On Sunday, May 27 the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus will sing choral music on a grand scale. A Leader's Lament offers an emotionally charged program of laments by and for leaders: social, political and spiritual.   

The Old Testament tragedy embodied in the verse “When David heard that Absalom was slain, he went up to his chamber and wept” will be treated to two settings; one by Jacobean composer Thomas Tomkins and the other by modern composer Francis Pott. Pott's work was originally commissioned by the Chamber Chorus and had its world premiere in 2008. 

The heavy burden carried by our past presidents will be reflected in two works. Ulysses S. Kay's A Lincoln Letter is a sadly touching letter from the slain Civil War president set to music. Take Him, Earth, For Cherishing, by Herbert Howells, links the loss of President John F. Kennedy to the composer's loss of his own son. Among other works on the program, the Chamber Chorus will also perform William Dawson's iconic spiritual There Is A Balm In Gilead, as well as a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King by rock royalty U2. 

Following the concert, people are invited to join the Chamber Chorus for its annual Spring Soirée and Silent Auction. This year the event will be at Spiro's South on Watson Road. For more information, visit www.chamberchorus.org/soiree or call 636-458-4343.  

Join the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus to hear A Leader's Lament Sunday, May 27 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Parking is free. For more information about the concert, and tickets, call 636-458-4343.