May 2, 2026, at 3:00p.m. at David H. Nutt Auditorium
Oxford Civic Chorus will join forces with the Jackson Choral Society for a special spring concert on May 2, 2026 at 3:00p.m. in the David H. Nutt Auditorium.
Bringing together more than one hundred singers between the two choirs, and featuring an accompanying orchestral chamber ensemble, the performance promises an inspiring and unforgettable musical experience. The Oxford chorus will travel to Jackson, Mississippi to perform a reciprocal concert on May 3, 2026, for that community.
The program centers on the theme of “the living earth and its creation.” The featured work will be Dan Forrest’s Creation Concert Suite—a six-movement selection drawn from his larger Creation composition, newly published in February 2024.
Additional highlights include beloved choral selections by John Rutter, such as The Gift of Life, another six movement exploration of creation, along with his popular arrangements All Things Bright and Beautiful and For the Beauty of the Earth.
Oxford Civic Chorus Artist Director Dr. Debra Atkinson says of the pieces: “Since Dan Forrest and John Rutter are two of my favorite composers, it was an easy decision to pair Creation Concert Suite and The Gift of Life. Together, they paint a rich tapestry of sound and emotion, inviting us to reflect on our individual place in the universe and the preciousness of every moment. We hope that this concert will be more than just a performance; we want it to be an experience that touches your hearts and minds.”
Chorus President Chris Koban commented, “when asked, what is your favorite song in our repertoire? Many chorus members say they cannot pick out just one or even two that are favorites. They love all of them and we know we are in for a treat when we join with the orchestral accompaniment.”
This season also continues the OCC Conductor Fellows Program, spotlighting four emerging conductors from the north Mississippi community. Each Fellow will step to the podium to lead the chorus in one movement of a selected piece.
This concert is free, funded by donations from the community and in part by a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission. The choir also received a grant from Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow (LOFT).
Oxford Civic Chorus, a 501(c)(3), has been inspiring singers, enriching community and expanding musical horizons since 1998. The choir gathers for weekly rehearsals, performs two concerts a year, and is available to sing at local events. New members are always welcome. Join, donate or learn more at oxfordcivicchorus.org and facebook.com/OxfordCivicChorus.
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