Churchill Singers to Perform Thematic Concert on November 10 in Church

Enky Mhlongo, ’21, from Nelspruit, South Africa, is one of 27 singers who make up Westminster’s choral ensemble, Churchill Singers, who will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, at St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury.

The Churchill Singers, an auditioned ensemble of about 30 Westminster College students, will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, in the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, on the Westminster campus.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Titled “Come Dream With Me,” the concert is thematic in approach. Dr. Natasia Sexton, Associate Professor of Music, says “Come Dream With Me” is designed to bring others together.

“The theme is a collective hope to mend society and overcome the rifts that divide us,” Sexton explains.

Paige Bishop, ’21, a soprano from Hannibal, MO, encourages both the Westminster community and the pubic to attend the concert.

“Despite our world feeling a bit broken at times, we are able to unite briefly and enjoy one another’s presence,” Bishop says.

The concert will begin with the South African freedom song “Tshotshotloza,” which Sexton says captures a sense of hope and the value of working together toward a common good.

Enky Mhlongo, ’21, from Nelspruit, South Africa, adds that as a native speaker of the Zulu language, “Tshotshotloza” brings her to tears.

“Every time we sing it back home, it’s as if we all become unified with no discrimination of color or background but the warmth of celebrating the victory against Apartheid,” Mhlongo reflects. ‘Tshotsholoza’ heals our wounds.”

Following the South African song is a familiar piece from the 1971 movie Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory titled “Pure Imagination.” Sexton says the song is a favorite among many choir members. Kelsie Slaughter, ’19, of Fulton, MO, says the piece will be enjoyable for the audience because of its “uplifting melody, dreamy harmonies and magical lyrics that guide the listener through a world of creative power.”

The Churchill Singers also will perform the haunting ballad “Say Something” made famous by Christina Aguilera’s Grammy Award-winning recording. In addition, the group will sing “We Shall Overcome,” a song of solidarity that will be performed acapella.

“When Dr. Sexton first introduced this song in rehearsal, it made me very emotional,” says Barrett Houska, ’20, of Arnold, MO. “We live in a world full of division, and this song gives hope that these divisions can be overcome if we reach across our differences and work together.”

Houska and other Churchill Singers rehearse about three hours each week and say they are well-prepared for the upcoming concert.

Morgan Gordy, ’23, from Washington, MO, says she is looking forward to her first concert at Westminster and adds that the audience won’t be disappointed.

“I encourage others to come out to the concert, because the songs are so uplifting,” Gordy says.

Churchill Singers were founded in ­­­2010. For more information on the concert, contact Sexton at Natasia.Sexton@westminster-mo.edu.

Founded in 1851, Westminster College is a private liberal arts college in Fulton, MO. Relocated from London to Fulton, the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, is a memorial to Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech and located above the ANCM. To learn more about Westminster College or the Museum, visit the College’s site here or go to the ANCM site here.