Sail Away! Spring Concert Features New Composition for USS New Jersey

May 10, 2001

ChildrenSong of New Jersey invites you to "Sail Away" with them as they present their annual Spring Concert on Saturday, June 9, at 7:30pm, accompanied by the West Jersey Chamber Orchestra.

The nautical theme befits the world premiere of Twilight at Sea, a composition created by the choir in honor of the battleship USS New Jersey, which has found a permanent home on the Camden County waterfront.

Twilight at Sea was written by composer-in-residence Dean Rishel, with lyrics created by chorister Emily Westfield, age 10. The collaboration is the result of a year-long process which involved a visit from a former ship's captain and a poetry competition among chorus members.

The 120 youngsters, representing three performance levels, will sing and harmonize a wide variety of sea songs from around the world, including The Water is Wide and Drunken Sailor two well-known folk songs, and Three Italian Songs of the Sea. Sail Away, an old American fiddle tune, will be accompanied by hammered dulcimer player John Lionarons.

The performance will be given at Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Road, Haddonfield, beginning at 7:30pm. Click here for a map of the event location.

Admission will be $10 per person at the door. Group rates are available and may be requested in advance by calling the chorus line at 856-216-1140.

The Methodist Church offers ample seating, excellent acoustics, free on-site parking, and wheelchair access.

ChildrenSong of New Jersey is a non-profit, regional childrenâs community chorus, founded and directed by Polly Murray. Assistant Director is Suzanne Purtee. Accompanist is Rob Kennan. Members range in age from 7 to 15, and represent three South Jersey counties.

Funding has been made possible through local arts program support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts through the Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission, the designated county arts agency.