Lee Chorale to perform 25th anniversary concert

The Lee University Chorale will celebrate its 25th Anniversary Concert in Pangle Hall on Sunday, March 23, at 3 p.m. This special event will also mark Dr. William Green’s final performance with Chorale before his retirement later this year. Founded in 2000 by Dr. Lonnie McCalister, the then dean of the School of Music, Chorale has been under the direction of Green for the past 21 years.  

The first half of the concert will showcase the current 28-member ensemble, while the second half will feature a reunion choir with more than 50 alumni joining on stage. For this special occasion, Green has selected some of his favorite pieces from the past 21 years with Chorale. The program will include “Three Nocturnes,” a multi-movement choral and percussion work by Dan Forrest. Additionally, the concert will highlight Chorale’s signature piece, “Prayer” by René Clausen, a staple in nearly every performance by the ensemble.

“Chorale has been a major vehicle to introduce wonderful choral music to our community and the university,” said Green. “Over the past 25 years, there have been hundreds of students impacted by their time in Chorale. I am reflective as I look at this being my last concert with the Lee University Chorale, but I am excited to see the next leg of the journey for this exceptional ensemble.” 

In addition to directing Chorale and serving as the School of Music dean, Green is a professor of choral music. He has collaborated with many of today’s leading conductors and has led performances of many of the major works for chorus and orchestra. His retirement this year will mark the end of a long and fulfilling legacy at Lee. 

Lee University Chorale is known for its diverse repertoire, spanning from sacred classical works, spirituals, and dynamic cultural pieces. The ensemble has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and has traveled across Europe, with memorable performances at the Vatican, St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. 

The event will be free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. Livestream viewing will also be available at https://leeu.live  

For more information, contact the School of Music at music@leeuniversity.edu or (423) 614-8240.