Choir Concert July 30

Brookfield’s Valley Presbyterian Church choir will hold a farewell concert this Sunday night, July 30, at 7:30, its last performance before it departs August 3 for its 12-day tour of Scotland.

The concert will include samples of American sacred music, from William Billings and Charles Ives to Aaron Copeland and Randall Thompson, before ending with some contemporary worship selections.

Newtown resident and Choir Director Sue Yackel has been preparing for the group’s first concert tour for the past 16 months. “The reason for us going is not so much to see Scotland as it is to make connections with our Presbyterian roots and to enjoy the fellowship of the congregation and the Church of Scotland,” she says. “The real emphasis of the trip is to make personal connections.”

The whole Yackel family will be going on the tour. Mrs Yackel’s daughter, Kate, will play the flute and have a vocal solo, while her son Mark will play drums. Her husband Roger will also have a solo during performances.

The 20 members – which include residents from Danbury, Sandy Hook, Newtown, and Brookfield – will perform in five Scottish towns, including Aberdeen, Kirkcaldy, Wormit, and Kirriemuir.

The concert is free. The Brookfield Valley Presbyterian Church is located at 21 West Whisconier Road, Brookfield.