AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – The annual Giving Voice to Peace choral concert, with 90 singers, will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 4545 New Road.
Hae-Jong Lee will direct the performance, which will include the Stambaugh Chorus, Dana Chorale, Canfield Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir and the Stambaugh Festival Orchestra.
The centerpiece of the concert will be the renowned work “Lux Aeterna” by Morten Lauridsen.
Admission is free, but free-will donations will be accepted. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the World Central Kitchen, an organization dedicated to providing meals in the wake of disasters and supporting communities in need.
Lee, who is a professor and director of choral music at Youngstown State University, said “Lux Aeterna” was selected because of its timeless message of light and peace.
Lee first conducted the powerful work in 2012 and said he is revisiting it because it continues to move audiences.
“Lauridsen’s music is deeply spiritual, and ‘Lux Aeterna’ in particular offers a meditative, healing experience through its luminous harmonies, rich choral textures and timeless spiritual messages,” Lee said. “The Latin title translates to ‘eternal light,’ and the music beautifully reflects this theme. It invites listeners into a space of quiet reflection and inner peace.”
The piece will comprise the second half of the concert and will be followed by the finale, “Let There be Peace on Earth.”
The audience will be invited to sing the finale with the full chorus and orchestra.
The first half of the concert will include the uplifting pieces “On the Common Ground” by Alice Parker and “Deep Peace” by Elaine Hagenberg.
Pictured at top: The 2024 peace concert at St. Joseph’s church in Austintown.