THE MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE SINGERS AT FONDREN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
OCTOBER 27, 2002

   The program opened with a vigorous setting of "Come Thou Fount
of Ev'ry Blessing", for choir and organ (Robert Knupp). First, there
was an a capella section for women, then an organ interlude, then an
a capella section for men's voices, ending with full choir and
organ. I especially enjoyed the contrasts between the women's and the
men's voices. A Robert Shaw/Alice Parker arrangement (a capella) of
"I'm Goin' To Sing" followed. Faure's "Cantique de Jean Racine"
was next, with organ accompaniment. While it has its strong points,
the Fondren organ's resources for this type of music is somewhat
limited, and the arpeggiatic accompaniment occasionally was a little
intrusive. Nevertheless this was a moving and polished performance.
Lauridsen's "O Nata Lux" (a capella) followed. John Ness Beck's
Psalm 46 then provided a moment for the audience to sing "A Mighty
Fortress", a very satisfying moment. I wish more concerts included
this kind of opportunity. Works by Cindy Berry ("By the Gentle
Waters", with Carol Joy Sparkman, piano), John Gardner, K. Lee Scott,
Ronald Staheli, Ralph Manuel, and Ray Liebau ("He's Got the Whole
World in His Hands") completed the program.

  This is an impressive choir. The balance between parts is excellent
(18 sopranos, 13 altos, 13 tenors, 12 basses). I am partial to
a capella singing, and I was not disappointed with those selections.
Diction, intonation, and rhythmic precision all were first class.
The only very small quibble is with repertoire. Just one work by
Palestrina, or Victoria, or Sweelinck, or Byrd, or Bach, would have
been a most welcome inclusion. But that doesn't detract at all from what
the choir actually did. That was excellent. This choir was just
invited to represent Mississippi in a service at the Washington
National Cathedral in April, 2003. We are lucky to have so fine a
choir to do this. Congratulations to Director Jamie Meaders!

                                                      - Glenn A. Gentry