Fall Concert Celebrates Creation and Community This Thursday
The Berea College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers invite the community to an evening of uplifting choral music on Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 PM in Gray Auditorium, Presser Hall. The fall concert, titled “For the Beauty of the Earth,” celebrates the wonder of creation and the spirit of community through sacred music, folk songs, and choral arrangements.
The concert is free and open to the public, continuing Berea College’s tradition of sharing its rich musical heritage with the broader community. For those unable to attend in person, the performance will be livestreamed at vimeo.com/bereacollegemusic.
A Tradition of Vocal Excellence
Berea College’s choral program has been a cornerstone of the institution’s musical tradition for generations. The Concert Choir and Chamber Singers represent the college’s commitment to excellence in vocal performance, bringing together student musicians who balance rigorous academic schedules with their passion for choral music.
The fall concert provides an opportunity to experience the depth and range of the college’s vocal ensembles. From sacred classics to folk traditions, the program reflects Berea’s unique identity as a place where Appalachian heritage meets classical training, where community values intersect with artistic excellence.
The program is set to feature Benjamin Britten’s beloved “A Ceremony of Carols,” a masterwork of 20th-century choral literature. Composed in 1942, this stunning collection of medieval texts set to Britten’s distinctive harmonies has become a cherished part of the choral repertoire. The piece showcases the technical skill and musical sensitivity of the performers, offering audiences a chance to experience one of the most celebrated works in the choral canon.
“For the Beauty of the Earth”
The concert’s title, “For the Beauty of the Earth,” sets the tone for an evening that honors the natural world and our connection to it. As autumn settles over the Kentucky mountains and the season turns toward reflection and gratitude, the program offers music that speaks to themes of creation, community, and the enduring beauty of the world around us.
The repertoire will showcase the versatility of both ensembles, from the full sound of the Concert Choir to the intimate precision of the Chamber Singers. Each piece has been carefully selected to create a cohesive program that moves audiences while celebrating the season. Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” with its blend of ancient texts and modern musical language, perfectly captures this spirit of timeless beauty.
Accessible to All
One of the most remarkable aspects of Berea College’s musical offerings is their accessibility. The concert is free, with no tickets required—simply arrive and enjoy an evening of world-class choral music. The livestream option ensures that even those who cannot attend in person can participate in this community celebration.
Gray Auditorium in Presser Hall provides an ideal acoustic setting for choral performance, with its warm tones and intimate atmosphere creating a connection between performers and audience. The venue is located at 101 Chestnut Street in the heart of Berea College’s campus.
A Community Tradition
Berea College’s music department has long served as a cultural anchor for the region, offering performances that enrich the entire community. These concerts provide not only entertainment but also a reminder of the power of live music to bring people together, to inspire reflection, and to celebrate shared values.
For families, the fall concert offers an opportunity to introduce children to the beauty of choral music in a welcoming, accessible setting. For music lovers, it’s a chance to experience the dedication and talent of student performers who represent the future of choral tradition—and to hear a masterwork like Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” performed live.
As the season of gratitude approaches, “For the Beauty of the Earth” reminds us to pause, listen, and appreciate the artistry and community that make Berea special.
Berea College Concert Choir & Chamber Singers Fall Concert🎵 Program: “For the Beauty of the Earth” featuring Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols”📅 Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025🕕 Time: 6:00 PM📍 Venue: Gray Auditorium, Presser Hall, 101 Chestnut Street, Berea🎟️ Admission: Free and open to the public📺 Livestream: vimeo.com/bereacollegemusic
🌐 More Info: Berea College Music Department
Experience the beauty of choral music and celebrate the season with Berea College’s finest vocal ensembles.