Zephyr Singers Perform Two Concerts

By LAURA ROBISON

The Progress

The Zephyr Singers performed their Spring Concert last week, with concerts in two different venues.

On Tuesday, April 25, the Moapa Valley vocal group traveled to Utah to be guest performers at the historic St. George Tabernacle. The building is 147 years old and has functioned as a place of worship and a place for community gatherings since 1869, before its completion in 1876.

Later in the week, the group held a local concert at the Logandale Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, April 29.

“This has been a fun concert to prepare for,” said Zephyr Singers director Gaye Nelson. “We have some amazing musicians in our valley, and it is such a joy working with them. We will be performing some traditional favorites, some with a new twist to them. Along with some great new and exciting pieces.”

The theme for this Spring was ‘Americana’, featuring special guest instrumentalists to add to the ensemble.

Each show began with the singers performing Let All the World in Every Corner Sing, followed by Beautiful Savior, Alleluia and Gentle Annie.

Walter White favored the audience with a solo of Londonderry Air accompanied by Gaye Nelson on the piano. The group then sang a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace, accompanied by Brent Pettit on the Cello.

Pettit performed a solo of “Ashokan Farewell,” a theme from the PBS Series, The Civil War; accompanied by Sherrie Whitney on piano.

A couple of traditional spirituals followed. An a capella version of The Battle of Jericho was sung vigorously, followed by a quieter, relaxed rendition of Kumbaya.

Before the finale, Nelson spoke briefly with the audience about the Vietnam War and how soldiers returning to the USA were treated badly. She then introduced a special audience member, Jack Pettit, who lost his legs in that war. He is the brother of Cellist Brent Pettit. Nelson also honored all those who have served or are currently serving in the military, and asked veterans in the audience to stand up and be recognized.

The final song, America the Beautiful, was performed proudly with Kim Delgadillo joining the singers on the French Horn. The wonderful rendition brought audience members to their feet to applaud the group.

Cindy McMurray is new to the group this year. “I’ve watched several Zephyr concerts in the past, and always thought it would be wonderful to be included in such a talented group,” she said. “I was invited to join Zephyr Singers a couple of months ago, and I was thrilled. Our concert in St. George at the tabernacle was a wonderful experience for me. The acoustics in that building made our voices ring out. I’m thankful for this opportunity.”

Nelson concluded, “We have looked forward to sharing this concert with our friends and community. Thank you all for coming and enjoying a wonderful evening of music.”