The Marshall Community Chorus, under the direction of Ron Sayer, launches its 37th concert season with an event that highlights the work of two distinguished Missouri choral composers, Mary Lynn Lightfoot and Susan LaBarr. These talented ladies are renowned in both concert and educational circles for their exceptional and enjoyable music.

Mary Lynn Lightfoot is a graduate of Truman State University and has taught, performed, and composed in Missouri her entire life. She has over 300 published compositions to her name and has worked in editorial roles for Choristers Guild and Heritage Music Press. She has worked with thousands of singers and directors at workshops and conventions in 39 states and Canada.

Susan LaBarr is a composer and choral editor based in Springfield, Missouri. She has completed commissions for choirs worldwide, most notably Seraphic Fire, New York Polyphony, the University of Pretoria (South Africa), Missouri State University, and the American Choral Directors Association. She was the Missouri Composer Laureate in 2012 and 2013, and her composition Quem pastores laudavere appeared on New York Polyphony’s 2014 Grammy-nominated album, Sing Thee Nowell.

The concert will kick off with a “Conversation with the Composers” at 1:30 P.M., where both composers will be interviewed by Choral Director Ron Sayer, providing insight into some of the music on the concert. This will be followed by the performance at 2:00 P.M.

In addition to music by the guest composers, the program will include works by other women choral composers.

The concert is free and open to the public and is suitable for audience members of all ages.