Folk Songs and Spirituals: Northern Lights Women's Chorus Brings "Music is Life" to Decorah

DECORAH — The Northern Lights Women's Chorus will present its fall concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 24, at Decorah Lutheran Church. The 49-member ensemble, composed of singers from Decorah and nine other communities, will perform a variety of beautiful choral music with the theme "Music is Life." The program's wide-ranging selections feature mostly contemporary women composers, with several songs focused on the joy of music and singing. Several playful English and Scottish folk songs are included, as well as the joyous spirituals "Gospel Train" and "We're Goin' Up to Bethlehem." The concert will conclude with a jubilant and optimistic piece called "Music, Lead the Way!" Northern Lights' artistic director is Rachael Buresh, and Mary Beth Bouska serves as collaborative pianist. Intermission music will be provided by Soprano Emily Secor, who will also play cello on two pieces. A freewill offering will be taken, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to local nonprofit organizations. Upon entering the church, audience members are encouraged to scan a displayed QR code from their smart phones to access program details, which will also be projected on video screens. A limited number of printed programs will be available. Northern Lights would like to thank The Depot Outlet for a major grant to support its 2024-25 season, as well as the many businesses and individuals that contributed to its fall fund drive. During the upcoming holiday season, Northern Lights will perform at Decorah's Holiday Lights Walk-through Night Wednesday, November 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Pulpit Rock Campground, and at Vesterheim Christmas on Saturday, December 7 at noon. Decorah Lutheran Church is located at 309 Winnebago St., Decorah, Iowa. For more information, visit the choir's Facebook page. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.