How would you feel if you sat in the audience and listened to “Porgy and Bess” in German or “Oklahoma” in French ?

All the flavor and color are gone – to say nothing of the text of “I got plenty o' nuttin'” or the excitement of Oklahoma!

Pam McDermott, Commonwealth Chorale conductor has decided that it is time for the Chorale to delve into German, French and unfamiliar Latin languages. The Chorale is proud to present their first German and French choral music.

The Chorale has chosen several singers who have never sung alone in public. Dr. Sarah Miller, new veteranian in town, Mary Howard, telephone company representative, Dr. Geoff Orth, retired Longwood dean of graduate studies; and Dr. John Arehart, retired of the math program, will perform a solo quartet of Mozart's difficult music.

The Mozart Requiem stands alone in grand company. On the anniversary of the first year after 9/11, this work was performed around the world. The Chorale began at 9.47 a.m. after striking five chimes to commemorate the five members of our communities.

We must never forget.

This Requiem has been chosen for great occasions – among other services everywhere – Napoleon's funeral. This is Mozart's last music – incomplete. He left sketches which were added by his pupil Suessmayer. It is difficult music and intricate with glorious choruses and very hard solo parts, but above all a deep spirituality.

Like the “Messiah” which the Chrorale have sung often, these performances have brought new ideas and excitement.

Performances of the Mozart Requiem will be this Sunday, March 25, at 3 p.m. in Farmville Methodist Church. A second performance will be April 1 at 3pm in Crenshaw United Methodist Church, Blackstone.

The community is invited to attend.