Cantate Singers to perform spring concert

The Cantate Singers, a local singing ensemble begun in 1991 by Freeman Lehman, will present its spring concert, “Let Justice Roll Down Like Water,” at 4 p.m. April 12 at Cornerstone Community Church, 18600 Davis Road, Dalton.

The concert will feature the music of Anton Bruckner, Elaine Hagenberg and Michael John Trotta, among others, with the theme of justice a constant throughout the music. Many of the lyrics in the music are derived from Scripture, with one song, “What Does the Lord Require of You” by Robert A. Hobby, perhaps exemplifying that theme best. The words to the song are derived from the biblical text of Micah 6:8, which answers that question with three directives: to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God. Each song in the concert amplifies those directives.

One of the songs, “Al Shlosha D’varim” by Allan E. Naplan, sung in Hebrew, is based on the Pirkei Avot, the Jewish moral law that teaches the world is sustained by three core pillars: truth, justice and peace. The concert also will include a rendition of the popular choral song, “River in Judea,” arranged by John Leavitt.

Laurel Manning Labbe, the director of the choir, hopes that with everything occurring in the world at this time, the theme of justice, peace and kindness is one that will resonate with the audience. Labbe, formerly a music teacher and choir director in Orrville City Schools, also is the director of the Orrville Community Chorus and teaches middle school music at Woodridge Middle School.

The 2025-26 season for the Cantate Singers represents the group’s 36th season of providing music to both the community and the group’s choristers. The group is composed of volunteer singers from throughout Wayne and surrounding counties.

The Cantate Singers also is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-exempt, and while the organization does not charge an admission fee or sell tickets for its concerts, a freewill offering is taken during the concert to help the organization offset its expenses in presenting these concerts.

The group is always looking for new venues as the fall and spring concerts are presented at churches throughout the county. More information about the Cantate Singers can be found on its website at www.cantatesingers.org or on Facebook @Cantate Singers.