Submitted Photo/Mark Gillespie

Surry County vocal ensemble Voce’ performs recently at the historic Williamsburg, Va., Bruton Parish Church.

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Having just returned to the area from Williamsburg, Va., where the group sang “Choral Evensong” at the world-renowned historical landmark the Bruton Parish Church, Surry County’s own Voce’ choral ensemble is making plans now to present its second annual Sandy Beam Memorial Masterwork Series concert.

This year, two performances will be offered, featuring Mark Daniel Merritt as conductor and Tony Robertson as accompanist.

The first performance will take place at the First Baptist Church in Elkin on Saturday at 4 p.m.

The second performance will be held at the First Baptist Church in Mount Airy on Sunday at 4 p.m.

This year’s concerts will feature selections from the “Songs and Sonnets” by American jazz composer George Shearing. The “Five Mystical Songs for Baritone and Chorus” by England’s premier composer Ralph Vaughan Williams is the featured masterwork for the performance.

Surry County native Joshua Whitt, a former student of Beam and rising star baritone in the triad area, will be featured as the soloist during the ensemble’s performance of the “Five Mystical Songs for Baritone and Chorus,” according to group spokesman Mark Gillespie.

Gillespie said both venues have plenty of space to allow the audience to enjoy the performance and plenty of parking.

Organizers of the event said they hope the musical selections offer something for everyone.

“A broad variety of music should provide something that appeals to every listener,” said Gillespie.

Both concerts are free, but Gillespie said the performances benefit the Surry County Food Bank, and asked that each audience member bring canned or boxed goods that will be delivered to the food bank.

“Also, a cash donation of $5 or more per person would be greatly appreciated, and a portion of these donations above Voce’s concert expenses will be shared with the Surry County Food Bank,” he said.

Voce’, the Italian word for “voice,” is an auditioned civic choral ensemble based in Mount Airy, which performs choral literature from all the major style periods. The group’s goal is to provide outstanding concerts for the education and enjoyment of the audience, and to offer life-long singing opportunities for its members.

Performers in the group include music professionals, highly-trained vocalists and others who simply love singing. Their ages range from high-school aged to senior citizens.

Reach Keith Strange at kstrange@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1929.