Photo Courtesy Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts: Gloria Coker's painting "Are You Kidding" is among the works that will be on display at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts Through March 31.

This article is reprinted in full with permission from Lia Russell at the Virginian-Pilot. 

Can Hawks sing? These “Hawks” from Chowan University, a private institute of learning in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, sure can. They’ll soar high with harmonies and expert vocal blends at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave.

The Chowan Singers & Men’s Chorus, a select ensemble of student vocalists, will delight a Suffolk audience at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The singers are made up of 25 voices led by Associate Professor of Music, Benjamin Thorburn, Ph.D., also the university’s director of choral activities.

They will be accompanied on piano by Chowan artist-in-residence Paula Pressnell, a graduate of Salem College.

The singers will offer a program ranging from a cappella classical choral masterpieces to contemporary gospel and sacred songs including selections by Mozart, Felix Mendelssohn and Randall Thompson.

The chorus and singers have performed throughout the Tar Heel State, the mid-Atlantic region and New York City as well as overseas.

Admission is totally free, but tickets are required. Snag them soon by calling 923-0003 or dropping by the Cultural Center’s box office, 110 W. Finney Ave.

For more details, visit www.SuffolkCenter.org or www.Chowan.edu and get in on this rare opportunity to witness a world-class singing ensemble.

Written by: Eric Feber, ewjfeber@gmail.com