The Commonwealth Chorale will present “Lamentation” by John Jacob Niles at 3 p.m. Sunday at Crenshaw United Methodist Church in Blackstone and again at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 24, at College Church, Hampden-Sydney.

The hauntingly beautiful oratorio is the most formal work of the remarkable composer, who has been called the “Dean of American Balladeers.” Known chiefly for the folk melodies which he spent a lifetime collecting, composing and performing, Niles revealed the depth of his genius in this work which he composed in 1951.

Niles was inspired by an encounter with Estonian refugees seeking refuge in the United States after fleeing Communist terror. Hearing the plea of their patriarch for the right to live freely and worship God as they saw fit, Niles said, “It was like listening to a prophet! That man was voicing the eternal struggle of the spirit of man against tyranny, and his determination to be free through the power of God.” Niles combined that inspiration with biblical passages, using musical motifs from his own vast folklore collection. The result is a timeless work of lament, supplication and praise that remains relevant today.

Though recognized for its originality and evocative beauty, “Lamentation” is rarely performed. Director Norma Williams saw a chance to make Niles and his music more widely known by choosing the oratorio as the Chorale’s spring program that provides an unusual opportunity to hear a piece of American musical history.

The choruses run the gamut of emotion from prayerful to powerful, and the solos from mournful to ethereal. The poignant solo part in “Is It Nothing,” sung by tenor Alex Haskins, is full of despair. The powerful aria “Behold Ye People,” sung by tenor Paul Robelen, warns of God’s wrath to come, but redemption is offered in “Behold My Servant,” sung by baritone Bob Horn. Marilyn Swanson, Judy Amos and Sarah Reynolds sing the beautiful solo parts in the choruses “Lo, How the City,” “Come Down and Sit in the Dust“ and “Babylon Hath Fallen.” The soaring soprano aria, “Lo, How the Lonely Places Prosper,” sung by Meg Sandridge-Mangum, restores hope and promises renewal.

Rondi’s Voices, the youth choir of the Commonwealth Chorale directed by Christine Prengaman, will sing six selections of Niles’ “Appalachian Songs” which are representative of the folk ballads he composed, many of which were later popularized by folk singers such as Burl Ives, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan.  Singers include:  Ellie Shoenthal (soloist), Christian Surprenant, Lena Salamo, Angelique Lightbody, Elle Franssen, Ronny Carricato, and Kathryn McElfresh.

The Commonwealth Chorale is directed by Norma Williams, formerly leading soprano in the major opera houses of Europe and voice teacher at Longwood University. The group, which has been called a “Cultural Jewel in the Heart of Virginia,” draws its nearly 100 members from a number of Southside counties. Performances by the Commonwealth Chorale are open to the public and free of charge. The group depends on the generosity of donors and supporters in the many communities that it serves in order to continue to bring great music to the people of Southside Virginia. For more information, visit the Chorale’s website:  www.commonwealthchorale.org.