(October 2, 2009)

Contact: Rick DelaHaya, Centenary News Services, 318.869.5073.

61^st Annual Rhapsody in View Oct. 31 & Nov. 1, 2009

SHREVEPORT, La.— The Centenary Choir, "America's Singing Ambassadors" present Rhapsody in View at the Riverview Theatre. Co-sponsored by the Downtown Shreveport Lions Club and Centenary College, the concert takes place Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m.

Dating back to 1949, this is the largest concert the Choir gives in its hometown, and features a variety of pieces showcasing the choir's unique stylistic diversity.

Named by the ensemble's first director, Dr. A.C. "Cheesy" Voran, Rhapsody presents music of a wide range of styles and genres, from the great Classical standards to modern arrangements of folk and show tunes. This year's program exemplifies this varied programming with such great sacred pieces such as Maurice Durufle's iconic motet, Ubi Caritas and Mack Wilberg's emotional hymn setting of Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Energetic spirituals like O Sifuni Mungu, Moses Hogan's Elijah Rock, and Ivory and Caldwell's Ask the Watchman show the Choir's vocal diversity.

Secular highlights include the music of George Gershwin, Irving Berlin's Alexander's Ragtime Band, and two movements from Carl Orff's famous choral work, Carmina Burana.

And no Centenary Choir program would be compete without a sampling of patriotic repertoire such as Wilhousky's Battle Hymn of the Republic and Choir member Costas Dafnis' setting of The Battle of New Orleans.

The Choir has recently returned from a tour of Australia and New Zealand where they delivered a memorable performance to a sold-out crowd at the famed Sydney Opera House. And yet, Rhapsody in View remains the highlight of the Choir's concert season which annually includes more than 35 performances. "This is our home," director David Hobson says. "No other concert better illustrates the Choir's unique blend of tradition, musicianship, service, and family."

The Shreveport Downtown Lions Club has co-sponsored the event since its inception, with proceeds helping to support the organization's various service projects. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, and are available from members of the choir, The Hurley School of Music on the Centenary campus, all Porter's Cleaners locations, and any Downtown Shreveport Lions Club members.

Also on Saturday, Oct. 31, Choir members will hold an open house in the Choir Room on campus from noon until 2 p.m. for friends, alumni, and families. The College will hold a reception from 6-7:15 p.m. Saturday night before the concert in the lobby of the Riverview Theatre for Centenary alumni and friends as well.

For more information, please call 318.869.5235.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.