LCC Repertoire History

LCC was organized in November 1967 by Ray Maxe. Their first public performance was on March 31, 1968 with church choir members prior to the Easter church service at Herrick Chapel. They sang five selected numbers from Handel's "Messiah". They were directed by John Everson. For that first year, their name was "Adrian Community Chorus". Fifteen years later, it changed to "Lenawee Community Chorus".

Concert Dates, Music, & Conductors

1968-1988

1968-69 

• Messiah (Handel) selected pieces
• ​Gloria (Vivaldi)

Conducted by John Everson

1969-70 

• Messiah (Handel)
• St. Matthew’s Passion (Bach)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1970-71 

• Messiah (Handel)
• Requiem (Faure)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1971-72 

• Messiah (Handel)
• Hymn of Praise (Mendelssohn)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1972-73: 5th Anniversary Season 

• A Ceremony of Carols (Britten)
• Te Deum Laudamus (Bruckner)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1973-74 

• Messe de Minuit (Charpentier)
• Cantata No.4 (Bach)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1974-75 

• A Canticle of Praise (Handel)
• Serenade to Music (Vaughan Williams)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1975-76 

• The Holy Birth (Lockwood)
• Glory and Worship (Handel)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1976-77 

• The Nativity (Gossec)
• Te Deum (Mozart)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1977-78: 10th Anniversary Season 

• Christmas Oratorio (Bach)
• Psalm of Peace (Dello Joio)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1978-79 

• Christmas Oratorio (Saint-Saens)
• Mass in G (Schubert)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1979-80 

• Messiah (Handel)
• Te Deum (Kodaly)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1980-81 

• Magnificant (Bach)
• King David (Honnegger)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1981-82

• A Ceremony of Carols (Britten)
• Gloria (Poulenc)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1982-83: 15th Anniversary Season 

• Messiah (Handel)
• Seven Last Words (Haydn)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1983-84 

• Laud to the Nativity (Respighi)
• Paukenesse (Haydn)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1984-85 

• Magnificat (Bach)
• Mass in G (Schubert)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones
 
1985-86

• Messiah (Handel)
• Mass in D Mimor (Haydn)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1986-87 

• For Us a Child is Born (Bach)
• Michigan Morn (Reed)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones
 
1987-88: 20th Anniversary Season 

• A Ceremony of Carols (Britten)
• Requiem (Rutter)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1988-89 

• Messiah (Handel)
• Requiem (Faure)

Conducted by Dr. Art Jones

1989-2008

1989-90 

• Gloria (Vivaldi)
• Mass in F Minor (Wilson)

Conducted by Fred Wilson

1990-91 

• Messiah (Handel)
• Seven Last Words (Dubois)

Conducted by Fred Wilson

1991-92 

• Messiah (Handel)
• Peaceable Kingdom (Thompson)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Dettbarn

1992-93: 25th Anniversary Season 

• Gloria (Vivaldi)
• Mass in A-flat (Schubert)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Dettbarn

1993-94

• Canzona per Sonare No. 2 (Gabriel)
• Dinner Show (variety of music)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Dettbarn

1994-95

• Magnificat (Rutter)
• Let Freedom Ring (Wilson)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Dettbarn

1995-96

• Mass in G (Schubert)
• Requiem (Faure)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Dettbarn

1996-97

• Magnificat (Rutter)
• Elijah (Mendelssohn)

Conducted by Fred Wilson

1997-98: 30th Anniversary Season

• Gloria (Rutter)
• Requiem (Mozart)

Conducted by Fred Wilson

1998-99

• Gloria (Vivaldi)
• Requiem (Faure)

Conducted by Fred Wilson

1999-2000

• Messiah (Handel)
• Requiem (Durufle)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman

2000-01

• Magnificat (Bach)
• Song of Democracy (Hanson)
• Wedding Cantata (Pinkham)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman

2001-02

• Messiah (Handel)
• Te Deum (Haydn)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman

2002-03: 35th Anniversary Season

• Gloria (Vivaldi)
• Choral Highlights from 35 years

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman

2003-04

• Messe de Minuit (Charpentier)
• For Us a Child is Born (Barch)
• Lux Aeterna (Lauridsen)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman

2004-05

• Messiah (Handel)
• Stabat Mater (Rossini)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman
Guest conductor-John Dodson

2005-06

• Christmas Oratorio (Bach)
• Christmas Ornaments (Bass)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman

March 2006
Carnegie Hall, New York City, New York

• Requiem (Faure)

Conducted by Dr. Candace Wicke

2006-07

• Gloria (Rutter)
• Christmas Goes Classic (Maddux)
• Choral Fantasie (Beethoven)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman

May, 2007
America's 400th Anniversary Celebration, Jamestown, VA
Conducted by JoAnn Falletta

2007-08: Anniversary Season

• Fantasia on Christmas Carols (Vaughan Williams)
• Brother Heinrich's Christmas (Rutter)
• The Armed Man : A Mass for Peach (Jenkins)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman

June 2008
Summer Pre-Olympics Music Festival, Beijing, China

• Symphony No. 9 (Beethoven)
• Selected Chinese songs

Conducted by Eric Knapp

2008-09

• Gloria (Vivaldi)
• Christmas Cantata (Pinkham)
• Te Deum (Haydn)

Conducted by Dr. Julie Skadsem (guest conductor)

2009-2018

2009-10

• Messiah (Handel)
• Requiem (Mozart)
• American Folksongs (variety)

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman

May, 2010
Carnegie Hall, New York City, New York

• Requiem (Mozart)

Conducted by John Rutter

2010-11

• Christmas Day (Holst)
• Carols of the Season
• Schubert Mass in G Major

Conducted by Dr. Tom Hodgman
Guest conductor-Marty Marks

May, 2011
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC

• Song of Democracy (Hanson)
• Patriotic Selections

Conducted by Dr. Craig Jessup

2011-12

• Christmas Selections
• Patriotic Selections

Conducted by ​Dr. Brian Altevogt

2012-13

• Christmas music with selected numbers from Handel, Haydn, Vaugh Williams

Conducted by Dr. Brian Altevogt

2014-15

• Messiah selections (Handel) and Christmas music

Conducted by David Ripper

2015-16

• Christmas music (variety) including classical and contemporary Mass in G (Schubert) with additional classical, Christian, & patriotic music

Conducted by David Ripper

2016-2018
Christmas music (variety)

• Christmas songs with featured guest artist Patriotic songs by American composers

Conducted by David Ripper

Sing! America!

Songs by American Composers
Reflecting the Spirit of our Nation and its People

Leonard Bernstein

• The Best of All Possible Worlds (from Candide) - SATB
  A chance for us to hear a little opera, as we dialogue through the energetic music of Bernstein. Quirky and fun!

​
Aaron Copland

• Zion’s Walls – SATB
  Aaron Copland was referred to by his peers and critics as "the Dean of American Composers."   The open, slowly changing harmonies in much of his music are typical of what many people consider to be the sound of American music, evoking the vast American landscape and pioneer spirit.Zions Walls is a memorable melody from Copland's "Promise of Living" that will be widely recognized in this revivalist song.

 
David C. Dickau

• If Music be the Food of Love – SATB
  The romantic style of this setting is lush, expressive, and perfectly fashioned for the text. "If music be the food of love, sing on, sing on, sing on till I am filled with joy..."

 
Stephen Foster

• Gentle Annie (arr. Dennis Eliot) – SATB
  This quiet setting by Stephen Foster's Gentle Annie is designed to show the sheer beauty of choral sound.  

 
George & Ira Gershwin

• Slap that Bass – SATB
  This novelty song was introduced in the 1937 film "Shall We Dance."  It's a fun way to feature our men imitating a string bass.  "Slap that bass, use it like a tonic!  Slap that bass, keep your Philharmonic!"  CJ Flanders will be joining us on bass!

 
Joseph Martin

• The Awakening – SATB
  Very dramatic!  The glory of music is treated with great depth and musical-textual imagery in this deeply moving selection, which offers a tremendous opportunity to showcase our choir's musicianship.  "Let Music Live!"  

 
Elaine Tselepis Sheetz – LCC Commissioned Composer for this 50th Anniversary Concert

• Voices of Freedom – SATB
  Concert opener in which we powerfully proclaim “we are the voices of freedom!”
• Sing! America! – SATB
  Written to underscore the name of our concert.  Powerful and stunning!

 
Randall Stroope

• Homeland – SATB
  "Homeland, the country that I love, hold out your arms to me. I strive for you, and give you the best I hope to be."
• This soaring melody, Jupiter from "The Planets," is presented with all the emotion and majesty that it deserves.  
• We will be performing this with band accompaniment!

 
Peter Wilhousky

•  Battle Hymn of the Republic - SSAATTBB
  The Wilhousky setting of this 19th century hymn is possibly the most heartfelt musical pronouncement of American patriotism.  Richly expressive with harmonic colors and sweeping dynamic contrasts.  We will perform it this year with band accompaniment.

 
We were pleased to present our Fall concert on December 18th, 2016 titled Christmas Night, Christmas Light.

Schubert Pipes & Strings

Schubert’s Mass #2 in G-Major – This is wonderful news for those who love something more classic and in-depth. Schubert wrote and first presented it with economics in mind, using just a small group of strings and organ. He later added tympani and trumpets, achieving extraordinary effects. The intensity of this sacred arrangement is found in its simplicity. It is shorter than most major classical works (30 minutes), so that it be combined with other musical styles that his audiences had come to expect from their concerts! This exceptionally satisfying mass has been widely performed and has always been a favorite of music critics, singers, and concert attenders alike.​

Mendelssohn’s He Watching Over Israel from “Elijah” – This is another fabulous classic masterwork that has soaring melodic lines in all parts that weave around each other. Once experienced, you’ll never forget it!

Ower the Hills – Stephen Hatfield – Our audiences are beginning to expect the unexpected. This musical work has a surprise element for this concert. It is a 10-minute Scottish Suite for voices and bagpipes that is absolutely delightful! The LCC has included a bagpiper, and a Scottish dance troupe, in complete array for this part of the selection. The music unexpectedly concludes with Amazing Grace.

Jubilate Deo – Benjamin Britten – Benjamin Britten is widely regarded as the greatest British composer of his (20th century) generation. This three-minute work, composed in 1961, is one of his best-known and most often performed short choral works. The lively and spirited organ accompaniment, and simple, direct vocal phrases positively bubble with the joyful mood of words.

We will also perform – How can I Keep on Singing by Walker; Battle Hymn of the Republic by Steffe, Howe and Wilhousky; Psalm 150 by Franck.

Christmas Night, Christmas Light

1. HARP OVERTURE - Christmas Carol Medley (to be selected by Caresse)
2. SHOUT FOR JOY, YE PEOPLE! - Victor C. Johnson
   The prophetic scriptures of Isaiah are inspiration for this festive (Jewish in style)celebratory music. Very energetic, this creative piece has solid part-writing, giving each section a moment to shine. Invigorating piano accompaniment offers ample variety and flourish.
3.  ​COME, LET US ADORE HIM - Gary Hallquist /arr. Mary McDonald
   Driving energy! After quiet statements of the refrain for "O Come, All Ye Faithful," it rises in dynamics, pitch, and key until bursting out with hand claps, capped by a wonderful, soaring solo [Dave Lacasse?].
   [Brass & rhythm score available]
4.  IL EST NE LE DIVIN ENFANT - Jackson Berke
   Familiar French carol which contains great rhythmic energy, and has a virtuosic harp accompaniment, and wonderfully innovative compositional ideas. Berkey sets the tune in 3/4 meter; a fresh take on the traditional ‘duple’ melody. He also uses the ‘raised fourth’ (B-natural) in the key of F-major, giving it a Lydian flavor. The tambour – a tenor drum without snares - repeats the dance-like “bolero” figurethroughout the piece. He uses the English translation of the French, except for the phrase “Il est né” (He is born). Jackson Berkey is best known for his work with the group Mannheim Steamroller, which he co-founded with Chip Davis in 1974. He recently celebrated 40 years with Mannheim Steamroller. This will probably be quite challenging for our singers!
5.  O HOLY NIGHT - arr. Rene Clausen
   This magnificent carol deserves to be arranged with the greatest of skill and artistry; Rene Clausen is equal to the challenge, and then some! [He was the arranger for O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose] Faithful to the traditional harmony and feeling, with a flowing, triadic keyboard accompaniment, this is a wondrously rich setting. Appropriate for community choirs, it is absolutely superb!
6.  ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY - Dan Forrest
   Wow! It begins with a hush, and builds in momentum, invoking images of the angel hosts gathering into a multitude. 4-hand piano! Violin and percussion score available. Has some simple vocal divisi.
7.  REJOICE WITH EXCEEDING GREAT JOY - Lanny Wolfe / arr. Rouse & Kirkland
   Fun and explosive! A great arrangement for musically describing the excitement of the shepherds!
8.  WHAT CHILD - Paul Lohman
   The beautifully expressive text "What Child Is This" is featured prominently with an original melody. With sincere devotion and stunning lyric lines the voices sing of the newborn Christ child, moving from the climax on "Joy, Joy for Christ is born" to a mere whisper at the closing cadence. Gorgeous!
9.  JESUS, JESUS REST YOUR HEAD - Bob Chilcot
   Beautiful, gentle arrangement of an American folksong, written for harp and chorus.
10.  DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? - arr. Harry SimeoneChoral standard and audience-pleaser, with a beautiful, haunting melody. We sang this 2 years ago. We could possibly have children sing this with us, and then let them finish with Away in the Manger.
11.  SILENT NIGHT - Franz Gruber/arr. Matthew Culloton
    Scored for harp, flute and SATB voices, it is delicate and warm, with an absolutely gorgeous moment on the text "Son of God, Love's pure light." Culloton has arranged the traditional in a fresh new way!
12.  JOY TO THE WORLD - George Frideric HandelEveryone sings this together, as those wanting to participate in Hallelujah Chorus come forward.
13.  HALLELUJAH CHORUS - George Frideric Handel
14.  A JOLLY, JINGLING CAROL MEDLEY - arr. Greg Gilpin
    Really fun medley - easy enough that we’ll have those who came up for Hallelujah Chorus stay with us! It is a brief, concise that arrangement seamlessly strings together six carol favorites featuring various twists on meter and style while maintaining accessibility. Our audience will love this as a closer!
    Featured: Here We Come a-Caroling, Jingle Bells, Deck the Hall, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, Up on the Housetop, and ending with We Wish You a Merry Christmas. All this in just 2½ minutes!
    We were pleased to present our spring concert on April 17th, 2016 titled Schubert Pipes & Strings.