(February 6, 2012)

First United Methodist & Centenary Choir present Flowers Over the Graves of War

SHREVEPORT, LA — The Chamber Choir of First United Methodist Church will join the Centenary College Choir for a special debut performance of James Eakin's Flowers Over the Graves of War on February 12. A full orchestra will accompany the choirs for the free performance on Sunday, February 12 at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Shreveport.

The work is in six movements and scored for three soloists (soprano, mezzo, tenor), Chorus, and Orchestra. Combining the words of traditional Latin Requiem Mass with new poetry by Michael Dennis Browne, Eakin creates a stirring vision and prayer for peace through his music.

"It is an honor for me to have Flowers performed in Shreveport, the city that nurtured my love of music and allowed me the opportunity to explore my compositional voice," said Eakin. "Without the support of my family and the fine instruction and opportunities I received at First United Methodist Church and Centenary College, I would not be where I am today. I would like to thank all of my Shreveport-based music teachers and professors, and I hope that each and every one of you can attend this monumental performance so you can witness first-hand your influence in my life."

James Eakin graduated from Centenary College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Music. He was a member of the First Methodist youth and music programs and the Centenary Choir. In 2007, Eakin received a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Composition from the Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri-Kansas City. He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to write music for the concert stage as well as composing scores for film and television.

The Centenary Choir will continue on to New York to perform in the premiere of Flowers Over the Graves of War at Carnegie Hall on February 20, at 7:00 p.m. The performance is part of six-day tour of New York City that will include an appearance in New Jersey at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River at 7:00 p.m., February 21.