The Chamber Choir opens the concert with “O Love,” expressing 19th century Scottish poet Rev. George Matheson’s sense that love can lift the soul above sadness, just as one traces the rainbow through the rain. The Chamber Choir sings a new melodic setting by composer Elaine Hagenberg, which reinforces the soaring quality of the timeless hymn.

Composer Rollo Dillworth based “When Dreams Take Flight” on renowned 19th century African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar’s “Dreams,” which reminds us that as with flights of fancy, withering sadness also will pass away. The Chamber Choir’s performance features soprano Talia Schneider, a junior musical theatre major from Altamont, Ill., and tenor Corbin Doucette, a sophomore music major from Cabool, Mo.

The longing to escape from troubles that tinge many spirituals appears powerfully in “Let Me Fly,” which opens the Concert Choir’s portion of the concert.  This arrangement by Robert DeCormier features baritone Kar’Mel Brewer, a senior music education major from St. Louis.

Kim André Arnesen’s “Flight Song” calls for collaboration as it is set to Welsh poet Euan Tait’s lyrical call to sing one’s own heart’s melody, together even in isolation. The conductor’s arms shape like wings to gather in each singer’s longing to fly towards others’ suffering and offer new life. “The Boy Who Picked Up His Feet to Fly” concludes the Concert Choir’s portion of the program and captures the sense of the times with optimistic whimsey. Composer Joshua Shank suggests that wishing to fly away can bring exhilarating joy but adds that in a time of danger, be careful what you wish for.

Songs of Flight is available on SoundCloud at: .

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