Louth Choral Society celebrates musical connections across the Atlantic

Louth Choral Society will present a special summer concert, A Transatlantic Celebration, on Saturday 4 July 2026 at Louth Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, bringing together an eclectic programme of British and American choral music. The concert will also feature guest appearances from local choir Wolds Voices, adding further variety and musical colour to the evening.

The concert, which coincides with American Independence Day, explores the rich musical heritage shared between the two nations, featuring everything from Renaissance madrigals and sacred music to spirituals, folk hymns and Broadway classics.

Louth Choral Society's programme includes John Rutter's uplifting arrangement of Down by the Riverside, Michael Tippett's powerful Five Spirituals from A Child of Our Time, and a vibrant choral medley from Leonard Bernstein's acclaimed West Side Story. Audiences will also enjoy the Shaker hymn Give Good Gifts and three spiritual arrangements by pioneering American composer Florence B. Price: Stand Still Jordan, Ain't That Good News and Hard Trials.

Alongside these American works, the choir will perform a selection of English choral gems spanning more than four centuries, including Thomas Tallis's much-loved If Ye Love Me, John Bennet's expressive madrigal Weep, O Mine Eyes, and John Dowland's lively Fine Knacks for Ladies. The programme also features Whispers of Summer by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, one of Britain's most celebrated composers.

Guest choir Wolds Voice will present an equally diverse programme, featuring the lively French chanson Il est Bel et Bon by Pierre Passereau, Jacques Arcadelt's Margot Labourez les Vignes and Josquin des Prez's humorous El Grillo. Their American-themed contributions include Black Sheep and Sourwood Mountain, two traditional folk songs arranged by John Rutter. The choir will also perform Eric Whitacre's much-loved Seal Lullaby, the traditional American folk song Shenandoah, and Karl Jenkins' popular and evocative Adiemus.

A spokesperson for Louth Choral Society said: "This concert showcases the remarkable variety of choral music that has flourished on both sides of the Atlantic. From Renaissance Europe to the spiritual traditions of America and contemporary choral classics, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We are delighted to welcome Wolds Voice as our guests and to share this exciting programme with audiences in Louth and the surrounding area."

Founded in the mid 19th Century, Louth Choral Society continues to be a vibrant part of the town's cultural life, bringing together singers from across the country to perform a wide range of choral works throughout the year.

A Transatlantic Celebration takes place at Louth Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, on Saturday 4 July 2026 at 7.00pm.

Tickets are £12 (including 1 child) and £6 for U18 available from choir members, on the door, at www.ticketsource.co.uk/louthchoral and from Beaumont’s, 11 Bridge Street, Louth.

For further information, visit the society's website or follow Louth Choral Society on social media.