Blue Ridge Singers Announce Spring Concert Series Across the Region

The Blue Ridge Singers are ready to bring music, harmony, and a whole lot of heart to audiences this spring with a powerful new concert series titled “Anchored in Song.”

Led by Dr. Jeff Alban, the group’s longtime director, the Blue Ridge Singers will present four concerts across the region, including stops in Front Royal, Winchester, Manassas, and Upperville.

“People often think Christmas is the busiest time for choirs,” Alban said during a visit to the Royal Examiner’s studio, “but in many ways, the Easter season is just as full—and this year, we’re excited to bring something fresh to our spring performances.”

The concert season begins Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. at Front Royal Presbyterian Church. From there, the singers head to Winchester on Sunday, April 27, at 3:00 p.m., performing at First Baptist Church. The third concert takes place Tuesday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas, and the final performance wraps up the tour on Sunday, May 4, at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville.

This spring’s program features a centerpiece composition called “The Lighthouse Keeper,” a newly released work by composer Jake Runestad. The five-movement piece combines choir, string orchestra, and piano, capturing moments of personal reflection and musical depth.

“This is one of the most exciting works we’ve performed,” said Alban. “It’s rich, textured, and includes everything from sweeping melodies to rhythmic, wave-like chants.”

In addition to Runestad’s piece, the program also includes music by Brahms, a complex and beautiful work by Lithuanian composer Vytautas Miškinis, an Irish folk song solo by soprano Elizabeth McFadden, lively drinking songs like “Drunken Sailor” and “Down Among the Dead Men,” and a powerful spiritual by Moses Hogan titled “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord.”

“This concert has something for everyone,” Alban said. “Even if you don’t know choral music, you’ll find something to enjoy. It’s fun, it’s moving, and it’s full of surprises.”

The Blue Ridge Singers is a community-based chamber choir comprising over 40 local vocalists, accompanied by musicians from Shenandoah University and other regional performers. This year’s orchestra even includes a local high school student—part of the group’s effort to involve youth and keep classical music alive in the community.

“We’re proud of our growth and the quality of our music,” Alban said. “We don’t want people to feel like this is some exclusive concert—this music is for everyone.”

The concerts are free to attend, but a $15 suggested donation is appreciated to help cover costs like music, equipment, and future programming.

If you’ve never been to a Blue Ridge Singers concert, Alban encourages you to come and experience it for yourself.

“You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it,” he said. “We talk about the music before we sing so everyone can connect to what they’re hearing.”

For those inspired by the performance, auditions for next season are open through the end of June. More information is available at www.blueridgesingers.org. No formal training is required—just a willingness to learn and a love for music.

“This is a group that welcomes people,” Alban said. “If you’ve got interest and a little musical spark, we’ll help with the rest.”