Canticle to present concert at Dover First Moravian

The local touring group Canticle will present its summer concert Sunday, Aug. 3 at 3 p.m. at Dover First Moravian Church. The Dover-based ensemble has titled this year’s performance “Sing You Home: From Dust to Glory.”

Jotham Yoder, tour manager, said the concert is a musical pilgrimage tracing the human soul’s journey from birth through sorrow and hope, struggle and triumph, and ultimately pointing toward joy, redemption and glory. “Every performance,” Yoder said, “is not just a concert, but a moment of reflection, encouragement and spiritual renewal.”

Formed in 2022, the 16-member mostly a cappella group blends hymns, modern choral works and historical sacred music. Their tour will take them across Ohio, Indiana and Western Pennsylvania.

“We are extremely pleased to present Canticle in a service of song and worship,” said G. Randall Gibbs, director of music at Dover First Moravian Church. “Our congregation has a long-standing tradition of using music to encourage, support and inspire as we walk closer with Christ. Canticle will stir your soul and lift your heart.”

Director Daniel Yutzy said part of the group’s mission is to develop young singers both musically and personally. While the ensemble is based in Dover, singers audition from across the United States.

“We have a lot of fun and laughter together, but we also work really hard,” Yutzy said. “Singers receive their music in January and learn it on their own. We have two days of rehearsal in the spring, then spend two days fine-tuning things before the beginning of the tour.”

Yutzy said he began planning this year’s program following the death of his 41-year-old brother. “I wanted us to sing in remembrance of those loved ones who are gone, and I think this music explores those feelings.”

The concert program includes “God Is Seen,” “All Creatures of Our God and King,” “Hear the Voice and Prayer,” “I Need Thee Every Hour,” “O Radiant Dawn,” “Morning Star,” “I Will Be a Child of Peace,” “There Is a Place of Quiet Rest,” “Abiding,” “Sing You Home,” “They Are at Rest,” “Lux Aeterna,” “When I Go Home,” “The Eternal Gates,” and “Stay With Us.”

The concert is free, with a freewill offering accepted.