’ve served in the military as well as first responders, the concert features a mix of patriotic songs, but this year, there’s an added component.
“This year, we wanted to recognize the war in Ukraine,” said Carolyn Dolen, the choral society’s executive director of the concert that will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.
The event will feature patriotic pieces and the ever-popular Armed Forces medley, but there will be a blend of more classical works in this concert including selections from Haydn’s “Mass In A Time of War.”
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“There’s a classical and more solemn section,” she said.
Themed “A Concert in a Time of War and A Time to Remember,” the event draws the Augusta Choral Society’s 70th season to a close.
Patrons to this event often wear red, white and blue. Some veterans wear hats that signify their service and active-duty military concertgoers often wear their uniforms, Dolen said.
During the Armed Forces medley, which includes the official songs of each military branch, veterans are encouraged to stand when their branch’s song is played. Often, those veterans seek out other members of their military branch after the concert ends and chat with one another, Dolen said.
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The singers will be accompanied by a small musical ensemble comprised of brass, percussion and the oboe.
While most of the other choral society concerts are held on weekends, the season finale is usually held during the week. Dolen said it works because spring has so many special events on the weekend. The concert usually doesn’t conflict.
Tickets are $10-$15 and are available online at augustacs.org. or at the door. Donations are also being accepted for the Ukrainian Relief Fund. For more information, call the Augusta Choral Society at (706) 826-4713.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor of The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
