MEXICO – The Mexico Congregational Church and the Rumford United Methodist Church choirs will join voices at 3 p.m. Palm Sunday, March 20, at the Mexico Congregational Church, 163 Main St. to present the Holy Week cantata, “Thy Will Be Done.”

Written by Lani Smith, the cantata is intended to capture the contrasts of Palm Sunday and Holy Week and to prepare worshipers to appreciate the message of Easter Sunday. Beginning with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and proceeding to his burial after being crucified, the story of Holy Week is captured in song, including “All Glory Laud and Honor,” “O Sacred Head,” “Were You There?” and the title piece, Thy Will Be Done.” Brief narrations between movements will convey and storyline and set the tone for each piece.

The collaboration between the two local churches is not the first, as they have shared other holiday services during the past several years. But the cantata represents the first time the choirs have attempted something of this scale.

“We have performed cantatas in the past, but our choir has always been comprised of about a dozen or so members,” said Congregational Music Director Beverly Cantin. “Having the additional voices allows for a much greater range of tonal color, dynamics and impact.”

“Jean Hersey directs the Methodist choir, while Bob Bohren directs our group.” said Cantin. “We practice separately during our regular weekly rehearsals then join together on Fridays to work as a whole. Bob will be handling the overall direction and, with his RAAPA experience he is quite comfortable working with the larger group.”

The performance is free to the public.

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