The Southern Utah Heritage Choir is happy to announce its fall concert, “Homeward Bound: To China and Back.”   Community members are invited to attend on either Thursday, September 24, or Friday, September 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dixie State College Cox Auditorium. Admission for the concert is $10.  Tickets may be purchased at the box office or in advance from choir members.

                Concertgoers will be treated to a preview of the selections the choir has prepared to sing in China when it performs in Shanghai, Xi'an and Beijing.  The program, directed by Dr. Keith Bradshaw and Dr. Nancy Allred, will present a variety of musical genres.  Broadway show tunes will contrast with classics – such as Mendelssohn's “He, Watching Over Israel” – and with American folk songs and spirituals, including John Rutter's “When the Saints Go Marching In.”    Of special interest to the audience will be “Jasmine” and two other Chinese favorites that the Choir will sing in Mandarin Chinese.

                In October, the Heritage Choir will undertake its most ambitious tour to date when it travels to China to perform in Beijing and Xi'an, and participate in the prestigious Shanghai Music Festival.  It is the only choir from the United States that will perform in the festival, and its performance will be broadcast on a national television network.  The choir feels honored to be identified with the state of Utah, and especially St. George and neighboring communities.

                Choir members – all participating as volunteers – have spent several months preparing to sing in China.   In addition, members pay their own expenses for the tour. Choir President, John Mizukawa, notes that to help with expenses of the choir, monetary donations are welcome and may be sent to the Heritage Choir business office at P.O. Box 3281, St George, Utah 84771.  Individuals or businesses are also invited to assist the choir by joining “Applause.” This organization has been instrumental in developing community support for the choir and enables it to provide free concerts to the community. Information on the choir and Applause may be found at www.heritagechoir.org.