Band of Voices’ Summer Solstice concert June 15

BARRE — Band of Voices will perform their 22th annual free Summer Solstice Concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at Barre Town Hall. The Band of Voices is an intergenerational chorus of the people, land, seasons, history, and traditions of central Massachusetts. Though their repertoire sources are worldwide, concerts always include some New England music, local composers, connections to nature, seasons and spirituality. The group’s two main concerts each year occur as close to the Solstices as possible.

For Band of Voices, rehearsals are a way to feed the soul; a rich experience of music and community. Concerts are a way of celebrating community with their faithful, enthusiastic audience, which deepens with every performance and each passing year. Traditions include singalong pieces, sumptuous post-concert refreshments, free concerts, and passing a hat to cover expenses or to donate to a worthy cause. The 26 current members of the Band of Voices hail from Barre, Petersham, Phillipston, Hardwick, Oakham, Wendell, Ware, Hubbardston, Spencer, Worcester and Lancaster.

To celebrate friendship, joy and beauty, the community chorus will present a carefully chosen mix of old songs and new repertoire. They will open with a water theme – “Let Us have Songs to Fill our Mouths as Full as the Sea,” “Bring Me Little Water Sylvie,” “Down to The River To Pray,” “Nice Pot Of Tea,” and “The Storm is Passing Over.” They mix together the sheer fun of “Sarasponda,” “the Taco Bell Canon,” the “Flower Carol,” “A May Carol,” and the May Pole” and round out the concert with deeply spiritual and connected songs.

There will be ample opportunities for the audience to sing along. Doors open at 7 for friendly conversation and musical prelude. After the concert, stay and enjoy refreshments at a reception provided by chorus members.