ST. FRANCIS – They’re always heard at liturgies and events involving the archbishop in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, e.g., Rite of Election, Vatican II Awards, Chrism Mass. But at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, the Milwaukee Archdiocesan Choir is going to present a concert – no special occasion, no cathedral.

Milwaukee Archdiocesan Choir Concert

Saturday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m.

Holy Apostles Church
16000 W. National Ave., New Berlin

Cost: Freewill offering
More information:
(262) 754-0160

“Our members thought doing a concert once in awhile would be good,” according to Jeff Honoré, archdiocesan choir director for nearly 18 years.

He noted that the approximately 60-member group had a choice between performing Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon. The reason they chose the former?

“The Packer game,” Honoré said, making reference to the Nov. 24 noon kickoff against the Vikings.

Concert-goers will hear “anthems and songs from the past, some familiar and unfamiliar,” according to Honoré.

There will be a new arrangement for “This Little Light of Mine,” and “Amazing Grace” will feature a flute interlude.

The men in the choir will perform John Vergin’s “Ave Maria,” while the women will sing “Christ Has No Body But Yours.”

“Precious Lord Take My Hand” will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by including sung portions of his “I Have a Dream” speech.

The evening, according to Honoré, will include seven solos, Medieval chant, two spirituals, and two pieces – “Lead Kindly Light” and “Christ Be Beside Me” – in which the assembly will be invited to participate.

When selections require accompaniments, Judy Cappleman will play flute and Debra Honoré, Jeff’s wife, will play piano.  
The 70-minute performance will be held at Holy Apostles Parish, New Berlin, where Jeff Honoré has been director of music since January. The length of the concert is by design.  

 “It’s like LensCrafters – in and out in about an hour,” he said about the duration. “We hope people will like it and they’ll come again.”  Brian T. Olszewski