WOODBURY — The Russian a cappella group Lyra will perform in the sanctuary of Woodbury United Methodist Church (WUMC) at 7 pm on Monday, September 19. The concert is free and the public is invited to attend.

Lyra sings sacred music of the Russian Orthodox Church as well as folk music in its effort to popularize Russian music. The group has performed throughout Europe and in the United States. The performers were educated at the St Petersburg Conservatory of Music in Moscow.

The concert comes around the time of the 40th anniversary of the ordination of the Rev Dr Earle B. Sanford, WUMC pastor, who worked for three years as a Protestant chaplain in the former Soviet Union early in his ministry.

“Rev Sanford is a much-loved leader of our congregation and in the larger community, so it’s great Lyra will perform at the time of his anniversary,” said event organizer Ed Dzitko of Woodbury.

A choir from Mt Olive AME Zion Church in Waterbury, with which WUMC has longstanding ties, will perform also.

“Throughout his ministry, Rev Sanford has sought to build bridges between communities to further understanding and cooperation. We’re delighted to lift up our church’s sister relationship with Mt Olive at this time because it really epitomizes Rev Sanford’’s love for and commitment to all people as one community united by God,” said Robert Asman, WUMC’s church administrator and another event organizer.

Contact Margaret Jones at 203-263-0869 for details. Seating is limited.