The Chowan University Singers and Men’s Chorus, the premier choral ensembles of Chowan University, have three upcoming performances on the road:

The repertoire for these performances will range in style from classical a cappella music to contemporary gospel and will include choral standards by Felix Mendelssohn, Thomas Tallis, and Alice Parker.

Chowan Singers is a select ensemble that consists of 18 students, about half of whom are music majors. Chowan Singers has presented numerous concerts throughout North Carolina and the mid-Atlantic region. In addition, the group has traveled in recent years to perform in Ireland, Italy, and New York City. Chowan Singers and Men’s Chorus are under the direction of Dr. Benjamin Thorburn, Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music at Chowan University. Dr. Thorburn holds degrees from the University of Rochester and Yale University. Paula Pressnell, Artist in Residence at Chowan, is the collaborative pianist for the choirs. Mrs. Pressnell is a cum laude graduate of Salem College, where she was a piano student of Clemens Sandresky.

The pastor of First Baptist Church of Winton, Rev. Roosevelt Whitehead Jr., is a Chowan alum and sang in a gospel choir while a student. St. Paul’s Episcopal is a beautiful historic church built in 1739 and located in the heart of the city. Central Baptist Church is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention and has maintained a strong presence in the Ghent community for over 100 years. Each concert is free and open to the public. For more information please contact Marion Foster, Secretary, Department of Music, at fostem@chowan.eduor 252-398-6236.