The 49th annual Malad Valley Community Chorus Spring Concert was performed on Sunday, April 28, 2024, with Ralph Bennett as the conductor and Maggie Lund as the accompanist.

The 28-member chorus performed a variety of popular, religious, and patriotic songs, beginning with “I Write the Songs,” made famous by Barry Manilow. Two thoughtful songs, “Faith” and “I Heard a Forest Praying,” were followed by a rousing rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” accompanied by Maggie Lund and Helen Ward with Jim Christiansen as the soloist.

Favorite choral selections from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof” included “Tradition,” “Sabbath Prayer,” “Matchmaker,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “To Life,” and “Anatevka.” Jeff Richins narrated the production with Lamona Bennett playing the fiddler part on the violin.

Accompanied by both Maggie Lund and Helen Ward, the chorus then performed “Homeward Bound” as arranged by Mack Wilberg. “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief,” arranged by Lamona Bennett, featured Lamona on violin and Kamryn Bennett on cello.

A small string orchestra comprised of Lamona Bennett and Lily Coleman on violin, Kim Bennett on viola, Kamryn Bennett on cello, and Karley Bennett on double bass accompanied the chorus on “Risen for Me.”

The program concluded with a John Rutter composition, “A Gaelic Blessing,” the Albert Hay Malotte arrangement of “The Lord’s Prayer,” and “As You Go on Your Way.”

Mark Jones, President of the Chorus, presented floral arrangements to the accompanists, Maggie Lund and Helen Ward, and a cash gift to Ralph Bennett for all his hard work as the conductor of the chorus.

Members of the Community Chorus who performed at the concert were the following:

Sopranos: Margaret Barker, Ada Campbell, Emily Jo Christiansen, Shawna De Graw, Paula Morby, Kathy Ray, Pat Smout, Carol Stevens, and Pennie Wolf

Altos:  Kathy Atkinson, Lamona Bennett, Annette Elcock, Sharon Harris, Apral Ipsen, Barbara Murphy, Peggy Olsen, Sue Stevens, and
Janis Wakley

Tenors: George Alger, Louis Dredge, Noreen Park, and Joseph Smout

Basses:  Jim Christiansen, Bob Crowther, Gregory Frank, Dave Harris, Mark Jones, and Jeff Richins