ROME - The Shorter College Chorale will present their spring concert, "Hymns and Anthems of the Church," at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

The event is open to the public and tickets are available by calling the Shorter College Box Office at 706-233-7288. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. The concert will take place inside Brookes Chapel.

Those attending the concert will be familiar with the song selections, as many are considered standard worship hymns that reach across all denominations. The concert will feature more than one dozen hymns and anthems, including "A Mighty Fortress," "Holy, Holy, Holy," and "Great is Thy Faithfulness." The chorale's concert also includes several congregational hymns that allow for audience participation.

"Throughout its history, the music of the church has been central to its worship and ministry. Psalms, hymns, and choral anthems interpret and illuminate the words of Scripture and the church's theology, fully engaging those who worshipped," said Shorter professor of music and chorale director Martha Shaw. "The church's choral music became a gift of grace for both the ears and eyes. Those who worshipped - clergy, choir, and congregation - found the combination of words and music a fitting vehicle for both personal and corporate expression of their faith."

For the past two years, the Chorale has studied sacred compositions from the Renaissance to the present. From Palestrina to Messiaen, these compositions have enriched the chorale's understanding of the evolving styles and performance practices unique to each historical period. "The series concludes with this performance of some of the hymns and anthems that have shaped the way many of us have experienced worship," said Shaw. "Whatever our participation in worship has been - as a chorister, conductor, or congregant - this program contains selections that will evoke memories or resonate spiritually as we reconnect with these great hymns and anthems of our time."

The Shorter Chorale, founded in 1968, is widely regarded as one of the finest collegiate choral ensembles in the southeastern United States.